BJJ Stars 8: Previewing the loaded 8-man gi grand prix
BJJ Stars 8 takes place on Saturday, April 30, and in addition to a number of ADCC-rules no-gi matches, the event will also feature a stacked eight-man gi grand prix. That grand prix includes a number of the best competitors in the world, including phenom Mica Galvao, seven-time IBJJF world champion Leandro Lo, and multiple-time gi and no-gi world champion Lucas Barbosa.
View the full BJJ Stars 8 gi grand prix lineup below:
- Leandro Lo
- Isaque Bahiense*
- Leonardo Lara
- Mica Galvao
- Pedro Machado
- Roberto Jimenez
- Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa
- Mauricio Oliveira
Among the field, Lo is the most accomplished competitor by a significant margin. At 32-years old, it may be tempting to write Lo off as past his prime, but a quick look at his recent competition results reveals that he is very much still a world-class jiu-jitsu player. Lo holds recent notable wins over Jansen Gomes, Otavio Sousa, and, at BJJ Stars 4, fellow grand prix competitor Isaque Bahiense.
Bahiense* will be another competitor to watch, and he’ll certainly be looking forward to avenging his loss to Lo. Bahiense has been on a tear lately, with his lone loss in the past year coming to top pound-for-pound competitor Tainan Dalpra in finals of the 2021 Worlds. He is an excellent guard passer and tactician — skills that will serve him well in these points-based matches.
Teenage phenom Mica Galvao might be the most interesting grand prix competitor. Although most of his success has recently come in no-gi competition, Galvao is no stranger to the gi. Watch to see how Galvao adapts his explosive, submission-hunting style to the slower pace of the gi.
Finally, a couple dark horse competitors are worth mentioning. Recent ADCC Trials winner is one of jiu-jitsu’s most entertaining athletes; his all-offense approach and incredible back-takes make him a threat to everyone. Also, Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa was a 2021 IBJJF World champion and holds a recent (no-gi) win over Lo.
*Bahiense has withdrawn from the grand prix, and has been replaced by Wallisson Oliveira.
How to watch: BJJ Stars 8 takes place on Saturday, April 30 at 5:00 PM CT and will air live on FloGrappling (subscription required).
