BJJ Stars 17 Set to Showcase Elite -70kg No-Gi Grand Prix & High-Profile Super Fights
São Paulo, Brazil – BJJ Stars 17 is poised to deliver a thrilling night of grappling action, headlined by an eight-man, -70kg No-Gi Grand Prix featuring a stacked field of competitors. The event, taking place [Date not specified in source, but implied to be soon], will also feature several highly anticipated super fights, drawing top talent from across the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world.
The -70kg No-Gi Grand Prix promises intense competition. Veteran ruan Alvarenga brings a wealth of experience, honed through years of competition including appearances at ADCC and on the ADXC circuit.Qualifier winner Julio Arantes enters with momentum and a reputation for hazardous leg locks, positioning him as a potential dark horse.
Though, much attention is focused on rising star Kalebe Pereira, a blue belt under the tutelage of manaus and Melqui Galvão at BJJ College. Pereira’s rapid development, benefiting from training alongside athletes like Mica Galvão and Diogo Reis, has made him a formidable opponent, and some competitors reportedly prefer to avoid facing him in the opening round. The full Grand Prix bracket includes Gabriel Sousa, Meyram Maquine, Lucas Canto, Kleber Barboza, Jhonatha Frazão, alongside Alvarenga, Arantes, and Pereira.
Beyond the Grand Prix, the event boasts a compelling lineup of super fights.Diego Sodré will face Rerisson Gabriel in a highly anticipated rematch, fueled by Sodré’s desire to avenge his teammate diogo Reis’s controversial loss to Gabriel at the IBJJF Pan finals – a defeat that ended Reis’s bid for a grand slam. This marks Gabriel’s first gi match as winning Pans, as he opted to skip the IBJJF Worlds, and he will be competing at featherweight after previously competing at light-feather.
Sodré, a consistent featherweight contender who secured a Worlds podium finish with a notable loop choke, recently joined the BJJ College program and views this match as a key opportunity to represent his new team.
The heavyweight division will also be prominently featured. Nolan Stuart, fresh off a breakout season at super-heavyweight culminating in a World finals appearance, will drop down to heavyweight to face Rider Zuchi. While Zuchi is a technically skilled black belt, the focus is on Stuart’s ability to translate his success from the higher weight class.
Another heavyweight clash will pit Fellipe Andrew against Leo Ferreira. Ferreira enjoyed a prosperous 2025 season, earning medals at major events including Worlds, and now faces his biggest challenge yet against the established veteran Andrew. Andrew, a highly decorated grappler, missed the entire 2025 IBJJF season and needs a strong performance to reaffirm his position in the division.
Rounding out the announced matchups are Gaius Gregory vs. Piter Frank, Jessica Carolina vs. Giovanah Oliveira,and Jose Victor vs. Maycon Gabriel.
BJJ Stars 17 Card:
* -70kg No-Gi Grand Prix: Gabriel Sousa, Meyram maquine, Ruan Alvarenga, Lucas Canto, Julio Arantes, Kleber Barboza, Kalebe Pereira, Jhonatha Frazão
* Diego Sodré vs. Rerisson Gabriel
* Leo Ferreria vs. Fellipe Andrew
* Nolan Stuart vs. Rider Zuchi
* Gaius Gregory vs. Piter Frank
* Jessica Carolina vs. Giovanah Oliveira
* Jose Victor vs. Maycon gabriel
