Roberto Jimenez has just stepped in to the middleweight grand prix at BJJ Stars 15 on just a few days’ notice. It’s a huge change that will really shake things up in the stacked tournament, as Jimenez will immediately be one of the top contenders. The rest of the lineup is equally impressive though, as the bracket includes multiple ADCC veterans and elite no gi competitors. Jimenez obviously hasn’t had any time to prepare for the tournament but like many competitors, he trains very hard all year round and is always ready to take advantage of opportunities like this when they arise.
Jimenez has replaced Gabriel Almeida in the lineup and although he will now be one of the favorites, there are some very tough matches waiting for him. Mica Galvao is his main opposition and Elijah Dorsey probably has the best chance outside of him, and Jimenez hasn’t faced either of them at black belt. They aren’t the only fresh opponents for him either, as Jimenez might end up facing new challenges from Oliver Taza, Rafael Paganini, or Jon ‘Thor’ Blank instead. His other two potential opponents waiting for him are both rematches and Jimenez will no doubt be eager to get revenge against both of them.
Jimenez has faced Isaque Bahiense twice in the past and lost both those matches on points, but they were both over three years ago now and Jimenez has improved a lot since then. Izaak Michell is the other rematch waiting for him and that was another loss on points, but in a more recent match. Jimenez and Michell met in the opening round of the Polaris 25 absolute grand prix in 2023 and it was Michell’s wrestling that proved to be the deciding factor. Jimenez definitely has the skills to beat anybody in the bracket and his addition to it should really shake things up.
BJJ Stars 15: The History, including the Roberto Jimenez and the rest of the middleweight grand prix, will be available to watch on April 26th, 2025 on FloGrappling, click here to subscribe and watch.
