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Tarcisio Santos: The Lightweight Dark Horse For 2026 Worlds? πŸ‘€

Tarcisio Santos: The Lightweight Dark Horse For 2026 Worlds? πŸ‘€

From IBJJF

May 26, 2026

Tarcisio Santos is quickly emerging as one of the most dangerous dark horses (underdog) in the 2026 IBJJF Lightweight division. Competing constantly throughout the season at major Opens across the U.S., he’s been sharpening his black belt-level game with every match and showing real momentum heading into Worlds.

Still early in his black belt career, but already proving he can hang with top-tier competition, Tarcisio brings pace, pressure, and sharp technical growth at the perfect time.

Will he shock the division and climb to the top of the podium at the 2026 Worlds? It’s looking more and more possible.

The IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship takes place May 28–31 in Long Beach. Watch all matches live on @flograppling.

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