Fernando Paiva shined in the Pyramid when he won open class for juvenile two males at the 2025 IBJJF World Championship. After a close loss in the semifinals of the weight class, Fernando bounced back to win his semifinal and final against elite competition to establish himself as one of the best up-and-coming colored belts in the world - including a dramatic semifinals win against his rival Kalebe Pereira.

In his weight class, Fernando made the podium but lost to Alyson Lima - who beat him at Euros as well. It was a tight match that was decided by advantages where Lima was able to score early and manage the grips to advance. For Paiva, this was a really disappointing loss as a finals match with his former training partner Kalebe seemed destined. He had to regroup and watch as Kalebe would win world gold in the division.

As fate would have it, we wouldn't have to wait long to see that matchup. They both entered the open class and Fernando's first match would be probably his toughest. Not only had Kalebe won their bracket, he'd won all of the juvenile 2 open classes at the majors this year. In addition, these two have a history. Fernando used to train with Kalebe at the Melqui Galvao BJJ College in Manaus until he left. Their team takes loyalty very seriously and there was a lot of pressure on these two young athletes to perform.

Both would come out for a quick double pull but Kalebe came up early - only to get stuck in a foot lock from the flexible Paiva. The footlock was so tight Fernando managed to even come up and nearly go belly-down, but Kalebe just refused to tap in a matchup like this. Kalebe would long step and move and try to pass but he could not navigate out of the ankle lock. Time would expire with the score tied and the judges favored the submission attempt of Paiva for the win.

In the open class finals it would be Fernando, the lightweight bronze, facing off against Jonathan Anderson, the light-feather silver medalist - someone would finally walk away with their World gold from 2025's tournament. It was another tight match but the X guard of Paiva proved again to be the difference make when he scored 2 on a sweep that won him the match. It was a very active, technical match between two young kids who have a very bright future.

There were so many great performances at the 2025 Worlds in the juvenile blue belt divisions but Paiva's ability to weather early disappointment and come back for the gold - against such quality opposition, no less - sets his day apart. The AOJ blue belt is one of the best prospects we have right now at colored belt and this entire class will continue to push each other into the black belt ranks.