The 2025 IBJJF's The Crown delivered another night of elite black belt action, capped off by statement victories from some of the sport’s biggest stars. Sarah Galvão shined with a poised, technical performance in the deepest gi bracket of the year, Cole Abate established his status as one of the top champions of this new generation, and Nolan Stuart broke through with the biggest win of his career. Every match is still available now exclusively on FloGrappling in our archives.

Young Stars Rise To The Top

Some of the most impressive performances of the day came from the young black belts who came ready to announce their ascension to the top of their divisions. Coming in everyone agreed that women's lightweight was one of the toughest divisions in recent years and it was rookie black belt Sarah Galvão picking up key wins over Brianna Ste-Marie, Cassia Moura, and Janaina Lebre to capture the title. Sarah used her dynamic passing, closed guard, and confident style to impose her will on every match. With this win, Sarah will enter next season as the number one ranked black belt in her weight class - and big plans to chase a Grand Slam title in her rookie year.

Cole Abate captured the Crown championship in the biggest win of his young black belt career in the gi, securing the title with a points win over João Bisnaga in the finals. Abate, a 2025 IBJJF World Medalist and 2024 IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, has been steadily rising under the watchful eyes of the Mendes Brothers at AOJ. His path included key matches against Kennedy Maciel and Danilo Moreira and a lot of use of the X guard to score points and control matches.

In the most shocking result of the entire event, it was Nolan Stuart of Brea Jiu-Jitsu capturing the Crown with a submission victory against Adam Wardzinski at heavyweight. Nolan used his lethal omoplata to get the tap with the wicked shoulder lock after navigating his way through two tough early rounds. Nolan has had a breakout 2025, with an IBJJF Pan Championship and a trip to the World finals up at super-heavy but now this win against Adam delivers the signature win of Stuart's young career.

Champions Defend Their Throne

Three black belts were able to defend their 2024 Crown championships, with Andy Murasaki, Gabi Pessanha, and Erich Munis all staying on top of the throne with impressive runs. Murasaki wrapped up his day with a points win over Jackson Nagai after some wars earlier (including in the opening round against Mateo Cardona). He continues to be one of the best at any weight class he enters, though his 2026 plans remain to be seen with regards to weight. Pessanha and Munis both looked dominant throughout, winning the heaviest classes in thorough performances.

2025 IBJJF The Crown Results

Finals

Men's Featherweight

• Cole Abate def. João Mendes by points

Women's Lightweight

• Sarah Galvão def. Janaina Lebre by advantages

Men's Middleweight

• Andy Murasaki def. Jackson Nagai by points

Men's Heavyweight

• Nolan Stuart def. Adam Wardzinski by submission (omoplata)

Women's Super-Heavyweight

• Gabi Pessanha def. Tayane Porfirio by points

Men's Ultra-Heavyweight

• Erich Munis def. Gustavo Batista by points

3rd Place Matches

Women's Lightweight

• Cassia Moura def. Bia Basilio by points

Men's Middleweight

• Pedro Maia def. Mateus Moraes by points

Men's Heavyweight

• Paulo Merlin def. Lucas Barbosa by walkover

Women's Super-Heavyweight

• Larissa Dias def. Maria Alencar by submission (toe hold)

Men's Ultra-Heavyweight

• Fran Papasidero def. Marcos Carrozzino by points

Semifinals

Men's Featherweight

• João Mendes def. Eduardo Granzotto by decision
• Cole Abate def. Kennedy Maciel by advantages

Women's Lightweight

• Janaina Lebre def. Bia Basilio by points
• Sarah Galvão def. Cassia Moura by decision

Men's Middleweight

• Andy Murasaki def. Pedro Maia by advantages
• Jackson Nagai def. Mateus Moraes by points

Men's Heavyweight

• Adam Wardzinski def. Paulo Merlin by points
• Nolan Stuart def. Lucas Barbosa by decision

Women's Super-Heavyweight

• Tayane Porfirio def. Larissa Dias by advantages
• Gabi Pessanha def. Maria Alencar by submission (straight ankle lock)

Men's Ultra-Heavyweight

• Erich Munis def. Marcos Carrozzino by submission (lower lapel choke)
• Gustavo Batista def. Fran Papasidero by points

Quarterfinals

Men's Featherweight

• Cole Abate def. Danilo Moreira by points
• Kennedy Maciel def. Marco Mendes by advantages
• Eduardo Granzotto def. Ademir Barreto by advantages
• João Mendes def. Keven Carrasco by decision

Women's Lightweight

• Sarah Galvão def. Brianna Ste-Marie by submission (rear collar choke)
• Bia Basilio def. Elisabeth Clay by points
• Janaina Lebre def. Sabrina Gondim by submission (Ezekiel choke)
• Cassia Moura def. Thalyta Silva by points

Men's Middleweight

• Jackson Nagai def. Luiz Victor by decision
• Andy Murasaki def. Mateo Cardona by decision
• Pedro Maia def. Danylo Wruck by points
• Mateus Moraes def. José Steve by decision

Men's Heavyweight

• Adam Wardzinski def. Igor Tanabe by points
• Lucas Barbosa def. Windson Torres by decision
• Paulo Merlin def. Mateus Rodrigues by points
• Nolan Stuart def. Robson Chaves by points

Women's Super-Heavyweight

• Gabi Pessanha def. Anabel Lopez by submission (straight ankle lock)
• Maria Alencar def. Izadora Cristina by submission (shoulder lock)
• Larissa Dias def. Giovanna Carneiro by submission (rear collar choke)
• Tayane Porfirio def. Maria Vicentini by points

Men's Ultra-Heavyweight

• Erich Munis def. Paullo Lanzillotti by submission (brabo choke)
• Marcos Carrozzino def. Guilherme Avelino by submission (rear collar choke)
• Gustavo Batista def. Elder Cruz by submission (rear collar choke)
• Fran Papasidero def. Pedro Lucas by submission (arm triangle choke)