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IBJJF World Championships Day 3: Absolute Division Brings Heavyweight Drama to the Mats
The mats are heating up at the 2025 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championships as day three brings us the most anticipated showdown of the tournament – the Open weight class, better known as the Absolute division. This is where the big dogs come to play, where weight classes dissolve, and where David vs. Goliath matchups create the legends of tomorrow.
I’ve been mat-side for the first two days, and let me tell you, the energy in the building shifted dramatically this morning as competitors began warming up for today’s brackets. There’s something special about the Absolute division that brings an electricity even casual fans can feel.
Why the Absolute Division Matters to MMA Fans
For MMA enthusiasts, the Absolute division provides the perfect laboratory to observe how technique truly overcomes size and strength advantages. These are the same principles that made Royce Gracie a UFC legend when he submitted opponents twice his size.
Today’s matches feature several athletes we’ll likely see transitioning to the cage within the next year. Scouts from major MMA promotions are in attendance, clipboards in hand, looking for the next submission specialist who might follow the path of Ryan Hall, Mackenzie Dern, or Gilbert Burns.
Men’s Absolute Division: Size vs. Technique Showdown
The men’s bracket is stacked with talent spanning from 155-pound technicians to 250-pound powerhouses. The early rounds have already produced several stunning upsets, with lightweight phenom Carlos Mendes eliminating a super-heavyweight with a beautifully executed berimbolo to back take sequence that had the crowd on their feet.
Current odds-on favorite Marcus Almeida is showing why many believe he’s destined for MMA greatness, combining freakish strength with surprising mobility for someone his size. His quarter-final match against Roberto Santana showcased his evolving striking setups – a clear sign he’s preparing for an eventual cage debut.
| Standout Competitor | Weight Class | Signature Technique | MMA Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Almeida | Super-Heavyweight | Kimura trap system | High – Already training striking |
| Carlos Mendes | Lightweight | Berimbolo to back take | Medium – Size disadvantage |
| Jason Torres | Middleweight | Leg lock entries | Very High – Complete game |
Women’s Absolute: Technical Brilliance on Display
The women’s division is arguably even more technical than the men’s this year. Watching Ana Carolina’s quarter-final match was like witnessing a high-level chess match where every grip battle had major consequences.
Gabi Garcia’s younger sister, Maria Garcia, is making her own name with a suffocating pressure game that’s already drawn comparisons to Demian Maia’s MMA approach. Her transition from closed guard to armbar against the much larger Sofia Rodriguez was textbook perfection.
“I’m definitely considering MMA in the future,” Maria told me in a brief interview after her match. “But right now, I’m focused on bringing home gold in both my weight class and the Absolute.”
Why These Matches Matter for MMA’s Future
The technical exchanges we’re seeing today represent the cutting edge of ground fighting that will eventually make its way to the cage. Remember how De La Riva guards and berimbolos seemed exotic in MMA five years ago? Those techniques were pioneered on these very mats.
I’m particularly watching how competitors are setting up their takedowns. The wrestling-to-jiu-jitsu pipeline is flowing both ways now, with several competitors showing improved shot entries that would transition perfectly to MMA competition.
Tournament Impact on MMA Recruitment
Sources close to several major MMA promotions confirm they’re specifically scouting the Absolute division winners as potential signees. The reasoning is simple – athletes who can dominate regardless of size differential typically have the highest ceiling in mixed martial arts competition.
Last year’s Absolute gold medalist signed a developmental deal with a major promotion just three weeks after the tournament concluded. I’m expecting similar moves this year, particularly for any medalist who shows the striking fundamentals necessary for a successful transition.
Finals Predictions
Based on the bracket progression and today’s performances, I’m predicting we’ll see Marcus Almeida face Jason Torres in the men’s final – a classic power vs. technique matchup that could foreshadow a future MMA rivalry.
For the women, Ana Carolina seems destined to face Maria Garcia in what would be a generational talent showcase. Both have expressed MMA ambitions, making this potential final even more significant for fight fans.
Watching the Action
The Absolute division finals are scheduled for 7 PM EST tonight and will be streaming on FloGrappling. For MMA fans unfamiliar with pure grappling competition, this is the perfect entry point – all the technique with added drama of weight disparities creating compelling visual narratives.
I’ll be updating this coverage throughout the day as the brackets advance toward the finals. Check back for results, highlights, and exclusive comments from the athletes themselves as we crown the most complete grapplers in the world – and quite possibly, future MMA champions.
What matches are you most excited to see? Drop a comment below and let me know which competitors you think have the best chance of making a successful transition to MMA!
