ADCC 2026 fight card fills out with 128 confirmed grapplers

The Abu Dhabi Combat Club World Championships have finalized their roster for the 2026 edition, with all 128 competitor slots now filled across eight divisions. According to MMA Mania, the event unfolds Sept. 12-13 at Tauron Arena in Krakow, Poland, marking a shift from recent US-based iterations of the biennial grappling showcase.

The superfight will pit Kaynan Duarte against Yuri Simoes, the last two absolute tournament champions, after Gordon Ryan's apparent retirement left the headliner in flux. Duarte captured double gold at ADCC 2024 and was expected to challenge Ryan for the superfight belt, but Ryan's health issues have reportedly sidelined him from competition.

Champions and trials winners complete ADCC 2026 lineup

Reigning divisional champions include Duarte at 99 kg, Felipe Pena above 99 kg, and Giancarlo Bodoni at 88 kg. Mica Galvao defends at 77 kg, while Diogo Reis holds the 66 kg strap. On the women's side, Ana Carolina Vieira earned her invite at 65 kg, Rafaela Guedes above 65 kg, and Adele Fornarino at 55 kg. Each division features 16 men or eight women, with slots awarded through continental trials and direct invites.

Notable additions via invite include Fabricio Andrey at 66 kg, former UFC lightweight Mateusz Gamrot at 77 kg, and multiple-time world champion Gabi Garcia returning in the women's super heavyweight bracket. Trial winners from EMEA, East Coast, Asia-Oceania, South America, and West Coast rounds secured the remaining berths throughout 2025 and early 2026.

Late roster changes saw Izaak Michell removed from the 77 kg class and replaced by Taylor Pearman, while Valerie Hamilton took Fornarino's spot at 55 kg after the reigning champ accepted a UFC BJJ tournament booking. Competition begins with opening rounds on Sept. 12, followed by finals and the superfight on Sept. 13.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — ADCC 2026 fight card: List of confirmed BJJ stars invited to the ADCC World Championships