View the full line-up and preview for the FloGrappling IBJJF Grand Prix, headlined by Tainan Dalpra vs. Isaque Bahiense.
On Friday, March 3, the IBJJF will return to Austin, Texas for another Grand Prix event, this time featuring a women’s heavyweight tournament, a men’s lightweight tournament, and a trio of high-level superfights.
Tainan Dalpra vs. Isaque Bahiense
In the card’s headlining attraction, Art of Jiu-Jitsu’s Tainan Dalpra will square off with recent IBJJF Grand Prix winner Isaque Bahiense in a 30-minute match.
Widely regarded as the top pound-for-pound gi competitor in the world, Dalpra has used his seemingly unstoppable guard passing to amass an incredible record as a black belt, losing only once, by way of referee decision, to Mica Galvao in 2021. Otherwise, he has dominated the middleweight division, winning a pair of world titles, as well as Pans and European titles.
Bahiense, though, will pose a stiff test. A 2018 IBJJF world champion, he is an explosive guard passer with skills in all areas. He put on a strong performance last October at the IBJJF Medium-Heavy Grand Prix, defeating Andre Porfirio and Manuel Ribamar to capture gold before asking for a match with Dalpra.
The two black belts have met once before in competition, in the final of the 2021 IBJJF Worlds when Dalpra defeated Bahiense on points in a relatively uneventful 50/50 battle. In order to avoid a similar outcome and promote action, the IBJJF has instituted new, stricter passivity rules.
Lebre vs. Ribeiro, Junior vs. Lo
In other superfight action, breakout star Janaina Lebre will look to build on her recent victories over Anna Rodrigues and Luiza Monteiro at the last IBJJF Grand Prix when she takes on Nathalie “Tata” Ribeiro. Both women are well-rounded and accomplished grapplers, and Lebre aims to prove that her upset victories were no fluke.
Also, entertaining Atos competitor Ronaldo Junior will test his high-paced guard passing against Cicero Costha representative Francisco Lo. Junior is returning to the middleweight division after losing to Manuel Ribamar at the IBJJF Medium-Heavy Grand Prix, while Lo aims to continue his breakout success that saw him submitting veteran competitor Adam Wardzinski at the 2022 IBJJF No-Gi Worlds.
Women’s heavyweight grand prix
- Nathieley De Jesus
- Melissa Cueto
- Ana Carolina Vieira
- Andressa Cintra
The four-woman heavyweight grand prix features some of the most accomplished competitors in recent years.
On paper, multiple-time IBJJF world champion Nathieley De Jesus might be the favorite, but she is still finding her footing on the elite competition scene after recently giving birth to her first child. Three-time IBJJF world champion Ana Carolina Vieira is another potential favorite; her top-end guard passing makes her a threat against any competitor in the sport.
Meanwhile, Andressa Cintra and Melissa Cueto represent the newer wave of competitors. Both women own IBJJF world titles in recent years and could establish themselves as true, dominant forces with victories on Friday.
Men’s lightweight grand prix
- Andy Murasaki
- Johnatha Alves
- Elijah Dorsey
- Carlos Henrique
In the men’s lightweight grand prix, rivals Johnatha Alves of Art of Jiu-Jitsu and Andy Murasaki of Atos could meet in what would be a rematch of the 2022 IBJJF Pans final, where Murasaki collected his third career win over Alves. Fresh off a strong showing at the Spyder Invitational, Murasaki hasn’t lost since the 2022 IBJJF Worlds when he moved up in weight, losing in the final to Dalpra.
Also in action will be Team Lloyd Irvin’s Elijah Dorsey, who will no-doubt want to avenge a recent submission defeat against Murasaki. Additionally, fast-rising prospect Carlos Henrique hopes to make a name for himself in his first IBJJF Grand Prix appearance.
How to watch: The FloGrappling IBJJF Grand Prix takes place on Friday, March 3 and will air live on FloGrappling (subscription required).
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