Fellipe Andrew Leandro Silva is set to bring his formidable talent to the Orange County Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026, entering the highly competitive Black / Adult / Male / Heavy division. His entry marks a significant return to IBJJF competition for the elite black belt, rated at an impressive 1815 Elo and ranked #41 globally. Andrew, representing Del Mar Jiu Jitsu Club, boasts an incredible 95 career gold medals and 123 total medals, a testament to his consistent dominance on the mats. Known for his dynamic guard game and a vicious submission attacking style, Andrew is a multiple-time IBJJF gold medalist, with World Championship titles in both absolute and weight divisions, as well as numerous European and Pan American championships. His presence in Costa Mesa is sure to electrify the Heavy division, as he looks to reassert his position among the sport's top competitors following a period of absence from IBJJF events.
Orange County Open Welcomes Another Elite Talent
Joining Andrew at the Orange County Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026 is Ashlee Funegra, who will compete in the Black / Adult / Female / Feather division. Funegra, an American black belt from the renowned AOJ academy, holds an Elo rating of 1556 and is ranked #164. Despite being a relatively recent black belt promotion in May 2025, she has quickly amassed an impressive record of 39 career gold medals and 68 total medals. Funegra is a product of the highly successful AOJ Kids program, where she, alongside her twin sister Mia, developed a technically precise game. Her recent achievements include significant victories at the IBJJF World No-Gi Championship in 2025, the European Championship in 2026, and the Asian Championship in 2025, demonstrating her rapid ascent through the black belt ranks. Funegra is particularly recognized for her strong top game and effective passing, making her a formidable opponent in any bracket. While both Andrew and Funegra will be competing at the same event in Costa Mesa, their distinct divisions mean fans will follow their individual journeys through their respective brackets.
Ffion Davies Heads to Paris for Fall International Open
Across the Atlantic, Welsh sensation Ffion Eira Davies has officially entered the Paris Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026, where she will compete in the Black / Adult / Female / Light division. Davies, rated 1669 Elo and ranked #81, represents Arma and brings a wealth of experience and an impressive medal haul to the French capital, with 33 career gold medals and 39 total medals. A multiple IBJJF World Champion, including a double gold performance at the 2023 No-Gi World Championship, Davies is celebrated for her unique blend of a strong judo background and a submission-first philosophy. She holds the distinction of being the first European competitor to win the Brazilian Nationals and the lightest athlete ever to claim the IBJJF European absolute title. Davies has often expressed a preference for gi jiu-jitsu, valuing the technical depth and strategic opportunities it offers over the strength-focused aspects sometimes seen in no-gi. Her entry into the Paris Open promises to be a highlight, as she continues to showcase her exceptional skill set and tactical prowess in one of Europe's premier IBJJF events.
Anticipation Builds for Upcoming IBJJF Action
The entries of Fellipe Andrew, Ashlee Funegra, and Ffion Eira Davies into these upcoming IBJJF International Open championships underscore the continued vibrancy and competitive depth of the black belt divisions. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing Andrew's powerful return to the mats in Costa Mesa, Funegra's continued rise as a top-tier competitor in her featherweight division, and Davies' technical mastery on display in Paris. Each athlete brings a unique style and an impressive track record, setting the stage for thrilling matchups and memorable performances as the fall competition season unfolds.
Entry list — elite black belts
| Athlete | Event | Division |
|---|---|---|
| Fellipe Silva | Orange County Fall | Heavy |
| Ffion Eira Davies | Paris Fall | Light |
| Ashlee Funegra | Orange County Fall | Feather |
Elo and career medal counts from bjjmetrics. Entries are IBJJF black belt adult divisions only.
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