Many familiar and unfamiliar names will enter their bid for the IBJJF No-Gi Pans Championships this weekend. While athletes may still move between divisions, whatever way the women’s divisions shape up is sure to deliver exciting matches in both brown and black belt divisions.

Only one of the ten men’s black belt champions at 2021 Worlds represented a country other than Brazil. The lone non-Brazilian champion was 4x black belt gi world champion Mikey Musumeci (USA), who won his fourth title defeating Bruno Malfacine 6-0 by points. This year, a slew of veterans and rookies alike are lined up for their shot at gold, and the roster of non-Brazilians is showing signs that this year’s podiums could be the most nationally diverse in history.

The black belt class of 2021 is a who's who of top notch competitors, many of whom are likely to grace the top of black belt podiums in the coming months. Below are the athletes who earned the rank of black belt in December.

Day one of the IBJJF World Championships was filled with the action, submissions and incredible stories expected of an event of this caliber. Day two is sure to deliver as well, as the male purple and brown belts will take their place on the mats in search of the most coveted title in jiu-jitsu. With hundreds of competitors in search of just a few medals, we're guaranteed  thrilling action throughout the day.