Two of the top competitors from AOJ (Art of Jiu-Jitsu) have been booked to compete in superfights at the upcoming IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix 2023 on September 1st, 2023. Neither one of them has an easy match ahead of them though, as they’re both booked against tough opposition from their respective weight classes. This isn’t surprising though, as the two superfights that have already been announced for the event feature some fantastic competitors. Although the main attraction will undoubtedly be the absolute tournament that’s taking place at the event, the superfights at IBJJF Grand Prix events always produce memorable moments too.
Tainan Dalpra was the first to be announced and although he reigned over the middleweight division for several years as the undisputed king, he was recently dethroned by Jansen Gomes at the IBJJF World Championship 2023. He hasn’t the opportunity to get his revenge against Gomes just yet, but he’s been booked in a match against Yan Paiva for this event. He’s won every single match since Gomes handed him his first loss in IBJJF competition, including a flawless performance at the IBJJF Asian Championship 2023. Another win here will go some way towards re-establishing his place at the top of the division as he prepares to reclaim his world title.
The second AOJ competitor who’s been matched up in a superfight at the IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix 2023 is Johnatha Alves. He’s a veteran BJJ black belt who’s been winning at the highest level for quite some time now, but his most recent achievement came at the IBJJF World Championship 2023 when he won the lightweight division. He’s been matched up against the bronze medalist from that division who he actually beat in his semi-final match, Jackson Nagai. Although Alves has beaten Nagai recently, it was an incredibly close match where neither man was able to score any points and Alves only won on advantages.
