Call it unlucky, call it unfair. I call it a bad move in the bracketing system.

There’s a 95% chance we’re going to see Paulo Miyao (BRA) and Isaac Doederlein (USA) go at it in the opening round of the 69kg main bracket on Thursday, April 25. 

This is of course assuming Miyao wins the Brazil country qualifier on Wednesday, April 24. And seeing as he ran through the division here in 2018, it’s a safe bet to say that he’ll likely do so again. In fact, Miyao hasn’t lost in the gi since September of last year. 

The 69kg Brazil country qualifier bracket 

With Miyao and Doederlein likely facing off so early in the bracket, fans are being robbed of a potentially thrilling final that could settle a score that has been months in the making. 

They faced off in the final of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in London on March 9 and then again in the final of the King of Mats on March 10. Miyao won both those matches by the narrowest of margins, and it’s safe to say that their next encounter will be razor close. 

Doederlein’s closing in on unlocking the secret to beating Miyao– he very nearly submitted him with a kneebar in London that would have waylaid a lesser grappler (see the photo below for evidence). 

The -69kg final at the 2019 ADGS London

Miyao’s edge isn’t necessarily technical– it’s awe-inspiring to see how he can dig so deep and find hidden reserves and a way to win even in dire circumstances. 

Tell me that’s not World Pro final material right there? It deserves to happen on the main stage under bright lights and in front of the assembled dignitaries and other VIPs, dozens of cameras tracking their every move. 

I’ll certainly be watching closely and I advise you do too because this is a potential barnburner that could otherwise fly under the radar. 

Watch the 2019 Abu Dhabi World Pro LIVE April 24-26