On Sunday January 24, Jackson Sousa turned 26 years old. The Rio de Janeiro-born grappler, who has been living in Europe for the last two years, had just one thing on his mind: A gold medal at the 2016 IBJJF European Championships. 

Stepping onto the mat to face the tough and tricky Felipe Bueno of Alliance in the final, Sousa knew that this tournament would help determine how the rest of the year would go. 

“I felt that I started the year with the right foot forward, but I know I have a heavy load to carry,” says Sousa. 

“This year I’m in search of my bigger goal, which is the World Championships in California. This year I’m coming to win, I’m going to give my best and I’m running after my goal. I’m dedicating myself to the maximum possible. 

“I spent the last two years here in Europe, I had good results but unfortunately it wasn’t my goal. So I’m hungry in 2016.” 


Sousa took gold in Lisbon, Portugal for the fourth time in his career. Now based in Berlin, Germany, the Checkmat black belt has already stated that this year he will cease teaching and focus purely on his own training in order to compete at the highest level. 

“I felt very happy with the European gold, to be four-time European champion… But I’m not satisfied, because I know that I could do more. I know I could go beyond my limits. For sure, I’m going to work on this for 2016. 

“Now, train hard, focus on my mistakes, and go after the World Championships in California. I’m going after my dream, and my dream is to be world champion.”  

In recognition of Jackson’s birthday, we’ve made his final at the 2016 IBJJF Europeans free to watch. You can find all of Jackson Sousa’s fights from the 2026 Euros right here.