Favorites and contenders: Previewing the +99kg 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 77kg division here, the 88kg division here, and the 99kg division here.
With Gordon Ryan out of the division competing in two separate superfights, this bracket seems to be wide open. Former ADCC Absolute Champion Felipe Pena may be a slight favorite thanks to his success at the highest levels of professional grappling.
Hungry contenders such as Dan Manasoiu and Roosevelt Sousa highlight a group of elite competitors. There are plenty of potential bracket-busters as well. +99 kg could be one of the most unpredictable divisions of the weekend.
Below we look at the favorites, contenders, and dark horses of the +99 kg. division at the 2024 ADCC World Championships. View the full list of competitors from every division here.
Men’s 99kg+
- Heikki Jussila (1st European Trials winner)
- Mark Mcqueen (2nd European Trials winner)
- Dan Manasoiu (East Coast Trials winner)
- Josh Saunders (1st Asia & Oceania Trials winner)
- Victor Honorio (2nd South American Trials winner)
- Mike Perez (West Coast Trials winner)
- Luke Griffith (1st European Trials winner at 99kg)
- John Hansen (invite)
- Mansur Makhmakhanov (2nd Asia & Oceania Trials Winner)
- Felipe Pena (invite)
- Vince Pezzuto (invite)
- Vinny Magalhaes (invite)
- Roosevelt Sousa (invite)
- Haisam Rida (invite)
- Brandon Reed (invite)
- Damon Ramos (invite)
The Favorites: Felipe Pena, Dan Manasoiu, Roosevelt Souza
2017 ADCC Absolute Champion Felipe Pena is still one of the toughest guys to deal with. An expert guard player who specializes in taking the back has so much experience in the ADCC ruleset.
Pena has a chance to capture three gold medals as he also plans to compete in the open class, and he is scheduled to face Gordon Ryan in a super fight. This marks the fourth time the two will meet. Pena holds two victories over Ryan.
For being such a massive man, “Big” Dan Manasoiu plays a very diverse game. Though he is skilled everywhere, Manasoiu has a deadly leg lock game. A two-time ADCC Trials Champion, Manasoiu is trying to reach the podium in his second trip to the ADCC World Championships.
IBJJF World Champion and 2022 ADCC World Championships bronze medalist Roosevelt Sousa looks to reach the podium once again. Sousa has slick leg locks and a proven style in this ruleset.
The Contenders: Victor Honorio, John Hansen, Josh Saunders
Making his second ADCC World Championship appearance, Victor Honorio brings with him a wealth of black belt experience. He won the second ADCC South American Trials earlier this year. With solid wrestling and expert passing, Honorio has a style that could see him make a deep run in this bracket.
John Hansen will be competing in his third ADCC World Championships, making him one of the most experienced competitors in this bracket. Hansen’s blend of wrestling and BJJ will make him a tough draw for anyone in the tournament.
Josh Saunders is one of the most physically imposing men in the tournament. A two-time ADCC Asia and Oceania Trials winner, Saunders pushes a blistering pace while hunting for bout ending submissions.
Dark Horses: Haisam Rida, Brandon Reed, Mike Perez
Although he has hit a bit of a rough patch as of late, Haisam Rida could be a bracket-buster. He had one of the most shocking submissions at the 2022 ADCC World Championships when he submitted former champion Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu with a lightning-quick armbar.
Brandon Reed possesses some of the most elite wrestling in this division. He had a very impressive run to a bronze medal at the West Coast Trials. Reed has the right skillset to shock some people at ADCC 2024.
Michael Perez may be the smallest participant in the bracket but as shown at the West Coast trials do not count him out. Perez won 6 bouts to win the trials and punch his ticket to ADCC 2024. Perez has a very well-rounded style that allows him to excel in this ruleset.
How to watch: The 2024 ADCC World Championships take place on August 17-18 and will air live on FloGrappling (subscription required).