It’s a Herculean task to win just one IBJJF Majors, let alone all four in the same year. Yet this year, 3 women (Gabi Pessanha, Mayssa Bastos, and Nathalie Ribeiro) are just one gold away from achieving the Grand Slam

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Photo by: Duncan Graham

What is the IBJJF Grand Slam?

The IBJJF Grand Slam is the pinnacle of achievement for IBJJF. It refers to the four major IBJJF Championships that occur worldwide every year. They include Europeans, Pan Americans, Brasileiros (or Brazilian Nationals), and the cornerstone, the IBJJF World Championships.

To just reach the podium at any of these events is a coveted accomplishment all by itself. But, to win them all is a brutal journey pursued by many but achieved only by a select few. However, those that will it all, literally, join the select few elite competitors to hold the accomplishment of conquering the IBJJF Grand Slam. 

In 2022, we have three women who are set to do just that. 

New Lady GOAT: Gabi Pessanha?

Even rarer than becoming a Grand Slam champion is becoming a double IBJJF grand slam champion. This achievement is only for those who win the coveted gold in both their own weight class and the absolute division. Tayane Porfirio, to date, is the only grappling athlete to have accomplished this at the black belt level. However, the way Gabi Pessanha performs, we may have two double IBJJF grand slam champions very soon…. The stage is set, and Gabi Pessanha looks ready to dominate on the mats.

It wouldn’t even be a feat that is entirely unprecedented for Gabi. In her adult debut, at 17 years old, she achieved the double grand slam in 2018 as a purple belt. Today, there is only one opponent registered for Gabi’s superheavyweight division. However, it’s more than likely that Yara Soares, Gabi’s longtime rival, will also enter the division to try to squash Gabi’s double IBJJF grand slam champion goal. The pair have fought a total of 17 times to be exact. Through these matches, Gabi has remained victorious for the lion’s share of their meetings (current record 13 wins and 4 losses). That said, it’s always a close fight won or lost on points. Yara Soares, thus far, is the biggest threat to Gabi’s black belt double grand slam; however, the odds are still very much in her favor for the coveted title. 

Mayssa Bastos ready for her third consecutive world title

Mayssa Bastos is no stranger to winning, having won each of the Grand Slam events but never in the same year. Now, with three major gold medals in hand in 2022, her final hurdle is Worlds. Mayssa has the “home field” advantage, and it may play in her favor, considering she has been the queen of the rooster weight division since 2018 after receiving her black belt on the podium…. The best way to earn your belt.

However, in recent years, the women’s rooster weight division has expanded to include some tough contenders that Mayssa will undoubtedly have to face on the mats. While she has not yet registered for the Worlds, it’s unfathomable to imagine she would choose to miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime to earn a Grand Slam and is even entering the division as the favorite. Looking at the competition, there are two new black belts currently registered for Worlds, Nini Vicky Hoang (Jiu-Jitsu For Life Team) and Jhenifer Aquino (Atos). Mayssa has defeated both of these top contenders already this year, but let’s not get carried away as they both have very impressive colored belt resumes and have medaled at all the majors too…. It will be a fight.

Nathalie Ribeiro’s phenomenal year and what to expect

 Nathalie Ribeiro is a fan favorite in women’s jiu-jitsu as she has made consistent appearances on the IBJJF circuit and has been successful in other rulesets across national and international tournaments since receiving her black belt in 2018. Gi or no-gi, she is always ready to throw in till the end. This year, however, has been the standout year of Nathalie’s career. She has built considerable momentum in her IBJJF performances and is well on her way to a grand slam. 

The IBJJF lightweight division is shaping up with names such as Janaina Maia and Margot Ciccarelli as top contenders for Nathalie to face. That said, with former queen of the lightweight division, Bia Mesquita, taking a leave from Gi competition this year, Nathalie is poised to end the year on top of the lightweight division, culminating in her first-ever World title with a much sought-after Grand Slam.

These three women grapplers are world-class, and we are excited to see them perform in the following months.

Check back here for more of the latest grappling news!

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