ADCC 2026 roster drops three champs, keeps wanted suspect
Three reigning ADCC champions have been pulled from the September lineup in Krakow, Poland, while a grappler wanted on sexual assault charges remains on the official roster, according to MMA Mania.
Diogo Reis, Mica Galvao, and Giancarlo Bodoni — defending champs at 66 kg, 77 kg, and 88 kg respectively — are no longer listed for the biennial no gi tournament. Officials had previously said every titleholder would return. West Coast Trials winner Elder Cruz also dropped off the card, with four discretionary invites filling the vacant spots.
Galvao's return uncertain after coach's arrest
Reis and Galvao trained under Melqui Galvao, who was arrested in April after multiple students accused the decorated coach of rape and abuse of minors at their academy. Reis left the team after the arrest, calling the details unbearable. The younger Galvao said he has been trying to find himself since his father's case broke, though he returned to competition in June to win double gold at an IBJJF Open.
The Ruotolo brothers and Nick Rodriguez are also absent from the card, as are all five UFC BJJ champions. UFC BJJ exec Claudia Gadelha announced plans to enforce exclusive contracts that bar athletes from outside events, though it's unclear whether the missing names declined invites or never received them.
Izaak Michell, who earned a spot by winning the 2025 Asia & Oceania Trials, remains listed despite an active arrest warrant in Texas for second degree sexual assault. Multiple women reportedly came forward after one of Gordon Ryan's teammates publicly accused Michell of assault late last year. A wanted poster with a $1,000 reward has been circulated, but Michell has reportedly moved around Australia for months, where local police cannot act without a US extradition request.
CJI promoter Craig Jones called for a boycott on social media. "Can someone explain to me why Izaak Michell, wanted allegedly for sex offenses in the United States, is getting a paid vacation to compete in Poland?" Jones said, per MMA Mania. "If he has affected you, or anyone in your life, and you are not boycotting the event… what the f*** is going on?" ADCC has not commented on Michell's status ahead of the September 12-13 event.
Original reporting:
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