11 Of Our Favorite Black Belt Matches From IBJJF Pans 2023

There were hundreds of black belt matches at the 2023 IBJJF Pan Championship. Here are some of our favorites.

Mar 29, 2023 by Liam Stein

11 Of Our Favorite Black Belt Matches From IBJJF Pans 2023

The black belts came ready to put on a show at the 2023 IBJJF Pan Championships. Filled with some of the best matches of the year, Pans delivered a mix of submission thrills and gritty fights that went the distance. Here are 10 of the best bouts from Pans 2023:

Adam Wardzinski vs Fellipe Andrew - Men's Heavyweight Final

In an epic rematch of the 2023 Euro Finals, Wardzinski made a legendary comeback from an 11-2 deficit to win by a single advantage.. The match offered a thrilling back-and-forth between two world-class competitors, with Wardzinski demonstrating incredible resilience, and savvy attack instincts to steal the victory with three seconds left.

Nicholas Meregali vs Roosevelt Sousa - Men's Ultra Heavyweight Semifinal

Nicholas Meregali was on a roll en route to the ultra heavyweight semifinal, but Roosevelt Sousa was waiting for him. Roosevelt made quick work attacking Meregali, and nearly securing his back. But Meregali stayed patient and worked himself free, establishing a dominant position then finding the submission.

Mayssa Bastos vs Rose-Marie El Sharouni - Women's Light Featherweight Final

In a gripping light featherweight finale, Mayssa overcame an early sweep from Rose-Marie, escaped a deep footlock, and scored in the closing moments to gain the lead on advantages. Fending off late attacks from El Sharouni, Bastos emerged as the victor in a true nail-biter.

Already a subscriber? Log In

Uanderson Ferreira vs Matheus Spirandelli - Men's Medium Heavyweight Round 1

With an intense display of standup and ground battles, this match saw rookie black belt Ferreira defeat the no.2 seed and 2022 Brasileros champion, Spirandelli. The bout showcased both competitors' aggressive nature and skill, the difference being Ferreira's late single-leg takedown.

Already a subscriber? Log In

Elisabeth Clay vs Thalyta Silva - Women's Middleweight Final

In a rematch of the 2022 World Championship quarterfinal, Clay found redemption against Silva. Silva fought to pass Clay’s resilient guard for the first half of the match.. Clay eventually inverted, countering a double-unders pass attempt from Silva and found a kneebar submission to secure her first Pan Championships gold.

Already a subscriber? Log In

Ana Carolina Vieira vs Amy Campo - Women's Medium Heavyweight Final

Vieira and Campo, who split matches at the 2022 IBJJF World Championship, squared off on the ground for several minutes, stalemated. Vieira became the aggressor back on their feet, landing a jumping guard pull and eventually an ankle lock submission attempt to gain an advantage. Vieira then nearly secured Campo's back but lost control, earning two advantages in the scramble to win the championship.

Already a subscriber? Log In

Marcio Andre vs Fabricio Andrey - Men's Featherweight Final

Marcio opened the match with a beautiful drop seoi nage to gain an advantage, then exchanged sweeps and takedowns with Fabricio to a 4-4 tie. Andre emerged victorious against reigning world champion Andrey, winning 3-1 on advantages.

Already a subscriber? Log In

Zach Kaina vs Malachi Edmond - Men's Light Featherweight Quarterfinal

Edmond executed a stunning footsweep takedown in the opening seconds, but Kaina quickly countered with a beautiful triangle choke that put Edmond to sleep. Landing the submission in just more than a minute, this was one of the tournament's fastest and most exciting finishes.

Already a subscriber? Log In

Francisco Lo vs Mauricio Oliveira - Men's Medium Heavyweight Round 2

With two top talents meeting early, Lo was down 2-0 with just one minute remaining. Emerging victorious from a 50/50 scramble, Lo secured a submission via kneebar over Oliveira with only seconds remaining.

Already a subscriber? Log In

Jansen Gomes vs Ronaldo Junior - Men's Medium Heavyweight Semifinal

This high-stakes battle saw both athletes aggressively fighting for position throughout the 10-minute bout. Gomes showed off his takedown prowess with a nasty cross-ankle pick, but Ronaldo evened the score with a slick half-guard sweep. The showdown went down to the wire, ultimately resulting in a referee's decision win for Jansen Gomes.

Already a subscriber? Log In

Gustavo Batista vs Lucas Gualberto - Men's Medium Heavyweight

In a closely contested bout, Batista turned up the heat after being taken down by Gualberto. He elevated Gualberto for a leg attack and found a kneebar to finish the fight, showcasing his impressive skills and one of his favorite submissions.