Today’s Top BJJ News — August 24, 2026

#1

Gabi Pessanha Enters ADCC 2026 After Rafaela Guedes Withdraws

ADCC 2026 has undergone a major shakeup in the women’s division above 65 kilograms: reigning champion Rafaela Guedes is out, while 12-time IBJJF world champion Gabi Pessanha has entered the field. Pessanha will make her ADCC debut at the September 12–13 event in Kraków, Poland. ^[106]

Why it matters: Pessanha now has an opportunity to complete an elite “Super Grand Slam” by adding an ADCC title to her extensive IBJJF résumé. Her arrival immediately changes the competitive outlook of a division that also includes Gabi Garcia and Helena Crevar. ^[107]

Social hook: Rafaela Guedes is out—and Gabi Pessanha is stepping into ADCC for the first time.

#2

FloGrappling Releases New No-Gi Rankings With Three New No. 1s

FloGrappling’s latest no-gi rankings list Andrew Tackett as the new men’s 170-pound No. 1, while Helena Crevar takes the top spot at women’s heavyweight and Elisabeth Clay moves to No. 1 at 145 pounds. The updates arrive shortly after UFC BJJ 10 and ahead of the 2026 ADCC World Championship. ^[106]

Why it matters: The rankings reflect how quickly results from major professional promotions are influencing the sport’s competitive hierarchy. Tackett’s promotion is particularly notable after his fourth UFC BJJ welterweight title defense. ^[106]

Social hook: Three divisions, three new No. 1s—who deserves the top spot most?

#3

UFC BJJ Opens Make Their Debut In Las Vegas

The first UFC BJJ Opens were held in Las Vegas, with Raajus Dewan and Elder Cruz among the event’s notable champions. The open tournaments are designed to expand UFC BJJ beyond its invitation-only professional cards and provide a broader competition pathway for athletes. ^[106]

Why it matters: The launch gives UFC BJJ a grassroots and developmental layer while strengthening the promotion’s footprint in the wider jiu-jitsu market. It also creates a potential pipeline into future UFC BJJ professional events.

Social hook: UFC BJJ is no longer just an elite invitational—the Opens are officially here.

#4

Everything Remains On For Meregali–Felipe Pena Showdown

Nicholas Meregali briefly suggested that he might withdraw from his planned match against Felipe Pena, but FloGrappling reported on August 24 that he ultimately remained in the matchup. The bout is scheduled to headline Spaten Fight Night in Brazil on August 29. ^[106]

Why it matters: Meregali and Pena are two of Brazil’s most recognizable heavyweight grapplers,