Favorites and contenders: Previewing the 77kg division at the 2024 ADCC World Championships
The 2024 ADCC World Championships take place on August 17-18 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Grappling Insider will be previewing every division at the event. Check out a preview of the 66kg division here, the 88kg division here, and the 99kg division here.
Of all the men’s divisions that saw athletes switching from ADCC to CJI, the 77kg division saw the most movement. Still, despite losing reigning ADCC champion Kade Ruotolo, as well as five of the eight Trials winners, the bracket has plenty of top talent.
On paper, the 77kg division looks like returning silver medalist Mica Galvao’s to lose. However, he’ll have to deal with no shortage of legitimate tests on his way, including a number of ADCC medal winners and rising stars poised to make their mark.
Before we dive into the bracket, check out the full lineup of grapplers at 77kg below. View the full roster of athletes to compete at the ADCC World Championships here.
Men’s 77kg
- Elijah Dorsey (East Coast Trials winner)
- JT Torres (invite)
- Luiz Paolo (1st South American Trials winner)
- Alexandre “Robinho” de Jesus (2nd South American Trials winner)
- Jonnatas Gracie (invite)
- PJ Barch (invite)
- Dante Leon (invite)
- Oliver Taza (invite)
- Mateusz Szczecinski (invite)
- Davi Ramos (invite)
- Mica Galvao (invite)
- Garry Tonon (invite)
- Isaque Bahiense (invite)
- Fabio Caloi (invite)
- Jeremy Skinner (invite)
- Max Hanson (invite)
Favorites: Mica Galvao, Dante Leon
While 77kg is typically the hardest ADCC division to predict, things are a bit different this year. With that said, Brazilian phenom Mica Galvao and decorated veteran Dante Leon stand out as clear favorites.
As the reigning Who’s Number One (WNO) welterweight champion who has enjoyed a sensational year so far competing in both gi and no-gi, Galvao might just be the sport’s top pound-for-pound grappler. Galvao is dangerous from every position, whether it be standing, from his guard, or passing. What’s more, he’s an expert counter-fighter who can jump on a submission at a moment’s notice.
Leon, though, might be the man to take out the heavily favored Galvao. At the 2022 ADCC World Championships, Leon dropped a narrow, somewhat controversial loss to Galvao in the semifinals. Since then, Leon has established himself as a pound-for-pound contender and was named Grappling Insider’s 2023 Male Grappler of the Year. Like Galvao, Leon has no real weak spots and, with multiple ADCC appearances on his resume, has an experience edge over the Brazilian.
Contenders: PJ Barch, Jonnatas Gracie, JT Torres
PJ Barch enjoyed a breakout performance at ADCC 2022 where he defeated Tommy Langaker and former two-time ADCC champion JT Torres to make it the semifinals where he would lose to eventual champion Kade Ruotolo. The respected 10th Planet veteran is a talented takedown artist and back-taker with elite leg lock skills to match. If he’s able to put it all together over the course of two days, Barch could easily find himself on the podium.
Atos representative Jonnatas Gracie has enjoyed an incredible rise through the world of no-gi competition, boasting victories over the likes of Nicky Ryan, Jay Rodriguez, and Jacob Couch. A physically imposing athlete and master tactician, Gracie is incredibly difficult to score on and will be one of the division’s biggest athletes.
Finally, fans should keep an eye on two-time ADCC champion JT Torres. Despite suffering a handful of defeats against elite opposition in the past few years, Torres remains a force to be reckoned with. His blend of solid wrestling and dominant, pressure-based guard passing, coupled with his ample experience under the ADCC rule set, makes him a threat to see the podium yet again.
Dark horses: Mateusz Szczecinski, Isaque Bahiense, Elijah Dorsey
Poland’s Mateusz Szczecinski is arguably the division’s most dangerous leg locker, and for that reason alone, stands to make waves at 77kg. At ADCC 2022, he scored an upset win over William Tackett and could do more bracket-busting this time around.
Also, fans should never count out decorated veteran black belt Isaque Bahiense. The Brazilian has competed against the best in the world in practically every rule set, and after making a pair of strong runs at the South American Trials, could make another run here.
Finally, East Coast Trials winner Elijah Dorsey could make a statement at ADCC 2024. The Lloyd Irvin black belt showcased his top-tier wrestling and expert guard passing at Trials, and if he’s able to put those same skills to work again, he’s likely to take out some more established veterans.
How to watch: The 2024 ADCC World Championships take place on August 17-18 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will air live on FloGrappling (subscription required).
