Some of the world’s best grapplers will soon be competing for the prestigious title of IBJJF No-Gi World Champion, but the climb to the top of the podium isn’t going to be easy.
A bracket released today reveals that Gordon Ryan, Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu, Yuri Simoes, and Mahamed Aly will be among the competitors vying for the ultra-heavyweight title this year. While most of these athletes are far from strangers to the IBJJF circuit, Ryan in particular has caused a fair bit of chatter since he signed up for (and subsequently won double gold at) No-Gi Pans earlier this year.
However, the difference between the ultra-heavyweight division at No-Gi Pans and No-Gi Worlds this year is notable. Kaynan Duarte was the only competitor many people felt had a chance against Ryan at Pans, and the Worlds bracket is filled with far more established superstars in the sport.
