Grappling Titan Xande Ribeiro Returns to Face 10th Planet’s ‘Boogeyman’ at WNO 27

The jiu-jitsu world is about to witness a collision of legendary proportions. Two-time ADCC champion Xande Ribeiro is stepping back onto the competitive mats to take on 10th Planet’s enigmatic wizard Richie “Boogeyman” Martinez at Who’s Number One 27 this April.

If you’re a grappling fan, you might want to sit down for this one.

A Clash of Jiu-Jitsu Philosophies

When I first heard about this matchup, I immediately thought: this is the definition of old school meeting new school. We’re talking about a stylistic war between Ribeiro’s fundamental, pressure-based Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Martinez’s unconventional 10th Planet rubber guard system.

Ribeiro, now 43, isn’t just any competitor. He’s royalty in the grappling world with multiple IBJJF World Championships and two ADCC gold medals to his name. His technical precision and methodical approach have made him one of the most respected figures in the sport’s history.

On the other side of the mat? The wildly creative Richie Martinez, a 10th Planet black belt known for his unpredictable style and submission-hunting mentality. The “Boogeyman” nickname isn’t just for show – his unorthodox attacks have been giving opponents nightmares for years.

Why This Match Matters

This isn’t just another high-level grappling match. This is a rare opportunity to witness a generational clash between contrasting jiu-jitsu philosophies:

• Traditional gi fundamentals vs. no-gi innovation
• Positional dominance vs. submission hunting
• Proven championship pedigree vs. creative evolution

For Ribeiro, this represents a chance to prove that fundamentals never go out of style. For Martinez, it’s an opportunity to show that evolution and creativity can overcome even the most seasoned technicians.

The Comeback Trail

Ribeiro has been selective with his competitive appearances in recent years, focusing primarily on teaching and developing the next generation of grapplers. His return to a high-profile event like WNO signals that he still has unfinished business on the competition mats.

What makes this particularly interesting is that Ribeiro isn’t taking an easy matchup for his return. Martinez represents a dangerous, unpredictable opponent who specializes in the very submission-oriented style that can threaten even the most fundamentally sound grapplers.

What To Expect When They Meet

When these two lock horns, expect a fascinating chess match. Ribeiro will likely look to establish his methodical pressure game, while Martinez will be hunting for opportunities to implement his creative submission attacks.

The question on everyone’s mind: will Ribeiro’s technical precision neutralize Martinez’s creative offense? Or will the Boogeyman find a way to catch the legend in one of his signature submissions?

This is exactly the kind of stylistic clash that makes jiu-jitsu so compelling. Two completely different approaches to the same martial art, with decades of combined experience between them.

Fan Reactions

The announcement has already set the grappling community abuzz. Longtime fans are excited to see Ribeiro back in action, while newer followers are eager to see if Martinez can add another big name to his list of victims.

As one Reddit user put it: “This is like watching a samurai duel a ninja. Two completely different weapons, same deadly intent.”

Mark Your Calendars

WNO 27 goes down this April, and this match alone makes it must-see viewing for any serious combat sports fan. Whether you’re team Xande or team Boogeyman, this clash promises technical brilliance, strategic depth, and potentially spectacular submissions.

Will experience triumph over innovation? Or will the new school claim another victim? Either way, the grappling world wins when legends collide.

Who’s your money on in this epic stylistic clash? Drop your predictions in the comments below!

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to this incredible matchup at WNO 27.