Tommy Langaker Returns To The Gi At IBJJF Pans
Tommy Langaker Returns To The Gi At IBJJF Pans
Tommy Langaker is set to make his return to the gi at the 2026 IBJJF Pan Championship on March 25-29th!
It’s been a minute since we’ve seen Tommy Langaker in the gi on an IBJJF major stage. With a more recent emphasis on the no-gi circuit, the Norwegian powerhouse has been noticeably absent from the IBJJF tournament brackets.
That changes next week in Kissimmee.
Langaker has officially registered for the 2026 Pan Championship, and his entry into the medium-heavyweight division immediately shifts the landscape. While the division is already deep with names like Luccas Lira and Uanderson Ferreira, Langaker is a fan favorite that elevates the division with his registration.
A Tough Style
Most elite medium-heavyweights prefer a heavy, pressure-based passing game or a modern lapel-centric guard. Langaker, however, operates on a different frequency. His K-guard and matrix entries are arguably the most refined in the sport. He doesn't just play guard to reset; he plays it to end the fight. With a career submission rate hovering around 60%—an astronomical number for the black belt level—Tommy is a constant threat to the back from the second he sits down.
A New Divisional Landscape
The last time we saw Langaker fully focused on the IBJJF gi season, he was a staple of the middleweight podium. Jumping up to medium-heavyweight at Pans presents a new set of challenges. He’ll be dealing with longer levers and a different type of top pressure.
However, the "Viking" has never been one to shy away from a size disadvantage. If he can navigate the early rounds and find his rhythm, his ability to create scrambles out of thin air could be the undoing of the division’s heavy hitters.
What To Expect
Is there ring rust? Probably not. Langaker is a grappler that you can never count out. His return to the gi isn't just a "fun addition" to the bracket—it's a legitimate threat to the podium.
When the brackets drop later this week, all eyes will be on where the Wulfing Academy representative lands. If you’re looking for the most "must-watch" matches of the opening rounds, find wherever Tommy is and stay there.
The 2026 IBJJF Pan Championship kicks of on Wednesday, March 25th and runs til Sunday, March 29th. Make sure you tune in to FloGrappling so you don't miss a second of the action!
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