The 2026 IBJJF European Championships: A Weekend to Remember!
The black belt divisions of the 2026 IBJJF European Championships wrapped up on Saturday in Lisbon, Portugal, and what an incredible event it was! From standout performances and thrilling submissions to remarkable victories by seasoned champions, the Euros once again showcased why it is a must-attend event on the jiu-jitsu gi calendar.
By the end of this exhilarating weekend, 19 new champions emerged, each making a significant mark as we gear up for what promises to be a monumental season in 2026. Let’s delve into some of the standout narratives from this unforgettable championship.
The Birth of a Rivalry: Gabi Pessanha vs. Sarah Galvão
Undoubtedly, the highlight match of the weekend occurred in the absolute division, where Gabrieli Pessanha faced off against Sarah Galvão, marking a compelling clash between two generations of talent.
This year, Galvão is stepping firmly into her black belt journey, and expectations are soaring. Across the mat stood Pessanha, a 13-time world champion and one of the most formidable athletes in the sport’s history, eager to reassert her supremacy after experiencing her first-ever loss at the black belt level late last season.
What unfolded was a highly technical and intense matchup. Galvão pushed the pace aggressively, seeking guard passes and threatening Pessanha's back control towards the end. On the other hand, Pessanha relied heavily on her renowned lapel control, inversions, and positional traps to manage the tempo and dictate the exchanges. A critical ankle lock attempt midway through the match proved pivotal, granting Pessanha the edge required to secure victory.
The match was incredibly close—it’s safe to say that this rivalry is just beginning and will undoubtedly unfold further throughout 2026.
Jalen Fonacier’s Ascending Star
Jalen Fonacier kicked off his 2026 season with a commanding performance, dominating the featherweight division and finishing his final match with a submission to claim the European gold medal.
Having already established himself as one of the hottest competitors over the past year, Fonacier has cemented his status as the leading roosterweight in the gi today. With two prestigious titles already under his belt this season, his aspirations for a Grand Slam are very much alive as he eyes upcoming challenges like the Brasileiros and Pans.
Tainan Dalpra: The Unstoppable Force
If there were a definition for dominance in jiu-jitsu, it would surely feature Tainan Dalpra's name.
Dalpra continued his impeccable streak through the gi circuit, concluding his European Championship run with a swift submission victory against José Steve in the middleweight finals. Exhibiting calmness, precision, and a ruthless approach, Dalpra consistently appeared a step ahead of his competitors.
With his Grand Slam ambitions intact, the reigning middleweight champion now sets his sights on the Pans, hoping to capture the third of four vital titles needed for this coveted achievement.
Leo Ferreira’s Moment of Triumph
After years of lingering near the top, Leo Ferreira finally claimed his moment in the spotlight in Lisbon.
In a thrilling match that will not soon be forgotten, Ferreira faced off against local favorite Matheus Vetoraci in a physically demanding and high-pressure contest. Following a brief pause for a blood stoppage, Ferreira intensified his efforts, securing back control and nearly achieving a choke on Vetoraci before ultimately finishing with a submission.
This marked Ferreira’s first gold medal at the European Championships, signaling a potential turning point in his career. Expect him to play a significant role in the remainder of the IBJJF season.
Thais Loureiro Sends Shockwaves Through Roosterweight
One of the biggest surprises of the tournament came when Thais Loureiro ousted longtime roosterweight champion Mayssa Bastos.
This victory sent ripples through the division and announced Loureiro as a potent contender in a weight class that Bastos has dominated for years. This moment feels like the start of a new era—one that we are likely to see continue as rivalries develop throughout the year.
Ashlee Funegra Shines Bright
Ashlee Funegra continues to exceed expectations in stunning fashion.
As one of the youngest black belts competing at the event, Funegra followed her No-Gi Worlds title from December with yet another gold medal performance in Lisbon. Her rapid improvement, poise under pressure on prominent stages, and an expanding list of accolades clearly indicate that she is not merely gaining experience—she is actively amassing championships.
Complete Results from the Black Belt Finals
- Gabrieli Pessanha def. Sarah Galvão via advantage
- Gabrieli Pessanha def. Marina Carraro Penedo
- Yara Soares def. Anabel Lopez via points
- Denise Krahn def. Ingridd Alves via referee decision
- Larissa Martins def. Amanda Nicole via points
- Sarah Galvão def. Tamara Toros via closeout
- Cassia Moura def. Larissa Campos via points
- Ashlee Funegra def. Josefine Modig via submission
- Thais Loureiro def. Mayssa Bastos via points
- Jalen Fonacier def. Tadiyah Danforth via submission
- Diego Oliveira Batista def. Andrew Soares dos Santos via closeout
- Kennedy Maciel def. Cole Abate via points
- Will Wilson def. Mateo Cardona via points
- Tainan Dalpra def. Jose Steve via submission
- Eduardo Costa def. Luiz Victor via points
- Leo Ferreira def. Matheus Vitoraci via submission
- Vinicius Liberati def. Harryson Ferreira via points
- Seif-Eddine Houmine def. Pedro Alex dos Santos Pimenta via closeout
- Gabriel Ribeiro def. Erich Munis via closeout.
