The upcoming IBJJF season promises thrilling action as elite black belts finalize their entries, with Lillian Jane Marchand leading the charge with an exceptionally ambitious schedule. The Canadian grappler, rated 1740 Elo and ranked #57 globally, is set to compete in three major events across Europe in a span of just over a week, showcasing her dedication to both gi and no-gi competition.
Lillian Marchand's European Gauntlet
Lillian Jane Marchand, representing VA Jiu Jitsu Luxembourg, will kick off her intense European campaign at the Paris Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026 on November 28. With 30 career golds and 47 medals total, Marchand is a formidable presence in the Black / Adult / Female / Light division. Just a week later, on December 5, she will double down in Dublin, entering both the Dublin Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026 (gi) and the Dublin Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026. This back-to-back-to-back schedule across two countries and both rule sets is a testament to Marchand’s competitive spirit and her readiness to challenge herself at the highest level. Marchand, who earned her black belt in 2025, has already proven her prowess with a World No-Gi Championship title in 2025 and 2026. Her ability to adapt across divisions and rule sets will be severely tested, but her history of success, including a 2-1 record against Elisabeth Clay as of May 2026, suggests she thrives under pressure.
Super-Heavyweight Showdown in Atlanta
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026, scheduled for November 14 at the Georgia International Convention Center, will feature the powerful Larissa Dias de Almeida. Rated 1754 Elo and ranked #54, Dias de Almeida brings an impressive record of 104 career golds and 116 medals total to the Black / Adult / Female / Super-Heavy division. Representing Elementum Jiu Jitsu, Larissa is a two-time IBJJF World Champion (2022, 2025) and a two-time Pan Champion (2023, 2025), known for her pressure-based game and strong leg attacks. Her entry promises a high-stakes battle in the super-heavyweight category, where her experience and finishing ability will make her a top contender.
Brazilian Power in São Paulo
Closer to home, the São Paulo BJJ Pro IBJJF Championship 2026 on November 21 will see Anderson Munis dos Santos enter the Black / Adult / Male / Ultra-Heavy division. With an Elo rating of 1621 and ranked #107, Munis dos Santos, from Hoko Jiu Jitsu, boasts 55 career golds and 75 medals total. A 2024 IBJJF World and Pan Champion, Anderson is a dominant force in the heavyweight divisions. His participation in this prestigious Brazilian event is sure to draw significant attention, as he looks to add another major title to his already impressive resume.
No-Gi Worlds and European Ambitions
The highly anticipated World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026 in Las Vegas will host Elisabeth Ann Clay in the Black / Adult / Female / Middle division on December 10. Clay, with an Elo of 1573 and ranked #148, is a renowned no-gi specialist with 53 career golds and 77 medals total. Representing Six Blades Jiu Jitsu Fort Worth Team Marra, she is a multiple-time No-Gi World Champion (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) and a Polaris Grand Prix winner. Her return to the No-Gi Worlds after a remarkable comeback to competition following motherhood in 2024, where she won double gold at No-Gi Pans just 76 days postpartum, highlights her enduring elite status. Clay has also openly expressed her desire to secure a Gi Worlds title, having reached the finals twice, but her focus here will be on dominating the no-gi landscape once again.
Looking ahead to the new year, Vinicius Liberati has entered the European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2027, set for January 13 in Odivelas, Portugal. Liberati, rated 1553 Elo and ranked #166, will compete in the Black / Adult / Male / Super-Heavy division. A member of Soldiers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, he has accumulated 45 career golds and 71 medals total. Liberati is a 2026 IBJJF World and European Champion, known for his strategic, positional game. His entry into the European Championship signals his intent to start 2027 with another significant victory on the international stage.
These early entries from some of the sport's most decorated athletes promise an exciting close to 2026 and an electrifying start to 2027, with high-level jiu-jitsu action across multiple continents and divisions.
Entry list — elite black belts
| Athlete | Event | Division |
|---|---|---|
| Larissa Almeida | Atlanta Fall | Super-Heavy |
| Lillian Jane Marchand | Paris Fall No-Gi | Light |
| Lillian Jane Marchand | Dublin Fall | Light |
| Lillian Jane Marchand | Dublin Fall No-Gi | Light |
| Anderson Santos | São Paulo BJJ Pro | Ultra-Heavy |
| Elisabeth Ann Clay | World No-Gi | Middle |
| Vinicius Liberati | European | Super-Heavy |
Elo and career medal counts from bjjmetrics. Entries are IBJJF black belt adult divisions only.
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