Four-time no-gi world champ Lucas "Hulk" Barbosa won his first Pan No-Gi gold in 2020, and he’s slated to return this year to defend that title. Hulk has proven nearly unbeatable in no-gi matches in the IBJJF format; he’s 35-1 as a black belt in the federation’s no-gi tournaments. But he hasn’t yet competed in the new IBJJF no-gi ruleset, which allows heel hooks and reaping. And though he’s never lost via heel hook in his career, the new metagame could give him a new test in this 12-man heavyweight division.

Joining him in the heavyweight bracket are men like Giancarlo Bodoni, Jose Matias and Andre Porfirio

Bodoni had two matches against Hulk at last year’s edition of No-Gi Pans. He fared the best of any of Hulk’s opponents, keeping him to just two points in each of their encounters. In every other match, Hulk either ran up the score or won via submission. Bodoni has struggled in open tournaments this year, but if he’s found the answer to beat Hulk, this is his opportunity to show it. 

Matias is a rooke black belt who made his debut at the Houston Open in April, winning double gold and scoring two victories via heel hook. The Gracie Barra representative could shake things up in this bracket, especially in a field of competitors who aren’t exceptionally well-known for their leg locks.

Porfirio has moved down from his usual super or ultra heavyweight class for Pans. He may clear out the herd in the early rounds, and has a shot at the podium. But the young black belt has not been tested by top ranked opponents like Hulk in his career. This could be his opportunity to make a statement, but there’s no room for error in this stacked heavyweight bracket.

Hulk’s Atos teammate, Gustavo Batista will join him in this bracket, looking for his first major no-gi title. He’s a world and pan champion in the gi, but has seldom competed in no-gi in his black belt career. His heavy, control-oriented top game could be menacing for anyone if he gets into a good position, but he’ll probably have to face some of the best in the division early, as his lack of no-gi experience will put him in a low seed. We haven’t yet seen how Batista handles the leg lock game, but this will be a prime test of his no-gi abilities.

Adult / Male / Heavy

TOTAL: 12