IBJJF is hosting 2021 No-Gi Pans this weekend in Dallas, Texas. While there are many must-see athletes here are a few of the Atos competitors to keep an eye on. You will also find the comprehensive list of Atos competitors and how to watch at the end!
Breakout Star: Rafaela Guedes
Still in her rookie season, Rafaela Guedes has already begun to write a stacked resume. Since earning her black belt in September 2020 Rafaela has already reached the top 3 in Flograppling’s rankings for the women’s no-gi division over 145-pounds. She is also ranked 6th pound-for-pound. With black belt World and Pan titles already under her belt she is already respected as one of the best competitors in the grappling scene. As the returning No-Gi Pans champion all eyes will be on her as she takes on the medium-heavyweight division this Saturday.
In her round robin she will have a rematch against another up-and-coming black belt Elisabeth Clay. Rafaela is 1-0 against Clay, and looks to continue her winning streak. Also, in the division is MMA fighter Bridget McEliece who has yet to face Rafaela at black belt.
Rafaela’s matches are scheduled to start Saturday at 4:54 pm CT on Mat 10.
Heavyweights: Gustavo Batista and Lucas Barbosa
Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa is a three-time World No-Gi Champion. Among a myriad of other titles he’s won both his division and open weight at No-Gi Worlds, and earned his spot on the podium at the most prestigious grappling tournament, ADCC Worlds. Yet, if he tops the podium this weekend it will be his first No-Gi Pans title. His long history of success earned Lucas the number one seed for the division.
He’s not taking on the stacked heavyweight division alone. He is joined by teammate, Gustavo Batista. Although, it’s been a while since we have seen Batista compete no-gi one thing is for sure: he knows how to win. Gustavo Batista as an impressive 82 wins in the black belt division, seizing nearly every major title, in the gi, along the way. It will be exciting to watch his calm, composed, and seemingly effortless style transitioned to the no-gi format.
Gustavo and Lucas’s first matches are scheduled for Saturday at 2:06 and 2:54pm CT, respectively, on mat 2.
The Human Highlight Reel: Ronaldo Junior
You can’t make a must-watch list without mentioned Ronaldo Junior. Ronaldo is known for his aggressive, non-stop style. The reigning No-Gi Pans champ looks to defend his title in the middle weight division. In fact, Ronaldo has won no-gi pans for three consecutive years when he earned his first gold medal at the tournament as a brown belt in 2018. Although, he’s best known for his achievements in the gi, his accolades in all expressions of jiu-jitsu speak volumes.
Ronaldo’s first match is scheduled for Saturday at 10:30am CT on mat 11.
More Atos Athletes to Check Out
You can find the comprehensive list of Atos athletes competing at no-gi pans Here. Brackets, schedules, and more information can be found on the IBJJF Website. And you can stream the event live or watch recaps on Flograppling. Please, note the event takes place in Dallas, Texas, so all match times are in central time.