Shai Gerena

Shai Gerena cemented his status as a top lightweight contender on the Polaris circuit by winning the promotion's contenders tournament in 2026, earning a direct shot at the lightweight title. The contenders tournament format serves as Polaris's competitive pathway for identifying and elevating deserving challengers, and Gerena's victory through that gauntlet placed him firmly among the division's elite within the promotion.

The title shot is set for Polaris 36 on March 7, 2026, where Gerena faces Ethan Crelinsten for the Polaris lightweight title. The matchup presents a defining moment for Gerena, pitting him against one of the most technically accomplished submission grapplers in the sport — a true test of whether his contenders tournament form translates to championship-level competition at lightweight.