After the registration deadline, we can now take a look at the black belt divisions to see what great matches are in store for us.
Here are the highlights.
Roosterweight
Caio Terra vs. Koji Shibamoto: Terra is going for his third title in the black belt division in Lisbon. If they meet again, they will repeat the 2014 final, won by Caio. Shibamoto is also a European champion, as he won the roosterweight in 2012.
Featherweight
Paulo Miyao vs. Marcio Andre: Andre is the reigning champion, as he beat Gianni Grippo in 2015. Miyao moved up from the light-featherweight and if they meet should be a sight to see. The division also features newcomer to the black belt Isaac Doederlein and Brian Mahecha.
Lightweight
Michael Liera Jr. at the Atos JJ Camp
Edwin Najmi vs. Michael Liera vs. Mansher Khera: Yes, that’s right. All three names combined are a recipe for great thrills. They represent a talented new generation of black belts coming out of the USA and making waves in the competition circuit.
Middleweight
Lucas Barbosa
Lucas Barbosa vs. Alan do Nascimento: a generational clash between the Atos newcomer and the Checkmat experienced black belt. The division also has great names in Oliver Geddes, Darragh O’Çonaill and Charles Negromonte.
Medium-heavy
Romulo Barral Photo: Ivan Trindade.
Romulo Barral vs. Patrick Gaudio: Barral is the clear favorite here, but Gaudio also has very good credentials coming in the division.
Heavyweight
PENA VS. SOUSA
Felipe Pena vs. Jackson Sousa: they just met at the heavyweight final of the Worlds No-Gi, when Pena came out on top. This time, with the gi, who knows what could happen.
Superheavy
Lucio Lagarto
Lucio Rodrigues vs. Erberth Santos: in another generational battle, Lagarto wants to keep his impressive record at the European. he is the only black belt to have won medals in all but three of the event’s editions, since 2004. If he wins again, this is going to be his 6th title in Lisbon.
Open Class
Romulo Barral vs. André Galvão: This should be the highlight of the highlights. A true all-time classic with two of the greatest competitors off all times. Galvão just beat Barral in a no-gi event in Russia, so Barral is looking for a payback. Let’s just hope the two sign up for the absolute.
Female
Middleweight
Luanna Alzuguir
Luanna Alzuguir vs. Luiza Monteiro: Traditional rivals, Luanna and Luiza should put a great show for the crowd. In fact, the middleweight division is the highlight of the female division (with the exception of the open class).
Open class
Mackenzie Dern
Mackenzie Dern vs. Andresa Correa: Maybe they will repeat the Worlds No-Gi final. Luanna, Luiza, Shanti Abelha, Sarah Black and Kristina Barlaan could also be in the mix.
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Coverage brought to you by Gameness.
