The last few days have seen a number of big names withdraw from the 2017 IBJJF World No-Gi Championships. 

That means the dynamic of certain brackets has completely changed for this weekend's tournament in Anaheim, CA. Some past champions have stepped aside for the first time in years, opening the path for others to climb to the top of the podium. On the other hand, a number of young up-and-comers have pulled out and are no longer in a position to challenge the dominance of the old school.

What follows is a short list of who we know for sure is out, the reasons why, and how that can affect the division they were signed up for at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Watch the 2017 IBJJF World No-Gi Championships LIVE or On Demand ONLY on FloGrappling

Tammi Musumeci

Tammi Musumeci is out due to school. The three-time world no-gi champ (2013, 2015, and 2016) has finals coming up and the intense period of study required means she can’t devote enough time to properly prepare. The lightweight would have been a possible favorite for gold, and her absence opens up a guaranteed spot on the podium for someone else. 

Dillon Danis & Mansher Khera 

New Yorkers Dillon Danis (pictured top) and Mansher Khera are both injured — Danis is nursing a rib injury while Khera has hurt his knee. Danis would have been a spicy addition to the medium-heavyweight division, which also includes the likes of Keenan Cornelius and Craig Jones (among others). Khera, a silver medalist in 2015, would have been one of the many contenders in the stacked middleweight division. 

Isaque Bahiense 

Alliance’s Isaque Bahiense, who has been enjoying a wild first year as a competitive black belt, is also injured. Signed up at medium-heavyweight, Bahiense is a disruptive force wherever he competes. This year he’s taken out major names such as Davi Ramos and Romulo Barral, and Bahiense would have likely upset a few plans at No-Gi Worlds with his scramble-heavy style and high work rate.

Lucas Rocha 

Middleweight Lucas Rocha was signed up but an extended trip to Russia means the ZR Team member will miss the two-day tournament in SoCal.

Samir Chantre 

Three-time world no-gi champ Samir Chantre is another big name out due to injury. The featherweight closed out in 2016 with Osvaldo “Queixinho,” but Chantre will have to leave it all on his teammate’s shoulders this year as he too will be taking care of some injuries. This is the first time in eight years that Chantre will miss competing at No-Gi Worlds.