The Biggest Stories from 2025 No-Gi Worlds

The 2025 IBJJF No-Gi World Championships wrapped up in Las Vegas, Nevada, and delivered some of the most exciting no-gi action of the year. With massive upsets, a wave of submissions, and new stars emerging on the global stage, this tournament had it all.

Here’s a look at the top stories from the black belt finals.

Elisabeth Clay: The Weekend’s Biggest Winner

It’s Lis Clay’s world, and we’re just living in it.

The 2025 No-Gi Worlds delivered a weekend the jiu-jitsu community will remember for years. Lis didn’t just win two black belt world titles, she went 8-for-8 in submissions and submitted the pound-for-pound #1 grappler and generational talent, Gabi Pessanha.

Few would have given her a chance going in. These two had faced off before, and it didn’t go Lis’s way. But today was a new day. After dominating her weight class and the absolute division, Lis threw caution to the wind — attacking relentlessly, leaving nothing to chance.

From the opening moments, she targeted Gabi’s legs with surgical precision. After multiple relentless attacks, she finally forced the tap, shocking the jiu-jitsu world.

Just 24 hours earlier, submitting Gabi seemed impossible. Lis Clay made it look inevitable. Incredible.

Roosevelt: Double Gold Dominance

It was a weekend for the history books for Roosevelt Sousa at the 2025 No-Gi Worlds. Dominant in every sense, he claimed submission victories in both his weight class and the open division, proving once again why he is one of the most complete grapplers in the sport today.

In the ultra-heavyweight finals, Roosevelt pulled guard and executed a flawless sweep, taking Heikki Jussila straight to the back before locking in the choke for the tap. In the open class final against Elder Cruz, the match was closer, but the ending was the same: Roosevelt secured the back and found the finish, leaving no doubt who the champion was.

With these victories, Roosevelt also became the only male athlete this year to claim both Gi and No-Gi world titles, solidifying his legacy as one of the most versatile and unstoppable forces in modern jiu-jitsu.

European Grapplers Make Their Mark

A strong showing from Europe reminded the jiu-jitsu world that the continent continues to produce elite talent. Pawel Jaworski, Shay Montague, and Tarik Hopstock all delivered standout performances, with Montague claiming a historic roosterweight title as the first Scottish IBJJF black belt world champion. The European invasion is in full effect, and these athletes are staking their claim at the highest level.

Other Notable Performances

• Adele Fornarino delivered a knockout blow with a 16-second ankle lock submission over Ana Mayordomo.

• Lillian Marchand took lightweight gold with a rear-naked choke over Amanda Bruse.

• Helena Crevar impressed in medium-heavyweight, finishing with a rear-naked choke to win her first black belt world title.

• Cassia Moura claimed her second IBJJF black belt No-Gi world title in heavyweight, controlling the match 6–0 over Nia Blackman.

Rising Stars and Breakout Performances

• Cole Abate continued his rise, showcasing his slick guard transitions and deadly submissions.

• Nico Maglicic impressed with dominant positional control and submission chains, marking himself as a top contender in his division.

• Javier Barter earned a huge win, demonstrating relentless pressure and technical precision that kept fans and competitors on notice.

The 2025 No-Gi Worlds was a showcase of submission mastery, emerging talent, and international dominance. With names like Lis Clay, Gabi Pessanha, Roosevelt, Cole Abate, Nico Maglicic, Javier Barter, and the European contenders making waves, the sport’s future is bright and competitive at every level.