BJJ Stars 17 has just been announced and the latest edition of the popular event will feature a men’s featherweight no gi grand prix contested under ADCC rules. The promotion regularly attracts some of the best grapplers in the world but they also give huge opportunities to rising stars from Brazil too. They’ve achieved that by holding a qualifier tournament for a spot in the main bracket, and that’s going to take place on August 21st, 2025. There’s no confirmation yet on when the final tournament will go down, but it’s tentatively scheduled for some point before the end of the year.
The qualifier tournament is fully booked though, and the 8 Brazilian grapplers fighting for the first invite have already been announced. Judo and BJJ black belt Rodrigo Braga is one of the top contenders, as is professional MMA fighter Jhonatha Frazao. Fabio Gurgel black belt Hoanes Minasian is another one who will be very tough to beat, while Julio Arantes has had some great performances lately that could signal him as a potential winner too. Luiz Comuna and Kleber Barboza are also in the bracket and they could make good runs if things go their way on the day, as both of them are talented grapplers.
Thyago Santana is the final adult in the bracket was only recently promoted to black belt after an excellent brown belt run, but he isn’t even the greenest prospect competing. That honour goes to Isaque Lima, the 15 year-old training under Melqui Galvao who could have a breakthrough moment if he wins the tournament. The qualifier tournament is sure to be action-packed and unpredictable, but nothing can compare to the main event. BJJ Stars will be inviting 7 of the best competitors in the world for their qualifier to face, and they’ll be adding a series of excellent superfights to the card as always.
The featherweight grand prix at BJJ Stars 17 will be available to watch live on FloGrappling, click here to subscribe and watch.
