Black Belt Recap: IBJJF European Championships 2026

Saturday marked the conclusion of the black belt divisions at the 2026 IBJJF European Championships in Lisbon, Portugal—and the event delivered on every level. From breakout performances and submission finishes to statement wins from established champions, the Euros once again proved why it’s one of the most important stops on the gi calendar.

By the end of the weekend, 19 new champions stood atop the podium, each staking an early claim in what’s shaping up to be a massive 2026 season. Let’s break down the biggest storylines from an unforgettable event.

Gabi Pessanha vs. Sarah Galvão: A Rivalry Is Born

The marquee matchup of the weekend came in the absolute division, where Gabrieli Pessanha and Sarah Galvão collided in a clash of generations.

Galvão is fully stepping into her black belt era this year, and expectations could not be higher. Across the mat stood Pessanha—the 13-time world champion and one of the most dominant athletes the sport has ever seen—looking to reassert her dominance after suffering her first-ever black belt loss late last season.

What followed was a high-level, technical battle. Galvão pushed the pace, hunting guard passes and threatening the back late, while Pessanha relied on her signature lapel control, inversions, and positional traps to slow the match and dictate exchanges. A serious ankle lock attempt earlier in the bout proved decisive, earning Pessanha the advantage she would need to secure the win.

It was razor close—and it feels inevitable that this matchup will resurface multiple times in 2026. If this was chapter one, the rivalry is just getting started.

Jalen Fonacier Continues His Rise

Jalen Fonacier opened his 2026 campaign in dominant fashion, storming through the featherweight division and finishing his final match by submission to claim European gold.

Already one of the hottest competitors of the past year, Fonacier has firmly established himself as the top roosterweight in the gi today. With two major titles already secured this season, his Grand Slam ambitions are very much alive as he looks ahead to Brasileiros and Pans.

Tainan Dalpra: Still Untouchable

If dominance had a name, it would be Tainan Dalpra.

Dalpra continued his flawless run through the gi season, capping off his European Championship performance with a quick submission victory over José Steve in the middleweight finals. Calm, clinical, and ruthless, Dalpra once again looked a step ahead of the field.

With his Grand Slam hopes intact, the reigning middleweight king now sets his sights on Pans, where he’ll chase the third of the four titles needed.

Leo Ferreira’s Breakthrough Moment

After years of hovering near the top of the podium, Leo Ferreira finally had his moment in Lisbon.

In one of the most memorable matches of the tournament, Ferreira battled local favorite Matheus Vetoraci in a physical, high-pressure slugfest. Following a brief stoppage for blood, Ferreira turned up the intensity, securing back control and nearly putting Vetoraci to sleep en route to a submission finish.

It was Ferreira’s first European Championship gold—and a performance that felt like a turning point. Expect him to be a major factor for the rest of the IBJJF season.

Thais Loureiro Shakes Up Roosterweight

One of the biggest upsets of the week came when Thais Loureiro dethroned longtime roosterweight queen Mayssa Bastos.

The win sent shockwaves through the division and announced Loureiro as a legitimate force in a weight class that Bastos has ruled for years. This feels like the beginning of a new chapter—and a rivalry we’re almost guaranteed to see again before the year is over.

Ashlee Funegra Keeps Delivering

Ashlee Funegra continues to defy expectations.

One of the youngest black belts competing at the event, Funegra followed up her No-Gi Worlds title from December with another gold medal performance in Lisbon. Her rapid development, composure on the biggest stages, and growing list of accolades make it clear: she’s not just gaining experience—she’s collecting championships.

Full Black Belt Finals Results

• Gabrieli Pessanha def. Sarah Galvão via advantage

• Gabrieli Pessanha def. Marina Carraro Penedo

• Yara Soares def. Anabel Lopez via points

• Denise Krahn def. Ingridd Alves via referee decision

• Larissa Martins def. Amanda Nicole via points

• Sarah Galvão def. Tamara Toros via closeout

• Cassia Moura def. Larissa Campos via points

• Ashlee Funegra def. Josefine Modig via submission

• Thais Loureiro def. Mayssa Bastos via points

• Jalen Fonacier def. Tadiyah Danforth via submission

• Diego Oliveira Batista def. Andrew Soares dos Santos via closeout

• Kennedy Maciel def. Cole Abate via points

• Will Wilson def. Mateo Cardona via points

• Tainan Dalpra def. Jose Steve via submission

• Eduardo Costa def. Luiz Victor via points

• Leo Ferreira def. Matheus Vitoraci via submission

• Vinicius Liberati def. Harryson Ferreira via points

• Seif-Eddine Houmine def. Pedro Alex dos Santos Pimenta via closeout

• Gabriel Ribeiro def. Erich Munis via closeout