Seven of the top-20 ranked male black belts in the world will chase after all-important ranking points at the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in Rio de Janeiro this weekend.
Adam Wardzinski
No. 1 in UAEJJF black belt rankings, 94kg division
The Checkmat black belt of Poland won silver medals in both Abu Dhabi Grand Slam events of the season so far, in Tokyo and LA. Wardzinski also grabbed gold medals in Croatia and Germany at UAEJJF National Pro.
Igor Silva
No. 3, 110kg division
Third in the ranking, the Abu Dhabi-based GF Team competitor is undefeated in the season so far.
Jorge Nakamura
No. 4, 62kg division
Another GF Team athlete, Nakamura competes in both para jiu-jitsu and regular divisions.
Lucas Barbosa
No. 5, 94kg division
Atos star Lucas Barbosa is in at 94kg once again. After beating Wardzinski by decision in LA for gold, Barbosa will likely meet him once again in Rio.
Jaime Canuto
No. 11, 77kg division
The GF Team athlete on the list, Canuto won silver in Tokyo at 85kg but failed to place on the podium in LA at 77kg.
Isaque Bahiense
No. 19, 85kg division
The Alliance star will compete in the 85kg division, currently the deepest of the male black belt categories.
Source Link: https://www.flograppling.com/articles/6034654-meet-the-top-ranked-black-belts-to-compete-at-the-rio-grand-slam
Last modified: November 8, 2017