ADCC has continued issuing official invitations for the 2026 World Championships with the latest wave going to second European Trials Winners.
The championship scheduled for September 12 to 13 marks the first time Poland will host the prestigious tournament. This European qualification event represents one of the final opportunities for competitors across Europe Africa and the Middle East to secure their spots before the main event.
At 145 lbs (66 kg) Yigit Hanay emerged victorious defeating Kostiantyn Zhyvanov on points to claim his invitation. Hanay will join returning champion Diogo Reis in what promises to be one of the most competitive weight classes.
In the women’s 121 lbs (55 kg) division Janette Gloger secured her ticket to Poland with a submission victory over Ana Mayordomo. She will compete against defending champion Adele Fornarino when September arrives. Mayordomo was spotted with a cast on her leg so it’s unclear what kind of recovery time she’s looking at.
The 143 lbs (65 kg) women’s category saw Injana Goodman secure her qualification with a 3 to 0 points decision over Ane Svendsen. Goodman will be looking to dethrone current champion Ana Vieira.
Nikolay Vetrov claimed the 170 lbs (77 kg) spot through a penalty decision against Taylor Pearman. The Russian grappler will enter a division currently held by Mica Galvão who received his automatic invitation as the returning champion.
Anabel Lopez earned her place in the women’s 143+ lbs (65+ kg) bracket with a decision victory over Nia Blackman. Lopez will challenge defending champion Rafaela Guedes among others for the title.
At 194 lbs (88 kg) Marlon Tajik defeated Faris Benlamkadem by decision to qualify. Tajik joins Giancarlo Bodoni the reigning champion who secured his automatic berth. Benlamkadem believed he was robbed in the decision. It’s very possible he’ll receive an invite down the line.
The 218 lbs (99 kg) division added Eoghan O’Flanaghan to its ranks after he submitted Muhamed Urusov with an outside heel hook.
Rounding out the qualifiers Haisam Rida secured the heavyweight 218+ lbs (99+ kg) invitation with a rear naked choke of Aidan Woodley.
The 2026 championship operates under different circumstances than recent editions held in Las Vegas. New organizers in Poland face the challenge of replicating the production value that characterized previous tournaments while managing a market where ticket prices range from approximately $60 for upper seats to $875 for front row access. Early sales figures suggest a more modest turnout compared to the rapid sellouts witnessed in Vegas.
The tournament also navigates the absence of Gordon Ryan whose retirement removed one of the sport’s biggest attractions. Ryan is scheduled to host a training camp in Hungary just one week before the competition casting uncertainty over any potential participation.
ADCC 2026 Confirmed Participants So Far
Men’s 145 lbs (66 kg)
Diogo Reis — Returning champion
Niko Mikuliszyn — Trials winner
Dorian Olivarez — Trials winner
Yigit Hanay — Trials winner
Men’s 170 lbs (77 kg)
Mica Galvão — Returning champion
Magomed Dzharbaev — Trials winner
Jacob Bornemann — Trials winner
Nikolay Vetrov — Trials winner
Men’s 194 lbs (88 kg)
Giancarlo Bodoni — Returning champion
Pawel Jaworski — Trials winner
Jon Thor Blank — Trials winner
Marlon Tajik — Trials winner
Men’s 218 lbs (99 kg)
Kaynan Duarte — Returning champion
Declan Moody — Trials winner
Achilles Rocha — Trials winner
Eoghan O’Flanaghan — Trials winner
Men’s 218+ lbs (99+ kg)
Felipe Pena — Returning champion
Mark Macqueen — Trials winner
Brandon Reed — Trials winner
Haisam Rida — Trials winner
Women’s 121 lbs (55 kg)
Adele Fornarino — Returning champion
Janette Gloger — Trials winner
Women’s 143 lbs (65 kg)
Ana Vieira — Returning champion
Injana Goodman — Trials winner
Women’s 143+ lbs (65+ kg)
Rafaela Guedes — Returning champion
Anabel Lopez — Trials winner
