2016 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Non-Brazilians Challenge World Championships Finals Matches

Non-Brazilians Challenge World Championships Finals Matches

Taking a look at the list of finals from yesterday’s black belt divisions at the world championships, and there was no shortage of non-Brazilians talent in

Jun 6, 2016 by Hywel Teague
Non-Brazilians Challenge World Championships Finals Matches
Taking a look at the list of finals from yesterday’s black belt divisions at the world championships, and there was no shortage of non-Brazilians talent in the Brazilian-dominated sport. 

No less than 5 finals saw American competitors in action, although the best they managed was a silver. 

The American jiu-jitsu competitors in action were: 
  • Kristina Barlaan vs Gezary Matuda – light featherweight 
  • Sarah Black vs Beatriz Mesquita – lightweight
  • Sijara Eubanks vs Andresa Correa – medium heavyweight 
  • Edwin Najmi vs Lucas Lepri – lightweight 
  • Marcus Buchecha Almeida vs James Puopolo – ultra heavyweight 

Honorable mentions go to a number of international grapplers, who netted a total of 3 golds and 3 silvers: 
  • Rikako Yuasa of Japan who beat Outi Järvilehto of Finland in the female rooster weight final 
  • Alison Tremblay of Canada who challenged but lost to Fernanda Mazzelli in the women’s heavyweight final 
  • Dominyka Obelenyte, who beat Venla Luukkonen in the super heavyweight final and Beatriz Mesquita in the absolute final. 

Watch all of the finals matches here