A Grand Stage in the Heart of Rio
The vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro came alive once again as it played host to the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour 2025. Known for its high-energy crowd and passion for martial arts, Rio didn’t disappoint. The three-day event was filled with unforgettable battles, emotional victories, and standout performances that had fans glued to their seats.
The tournament brought together world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athletes from across the globe. From the white belts testing their nerves for the first time, to seasoned black belts fighting for glory, every division showcased talent, grit, and heart.
Powerhouse Performances in the Black Belt Division
The black belt adult divisions, as always, were the main attraction. The men’s lightweight and middleweight categories were particularly explosive, with nail-biting finishes and technical excellence on full display.
In the men’s lightweight final, rising star João Victor from Brazil stunned the crowd with a powerful performance against the highly ranked Pedro Carvalho. João’s calculated pressure passing and confident guard work secured him the gold, marking his biggest win yet on the Grand Slam stage.
In the middleweight class, veteran champion and fan-favorite Lucas Almeida made a roaring comeback. At 34, many had written him off against younger competition, but Lucas proved that experience and patience are priceless in BJJ. His gripping semifinal choke-out and tactical point-based win in the final brought the crowd to its feet.
A New Era of Women’s Jiu-Jitsu
On the women’s side, the level of competition has never been higher. The adult black belt female divisions delivered an incredible mix of youth and experience.
Ana Beatriz Silva, just 20 years old, dominated the featherweight division with an impressive blend of athleticism and precision. She submitted all her opponents on the way to gold, including a stunning flying triangle finish in the finals that will be replayed for years to come.
Meanwhile, in the heavyweight category, veteran Gabriela Mendes defended her title for the third time in a row. Known for her pressure game and unbreakable focus, Gabriela showcased why she continues to be one of the most respected names in women’s BJJ.
Juvenile Talents Set the Stage on Fire
One of the most promising signs for the future of the sport was the quality of matches in the juvenile division. Young athletes displayed techniques and maturity far beyond their years.
In the boys’ middleweight juvenile final, 16-year-old Emirati prodigy Hamdan Al Falasi showed incredible composure and fluid transitions, beating his American opponent by submission with a flawless armbar. His win is a proud moment for the UAE, highlighting the country’s deep investment in nurturing homegrown talent.
On the girls’ side, 15-year-old Valentina Souza from Brazil lit up the arena with her aggressive passing and creative submissions. Her victory in the final via a lapel choke earned her a standing ovation.
Para-Jiu-Jitsu Champions Inspire and Amaze
The Para-Jiu-Jitsu division once again reminded the world of the true spirit of martial arts—resilience, courage, and determination. Each match was more than a competition; it was a display of strength in the face of adversity.
Among the standouts was Ahmed Zayed from Egypt, who competed in the -85kg division. Despite losing his right leg in a car accident years ago, Ahmed’s game is packed with dynamism. His technical sweep and back control finish earned him the gold and left the audience deeply moved.
Brazil’s own Mariana Costa, a visually impaired athlete, became the crowd favorite with her calm yet aggressive game. Her win in the +70kg category was a moment of pure emotion, with her teammates lifting her in celebration as the crowd chanted her name.
Master’s Division: Legends Return for the Love of the Game
The Master’s divisions were filled with heartwarming moments. These athletes, many in their 40s and 50s, continue to compete at the highest level out of sheer love for the sport.
One of the most inspiring stories came from Master 2 black belt competitor Fernando Pereira, who returned after battling cancer. His journey back to the mat and eventual bronze medal win brought tears to many eyes.
In the female Master 1 lightweight final, Dubai-based athlete Lara Kassem outclassed her opponents with clinical precision. Representing her academy with pride, her win was a statement of hard work and discipline.
Team Rankings and Overall Standouts
As the tournament wrapped up, the team rankings painted a clear picture of dominance. Checkmat and Gracie Barra remained in close contention throughout, but in the end, Checkmat took the overall top spot thanks to multiple gold medals across the adult black belt and juvenile categories.
Among individual athletes, João Victor, Ana Beatriz Silva, and Hamdan Al Falasi were awarded performance bonuses for their outstanding displays throughout the tournament. These names are likely to continue making waves in the upcoming Grand Slam stops.
Atmosphere and Organisation – A World-Class Experience
The Rio leg of the Grand Slam Tour is known for more than just great matches. The arena buzzed with energy, music, and local culture. From the moment spectators stepped in, they were immersed in a seamless blend of sport and celebration.
The event also included a vibrant fan zone with merchandise, interactive activities, and opportunities to meet their favorite fighters. For many young practitioners, this was a dream come true—shaking hands with legends, taking pictures, and soaking in inspiration.
Behind the scenes, the organisation ran like clockwork. Match scheduling, referee decisions, and athlete support were all managed at a world-class level. The professionalism was praised by coaches, athletes, and fans alike.
A Launchpad for Abu Dhabi World Pro
As always, the Rio leg served as a crucial stepping stone toward the prestigious Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. With points and rankings affected heavily by this Grand Slam event, the results here will shape the matchups and seedings going into the year’s biggest event.
Many of the Rio winners are now strong favorites to dominate the World Pro stage. But the beauty of BJJ lies in its unpredictability, and Rio once again reminded everyone that nothing is certain until the final bell.
The Spirit of Jiu-Jitsu Lives On
What made the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour in Rio truly memorable wasn’t just the medals, finishes, or titles. It was the stories. Stories of comebacks, of newcomers breaking through, of athletes rising above personal struggles to shine on the mat.
The 2025 edition proved once more why Rio holds such a special place in the world of Jiu-Jitsu. With passionate fans, legendary matchups, and a spirit of unity, this year’s tournament left a mark that will be remembered for years.
As the Grand Slam Tour moves on to its next destination, one thing is certain: the art of Jiu-Jitsu is thriving, evolving, and touching lives around the globe. Rio has passed the torch, and the road to Abu Dhabi continues—with fire in every fighter’s heart.
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