We are coming to the end of the fourth year in the history of Copa Podio and that means the Heavyweight Grand Prix is upon us! After an explosive lightweight Grand Prix in January and a momentous middleweight GP in July we are now set to witness the big boys clash in the season's big finale in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

If you don't yet know the stars of the Copa Podio Heavyweight Grand Prix here is a little teaser of the talent to expect at this tremendous event.

By Andre Borges of BJJ Heroes.com 

Green Group

Alexander Trans, GF Team 
The Danish athlete who (this year alone) has defeated names such as Keenan Cornelius, Mahamed Aly, Braulio Estima and Roberto Cyborg is arguably the favorite to win the group.

After an extended period of time coaching in the United Arab Emirates, Alexander Trans has since moved to Rio de Janeiro to focus solely on his competitive career.

Being the bigger man on the show will have some advantages, but Trans is more than 'just' a big athlete. He has a very tricky deep half guard game, crushing passing pressure and an indefensible Sao Paulo pass. It will be interesting to watch how he will fair against the complete opposite of his game in somebody like Leandro Lo in the semi-finals or finals (assuming they both advance).

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Manuel 'Nelton' Pontes, Gracie Barra
Portuguese black belt Nelton Pontes is a Copa Podio veteran, appearing in the 2015 Heavyweight GP. Last year's event was one of Nelton's first experiences at black belt, and although he showed tremendous potential it was obvious he needed to gain some experience to do well against the upper echelon of our sport.

He proved that he was willing to put in the time throughout 2016, by competing (and medalling) at events such as the European Open, British Open and Copa Bufalo, earning his spot back on the Brazilian promotion.

Nelton's strengths lie in his top game and his ability to put on the pressure. With the upper weight limit at 231lbs (105kg), Pontes will be one of the smaller men at the tournament, meaning he will not need to cut weight for Copa Podio.


Gabriel 'Fedor' Lucas, Checkmat
After an amazing start during his first couple of years at black belt, a time when 'Fedor' won his first world title in that division, it seems as though Gabriel Lucas has hit a slump. 2016 has not been Gabriel's year, but he is dead set on redeeming himself.

Traditionally he is a poor starter, so the round-robin nature of Copa Podio might be exactly what is needed for him to have a successful run at the heavyweight title.

Lucas is a student of the legendary 'Jamelão' and as such it shouldn't come as a surprise that his half guard is his strongest asset, but Fedor has plenty of tricks up his gi sleeve. He moves exceptionally well for a ultra-heavyweight, has solid passing and a killer kimura lock.


Diego Borges, Zenith
The pride of Manaus returns to Copa Podio for his toughest test to date. A natural lightweight (168lbs), Diego Borges will be competing five weight categories above his usual division.

This will be Borges' third appearance at Copa Podio this year, having medalled in the previous two shows. The reason why he has been repeatedly called back by the promoters is simple: He puts on a show.

One of the most entertaining grapplers in the sport today, Borges is jiu-jitsu's Tazmanian devil. With fast takedowns, explosive guard passing and lightning back takes, he will put the heavier men on check come October 22.


Rodrigo Cavaca, Zenith
The legendary footlock master Rodrigo Cavaca returns to the big stage. The man who popularized the now-mainstream 'botinha' footlock is putting his neck on the line once again to prove big guys can play open guard just as well as the lightweights.

Cavaca has been fairly active this year, earning a spot at Podio's GP. The fact that both Cavaca and Borges are in the same group poses a slight predicament as both athletes are friends and teammates, and it will be interesting to watch how they approach their match.
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Yellow Group

Leandro Lo, NS Brotherhood
This man needs little introduction: four-time world champion and one of the most exciting and innovative athletes in the sport today, Leandro Lo is shooting for his third Copa Podio GP title in a row having won the light and middleweight titles earlier this year.

Lo will be going up against Erberth in the first round of the event, this being the second time these two have met in less than six months. Expect fireworks for this match between two of Sao Paulo's most prolific athletes.


Erberth Santos, Almeida JJ
At peak condition Erberth Santos is almost impossible to stop. Originally known for his temper as much as his skills, Santos has cleaned up his image and focused on his jiu jitsu over the past year, being one of the most active black belts on the IBJJF and UAEJJF international circuits.

Originally with a preference for top game, Santos has shown an incredible ability to adapt and has worked seriously on his guard, particularly the 50-50. Santos is expected to do very well and is one of the stronger candidates to win the GP.


Cassio Francis, Gracie Barra
'Cassão' is one of the most overlooked athletes in the heavyweight division. Cassio Francis is the current Pan-American champ, having also medalled at the Worlds, Brazilian Nationals and No-Gi Pan Ams just this year.

A crafty guard player with a high submission rate (particularly from leg attacks), Francis's loose and open style usually does very well against pressure passers. It is with great anticipation that we wait to see how it will fare against the faster approach of Leandro Lo and Isaque Bahiense.


Isaque Bahiense, Alliance
The brown belt was originally scheduled to be in the opening match of the evening against Fellipe Trovo with the winner taking a spot in the GP. Isaque Bahiense has since been voted into the Yellow Group -- as has Trovo.

Isaque is an absolute phenom who competes out of the Alliance Sao Paulo camp under the instruction of Fabio Gurgel.

Although traditionally a middleweight, Bahiense has competed in ultra heavyweight divisions before and is always game for the absolute. If golds at this year's World, Pan, Brazilian and European Championships weren't enough to praise this young man, he has also recently competed at the Alliance Sao Paulo's submission only interclub, beating bigger and more experienced black belts in one of the most talent-rich gyms in the world.


Fellipe Trovo, Ushirobira JJ
Look for this brown belt Pan champ and World bronze medalist to throw some unconventional positions into the mix. Fellipe Trovo of the most exciting heavyweights to watch in his division, the student of Andre Ushirobira is a fantastic guard player who always goes for the finish, often relinquishing positions (sometimes to his detriment) in order to keep the action going. Raw talent that will get you on the edge of your seats.

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