Livia Barasine Correa, a formidable force in the female medium-heavyweight division, is set to embark on a demanding dual challenge at the Rio Spring International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026. The highly-rated black belt, with an Elo of 1841 and ranked #32 globally, has entered both the gi and no-gi competitions, scheduled for October 16th at the Centro Esportivo Miécimo da Silva in Rio de Janeiro. This ambitious move by the Fabin Rosa Rio de Janeiro representative, who boasts an impressive 42 career golds out of 43 total medals, immediately sets a high bar for the event and signals her intent to dominate across both disciplines. Correa, who received her black belt in May 2026 at just 17 years old, is known for her rapid rise through the ranks and her success in major tournaments as a juvenile and colored belt, including multiple World and Pan Championship titles.
The Dual Discipline Gauntlet
Correa is not alone in embracing the rigorous test of competing in both gi and no-gi within a tight timeframe. This strategic decision by elite athletes to stack events in a short window often defines their season, showcasing their versatility and endurance. Diogo Pinheiro dos Reis, an AGR Jiu Jitsu standout with an Elo of 1678 and ranked #78, is also taking on a dual challenge at the same Rio Spring International Open. Dos Reis, who has accumulated 33 career golds from 42 medals, will compete in the Black / Adult / Male / Feather division for the No-Gi Championship and the Black / Adult / Male / Light-Feather division for the Gi Championship. His decision to navigate a different weight class for his gi entry adds another layer of complexity to his already challenging schedule, highlighting his adaptability and competitive spirit. Known as "Baby Shark," Reis is a highly decorated grappler who has achieved success in both gi and no-gi formats, including ADCC titles and IBJJF Pan and European championships.
Further north, Roberto de Abreu Filho of Fight Sports is preparing for his own double header at the Fort Lauderdale International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026 on October 17th. Abreu Filho, rated 1587 Elo and ranked #135, is a seasoned competitor with 48 career golds and a remarkable 74 total medals. He will be a significant presence in the Black / Adult / Male / Ultra-Heavy division for both the gi and no-gi championships at the Broward County Convention Center. Known affectionately as "Cyborg," Abreu is an ADCC absolute champion and multiple-time IBJJF World No-Gi champion, recognized for his innovative "tornado guard" and his success in the ultra-heavyweight division. His recent dominant return to IBJJF competition at the 2026 Pan Championship, where he captured double gold, suggests he is in peak form for Fort Lauderdale.
No-Gi Worlds Beckons
Looking ahead to December, the prestigious World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026 in Las Vegas will feature another elite black belt entry: Maria Malgorzata Malyjasiak. Representing Abmar Barbosa Association, Malyjasiak, with an Elo of 1570 and ranked #151, is a highly decorated athlete with an astounding 53 career golds and 91 total medals. Her entry into the Black / Adult / Female / Medium-Heavy division at the Las Vegas Convention Center on December 10th signals her intent to vie for one of the sport’s most coveted titles. Malyjasiak, a Polish judoka and BJJ black belt, has a strong track record in both gi and no-gi competitions, including silver medals at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship and multiple gold medals at the European and Pan Championships. Her recent performances in 2023 and 2024, including a silver medal at the 2023 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship and a bronze at the 2023 IBJJF No-Gi World Championship, demonstrate her continued high-level performance. The No-Gi Worlds always promises high-octane action, and Malyjasiak’s participation ensures that the female medium-heavyweight bracket will be one to watch closely.
What These Entries Mean
The upcoming IBJJF calendar is shaping up to be an exciting one, with these elite black belt entries setting the stage for intense competition. The commitment of athletes like Livia Barasine Correa, Diogo Pinheiro dos Reis, and Roberto de Abreu Filho to compete in both gi and no-gi within days of each other speaks volumes about their dedication and the evolving demands of professional jiu-jitsu. These multi-discipline entries not only test their technical prowess across different rule sets but also their physical and mental fortitude. For fans, it promises a thrilling display of skill and strategy as these top-tier competitors push their limits in pursuit of gold.
While no direct matchups between these specific athletes are currently on the cards given their differing divisions or events, their presence elevates the competitive landscape of each tournament. The Rio Spring International Open, the Fort Lauderdale International Open, and the No-Gi Worlds are all poised to deliver memorable performances as these top-ranked grapplers seek to add more accolades to their already impressive careers. The anticipation builds for October and December, as the jiu-jitsu world watches to see who will rise to the occasion and claim victory in these high-stakes championships.
Entry list — elite black belts
| Athlete | Event | Division |
|---|---|---|
| Livia Barasine… | Rio Spring International… | Medium-Heavy |
| Livia Barasine… | Rio Spring International… | Medium-Heavy |
| Diogo Pinheiro… | Rio Spring International… | Feather |
| Diogo Pinheiro… | Rio Spring International… | Light-Feather |
| Roberto de… | Fort Lauderdale International… | Ultra-Heavy |
| Roberto de… | Fort Lauderdale International… | Ultra-Heavy |
| Maria Malgorzata… | World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu… | Medium-Heavy |
Elo and career medal counts from bjjmetrics. Entries are IBJJF black belt adult divisions only.
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