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Today’s Top BJJ News — November 14, 2026

Daily BJJ News Briefing

November 14, 2026 · Updated 8:03 AM -07:00

#1

IBJJF Announces Major 2027 Rule Changes, Including White-Belt Straight Foot-Lock Ban

The IBJJF published a broad rules update taking effect January 1, 2027. The changes include banning straight foot locks for juvenile athletes and white belts, making jumping guard a severe foul in applicable divisions, introducing a 20-second double-guard-pull countdown, adding a Master 8 division for athletes aged 66 and older, and expanding disciplinary-disqualification language. [80]

Why it matters: The update affects athlete safety, match strategy, age-group participation and tournament officiating across one of the sport’s largest governing bodies. The new Master 8 division also formally expands the IBJJF’s competitive structure for older athletes.

Social hook: IBJJF’s 2027 rulebook changes everything from white-belt leg locks to jumping guard and double guard pulls.

#2

Helena Crevar and Kendall Reusing to Fight for ONE’s First Women’s Openweight Grappling Title

ONE Championship announced that Helena Crevar will face eight-time BJJ world champion Kendall Reusing for the promotion’s inaugural women’s openweight submission-grappling championship at ONE Fight Night 51 on January 8, 2027, in Bangkok. The 10-minute title bout will be contested under ONE’s submission-grappling rules. [81]

Why it matters: The matchup pairs one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars with an established openweight champion and creates a new major title in women’s professional grappling. Crevar’s recent ADCC success gives the contest additional championship significance.

Social hook: Youth versus experience: Helena Crevar and Kendall Reusing will crown ONE’s first women’s openweight grappling queen.

#3

UFC BJJ Exploring Select Gi Matches for 2027, Claudia Gadelha Says

UFC BJJ executive Claudia Gadelha reportedly said the promotion is exploring adding select gi matches in 2027, potentially as special attractions rather than a full shift away from its current no-gi format. No matchups or event dates have been finalized. [82]

Why it matters: A UFC-backed gi component would widen the promotion’s audience and potentially bring major IBJJF-style competitors into its events. It would also represent a notable change for a league built around professional no-gi competition.

Social hook: UFC BJJ may be bringing the gi to the Apex in 2027—but the matchups are still only being discussed.

#4

Robson Gracie Jr. Withdraws From ROMAN6 With Neck Injury

Robson Gracie Jr. withdrew from the November 14 ROMAN6 event in Tokyo after a doctor reportedly ruled him medically unable to compete because of a neck injury. His scheduled jiu-jitsu match with Thomas Mietz was removed from the card, with ROMAN announcing a replacement matchup. [83]

Why it matters: The withdrawal removes one of the event’s most recognizable names and underscores how late injuries can force major changes to professional grappling cards. Gracie reportedly indicated that he hopes to return to gi competition next year.

Social hook: Robson Gracie Jr. is out of ROMAN6 after a neck injury, and Thomas Mietz now has a new opponent.

Editor’s Notes

The IBJJF rule changes and ONE Championship title announcement are supported by official sources. The UFC BJJ gi-match report comes from secondary reporting based on Gadelha’s interview; no directly accessible official UFC BJJ announcement or finalized matchup was located. The ROMAN6 withdrawal is supported by secondary reporting that cites organizer updates, but a directly accessible official medical statement was not identified.

Sources

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