Brasileiros 2026 Early Preview — 7,900 Athletes, Key Matchups & What to Watch

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know heading into the event. The female black belt absolute is generating enormous buzz, and for good reason. All eyes are on a potential final between 19 year old Sarah Galvao and 10X World Champion Gabrieli Pessanha. After their intense rivalry at this year's Europeans and Pans, a third meeting in São Paulo could be the most compelling match of the entire weekend.

Fellipe Andrew returns in a stacked heavyweight division that also features 2026 European champion Leo Ferreira and the Vetoraci brothers. Andy Murasaki makes his black belt debut at Brasileiros in the lightweight division. Meyram returns to major competition at featherweight. And in one of the most anticipated storylines of the weekend, sisters Mia and Ashley Funegra will compete at a major championship together as black belts for the very first time.

We also look at the absolute division, where top ranked Erich Munis headlines a loaded field, and the ultra-heavyweight division, where Gutemberg Pereira returns to face Gabriel Veloso and Seif. On the team side, Alliance is hunting their third consecutive adult male black belt team title, while Atos and the Dream Team look to hold firm at the top of the female division behind Sarah Galvao and Lilian Marchand.

Plus, a look at some of the most exciting color belt prospects to watch and a preview of what's coming next on the IBJJF calendar.

[00:00] Intro

[00:44] Heavyweight Division Breakdown

[2:04] Sarah Galvao & Gabrielli Could Meet For a Third Time This Year

[5:39] Andy Murasaki Competes at his First Brasileiros as a Black Belt

[7:22] Male Featherweight Preview

[8:44] The Funegras Compete Alongside One Another at a Major Championship

[10:29] Gutemberg Returns to Competition

[11:36] Male Black Belt Absolute Preview

[13:24] Tainan & Pato’s Incredible 2026 Campaigns

[15:01] Colored Belt Preview

[16:57] Can Alliance & Atos Continue Team Dominance?