The upcoming IBJJF calendar is heating up with the registration of several elite black belts, promising thrilling matchups and high-level jiu-jitsu action across multiple prestigious events. Among the most anticipated entries is Sarah C Firme Galvao, who has officially entered the Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026, scheduled for October 2 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus.
Galvao and Marchand Set for Pan No-Gi
Sarah C Firme Galvao, an adult black belt representing Atos Jiu Jitsu, will compete in the Female Middle division. Rated at an impressive 2161 Elo and ranked #7 globally, Galvao brings a formidable record of 71 career golds and 81 total medals to the mats. Promoted to black belt in June 2025 by her renowned parents, André and Angelica Galvão, she has quickly established herself as a dominant force in the sport. Her performances have been nothing short of spectacular, including a clean sweep of submission victories at the 2025 IBJJF American Nationals. Galvao has consistently completed the IBJJF Grand Slam at every colored belt, maintaining a number one ranking each season. Her entry into the Pan No-Gi Championship, considered one of the most prestigious tournaments in the no-gi circuit, elevates the stakes significantly for the female middleweight division.
Also slated for the Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026 is Lillian Jane Marchand, who will compete in the Female Light division. Marchand, an adult black belt from VA Jiu Jitsu Luxembourg, holds an Elo rating of 1753 and is ranked #55. She boasts a strong competitive history with 30 career golds and 46 total medals. Marchand earned her black belt in May 2025 and has already made a significant impact, including winning the IBJJF No-Gi World Championship in 2025 in the Adult Female Lightweight division. Her aggressive and direct style of jiu-jitsu, focused on submissions, has been highlighted in her past performances, making her a dangerous contender in any bracket. While both Galvao and Marchand will be showcasing their skills at the same prestigious event in Secaucus, they will be competing in different weight classes, ensuring that both the female middle and light divisions will feature top-tier talent.
Liberati Heads to Campeonato Sul-Americano
Further south, Vinicius Liberati has confirmed his participation in the Campeonato Sul-Americano de Jiu-Jitsu 2026, taking place from September 25 at the Ginásio Poliesportivo José Correa in Barueri, Brazil. Liberati, an adult black belt representing Soldiers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, is rated 1570 Elo and ranked #147. He has accumulated 43 career golds and 69 total medals. Since earning his black belt on May 14, 2022, Liberati has quickly ascended to the elite ranks, securing gold medals at the IBJJF World Championship, European Championship, and Brazilian Nationals in 2026. His return to the Sul-Americano, an event he previously won as a brown belt in 2021, will undoubtedly bring a high level of competition to the Male Super-Heavy division. The Campeonato Sul-Americano is a significant regional championship, and Liberati's presence guarantees an exciting and challenging field for his opponents.
Evangelista Enters San Antonio Fall Open
Finally, veteran competitor Ricardo Ferreira Evangelista has entered the San Antonio Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026, scheduled for September 27 at Mission Concepcion Sports Park in San Antonio. Evangelista, an adult black belt from Team Evangelista USA, holds an Elo rating of 1565 and is ranked #154. His extensive career is marked by an impressive 79 career golds and 116 total medals. A 4th-degree black belt, Evangelista is a seasoned ultra-heavyweight who has consistently demonstrated his competitive edge. His accolades include multiple IBJJF World Master titles in 2023 and 2024, as well as Pan American Championships in 2011 and 2019. As the founder of Team Evangelista BJJ, his leadership and experience are invaluable. Evangelista's entry into the San Antonio Open ensures that the Male Ultra-Heavy division will feature a highly experienced and decorated grappler, promising intense battles for the podium.
These recent entries by some of the world's top black belts signal an exciting period for IBJJF competition, with each athlete poised to make a significant impact in their respective divisions and events.
Entry list — elite black belts
| Athlete | Team | Elo | Golds | Event | Date | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah C Firme Galvao | Atos Jiu Jitsu | 2161 | 71 | Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026 | 2026-10-02 | Middle |
| Lillian Jane Marchand | VA Jiu Jitsu Luxembourg | 1753 | 30 | Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026 | 2026-10-02 | Light |
| Vinicius Liberati | Soldiers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu | 1570 | 43 | Campeonato Sul-Americano de Jiu-Jitsu 2026 | 2026-09-25 | Super-Heavy |
| Ricardo Ferreira Evangelista | Team Evangelista USA | 1565 | 79 | San Antonio Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026 | 2026-09-27 | Ultra-Heavy |
Elo and career medal counts from bjjmetrics. Entries are IBJJF black belt adult divisions only.
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