2025 IBJJF: The Crown

Men’s Featherweight

Cole Abate dominated the featherweight bracket, capturing the title with a calculated and technical approach. In the final, Abate outscored João Bisnaga (4-2) by employing precise sweeps and superior guard control. His path to the final included victories over João Mendes, Kennedy Maciel, and Danilo Moreira, each win marked by tactical execution and positional awareness.

Men’s Middleweight

Andy Murasaki successfully defended his 2024 crown, becoming a two-time IBJJF The Crown champion. In the final, Murasaki overcame Jackson Nagai on points, utilizing a dynamic mix of sweeps and leg attacks to control the tempo and dictate the exchanges throughout the division.

Men’s Heavyweight

The heavyweight division delivered the tournament’s most dramatic moment. Nolan Stuart submitted Adam Wardziński with a well-timed Omoplata in the final, producing the event’s biggest upset. Stuart’s route to gold included a hard-fought decision over Lucas Barbosa in the semifinals, while Wardziński advanced by outpointing Paulo Merlin.

Men’s Ultra-Heavyweight

Erich Munis secured his third consecutive IBJJF Crown title, reinforcing his dominance in the ultra-heavyweight division. In the final, Munis outpointed Gustavo Batista, and earlier, he submitted Marcos Carrozzino with a clinical Lapel Choke in the semifinals.

Women’s Lightweight

Sarah Galvão claimed the lightweight crown with a standout campaign. She opened by submitting defending champion Brianna Ste-Marie via Collar Choke in the quarter-finals, then avenged a previous loss to Cassia Moura in the semifinals. In the final, Galvão defeated reigning world champion Janaina Lebre by points, using relentless pressure passing and positional dominance to secure victory.

Women’s Super-Heavyweight

Gabi Pessanha continued her reign with a third consecutive IBJJF The Crown title, winning her matches by a combination of points and submissions, and demonstrating consistent control across the bracket.

Submission victories played a pivotal role in shaping the event’s narrative:

• In the Men’s Heavyweight final, Nolan Stuart executed an expertly timed Omoplata to submit Adam Wardziński, sealing both the upset and the division title.
• Sarah Galvão launched her lightweight campaign by submitting Brianna Ste-Marie with a tight Collar Choke in the quarter-finals, eliminating the defending champion.
• Erich Munis advanced to the Men’s Ultra-Heavyweight final by finishing Marcos Carrozzino with a precise Lapel Choke in the semifinals.

These technical finishes underscored the high level of skill and strategic execution displayed throughout the tournament.

The bracket progression featured several pivotal matchups that shaped the championship landscape:

• In the Men’s Heavyweight semifinals, Nolan Stuart edged out Lucas Barbosa by decision, while Adam Wardziński advanced past Paulo Merlin on points.
• The Men’s Ultra-Heavyweight semifinals saw Erich Munis submit Marcos Carrozzino with a Lapel Choke, and Gustavo Batista secure a points victory over Fraan Papasidero.
• In the Women’s Lightweight semifinals, Sarah Galvão avenged a previous defeat by overcoming Cassia Moura, setting up her decisive win over Janaina Lebre in the final.
• Third-place matches included Fraan Papasidero defeating Marcos Carrozzino by points in the Men’s Ultra-Heavyweight division, and Pedro Maia outpointing Mateus Moraes in the Men’s Middleweight bracket.

These results, alongside the championship bouts, defined the competitive narrative of the 2025 IBJJF: The Crown and highlighted the depth of talent across all divisions.