Effective January 1, 2027, straight foot locks will be prohibited for adult and master white belts and all juvenile competitors aged 16 and 17. The IBJJF changes also add a Master 8 division and make jumping into closed guard a disqualifying foul for white belts. Claudia Gadelha says UFC BJJ is exploring adding select gi matches in 2027. Potential competitors are under discussion, but no matchups have been finalized. Robert Drysdale argues that social media attention can elevate nogi-only competitors over athletes successful in both gi and nogi.
BJJ Submission Disqualification Reversed After Officials Review Technique
A competitor was disqualified after securing a kidney compression submission in a no-gi match. According to the accompanying account, officials later reviewed the technique and overturned the decision, ruling it legal for that competition.
Robert Drysdale Questions Recognition of Nogi-Only Competitors
Robert Drysdale argues that social media attention can elevate nogi-only competitors over athletes successful in both gi and nogi. He says the growing separation between formats can also make coaching more difficult.
Mica Galvao Faces Matheus Luna in 2026 IBJJF The Crown Semifinal
Mica Galvao met Matheus Luna in the middleweight semifinal at the 2026 IBJJF The Crown on November 8 in Long Beach. Galvao won and advanced to the final, though accounts differ on how the match ended.
Kade Ruotolo Says He and Tye Faced Pressure to Use PEDs
On the Gypsy Tales podcast, Kade Ruotolo said he and his twin brother Tye were repeatedly encouraged to use PEDs and that he saw similar pressure on young athletes at gyms. He said they chose to stay natural and speak out to help younger grapplers.
Kade Ruotolo Says He and Tye Avoid Weightlifting, Prefer Surfing
Kade Ruotolo says he and twin brother Tye generally avoid weightlifting because they dislike it, favoring surfing as cross-training. He says they have used limited strength work before some ADCC competitions.
UFC BJJ Exploring Gi Matches for 2027, Claudia Gadelha Says
Claudia Gadelha says UFC BJJ is exploring adding select gi matches in 2027. Potential competitors are under discussion, but no matchups have been finalized.
UFC BJJ adds AI position labels to Musumeci-Mitchell replay
UFC BJJ has added a Horus AI overlay with real-time position labels to the replay of Mikey Musumeci vs. Bryce Mitchell. Sean Strickland coaches Mitchell between rounds.
João Mendes and Seif-Eddine Houmine Retire After the 2026 IBJJF Crown
João “Bisnaga” Mendes won the featherweight title, and Seif-Eddine Houmine earned ultra-heavyweight bronze at the November 8 tournament. The IBJJF confirmed both athletes’ retirements in its November 13 recap.
Turris Invitational Puts Colored-Belt Athletes in the Spotlight
The inaugural Turris Invitational is scheduled for November 14 at Upper Arena in Rio de Janeiro, featuring gi and no-gi matches, a no-gi Grand Prix with announced cash prizes, and a FloGrappling broadcast. The event centers competitors below black belt.
IBJJF to Ban Straight Foot Locks for White Belts in 2027
Effective January 1, 2027, straight foot locks will be prohibited for adult and master white belts and all juvenile competitors aged 16 and 17. The IBJJF changes also add a Master 8 division and make jumping into closed guard a disqualifying foul for white belts.
Alagoas Jiu-Jitsu Federation President Condemns Incident Under Police Investigation
Diojônio Farias condemned footage showing a teenager losing consciousness during practice at a Maceió gym. Civil Police opened an inquiry after the boy’s father filed a complaint; investigators are examining the incident and the gym’s involvement.
Rodolfo Vieira Submits André Muniz at ACBJJ 23
Rodolfo Vieira submitted André Muniz with an arm-triangle in the no-gi co-main event of ACBJJ 23 on November 13 in Rio de Janeiro. Vieira took Muniz down, advanced to mount and secured the finish.
IBJJF Announces 13 Rule Changes for 2027
The IBJJF’s rules take effect January 1, 2027, and include immediate disqualification for designated competitors who jump guard, revised straight foot-lock rules, a 20-second limit on specified lapel controls without progress, and a new Master 8 division for athletes 66 and older.
Robert Drysdale Says Sandbagging Has No Portuguese Equivalent
Robert Drysdale argues that sandbagging is not a concept in Portuguese or Brazilian culture and says belt promotions depend on coaches’ individual standards. He cites a blue belt under Demian Maia who placed second at Worlds three times before earning gold and receiving a purple belt.
Helena Crevar, Kendall Reusing to Meet for ONE Openweight Title
Helena Crevar will face Kendall Reusing for the inaugural ONE Women’s Openweight Submission Grappling World Title at ONE Fight Night 51 on January 8. The 10-minute bout is scheduled for Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
IBJJF to Ban Straight Ankle Locks for White Belts and Juveniles in 2027
Starting January 1, 2027, the IBJJF will prohibit straight foot locks for white belts of all ages and competitors in the 16–17 divisions. Adult and master blue and purple belts will be allowed to turn toward the opponent’s un-attacked foot while applying the hold.