Counting Down to ADCC Orlando Open: Competitors Prepare for the Biggest Open in ADCC History, Less than 48 Hours to Weigh-Ins
World-class grapplers descend on Orlando for ADCC’s premier open event. The epic showdown in the Sunshine State includes BJJ champions, Maggie (Grindatti) Lira, Jasmine Rocha, Ana Talita Alencar and Sophia Cassella in the advanced women’s division
Story by Evelyn Sutton
The grappling world is buzzing with excitement as the highly anticipated ADCC Orlando Open 2023 draws near. This weekend, Orlando, Florida, will play host to one of the most prestigious and thrilling grappling events in the world. With an impressive lineup of athletes, intense competition, and the promise of spectacular matches, this event is set to captivate both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the sport.
ADCC: A Legacy of Excellence
The Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) is renowned for its top-tier grappling competitions, featuring athletes from around the globe. These tournaments are where elite grapplers come to test their skills and vie for championship titles. The ADCC World Championships are perhaps the most famous, but the Open events offer competitors another avenue to showcase their talents. These tournaments offer hopefuls the opportunity to earn an invitation to the ADCC Trials, where they can battle it out for a spot in the prestigious ADCC World Championships.
This weekend, all eyes are on Orlando. This vibrant city, known for its theme parks and sunny weather, will serve as the backdrop for fierce battles on the mats. Competitors from various weight divisions and grappling backgrounds will converge in Orlando, each with their own unique story and aspirations. Expect to see seasoned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts, wrestling champions, judo practitioners, and more, all coming together to test their mettle. This diversity in styles and techniques makes for a captivating and dynamic competition, as competitors draw from their individual strengths and skills.
During a recent live on IG, we had the opportunity to ask ADCC’s President Mo Jassim about his reaction to the turnout for the Orlando event with 1400 competitors, it is the biggest open in ADCC history. “I’m very happy with the turnout for this event. ADCC continues to grow, and it’s all thanks to the incredible support from our fans and the dedicated athletes. A big thank you to Orlando! We’re in for an exceptional show.”
Mo also emphasized ADCC’s commitment to expanding the kids and women’s divisions, stating, “Our current focus lies on fostering the growth of our kids and women’s categories. This year, we introduced a new weight class in the women’s division to provide more athletes with opportunities to compete, and our goal is to continue supporting women in the world of Jiu-Jitsu.”
In June of this year, ADCC made a significant announcement by officially introducing a third women’s division. This decision by the ADCC Committee was driven by the increasing number of women participating in grappling sports worldwide. As a result, the weight classes for the women’s division have been adjusted to accommodate this exciting change:
- Women -55 kg [NEW]
- Women -65 kg
- Women +65 kg
“I’m very happy with the turnout for this event. ADCC continues to grow, and it’s all
Mo Jassim, ADCC
thanks to the incredible support from our fans and the dedicated athletes. A big thank you to Orlando! We’re in for an exceptional show.”
The ADCC Open events have long been a stepping stone for emerging talents seeking to make their mark in the world of grappling. With the Orlando Open featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, it offers a glimpse into the future of the sport. Keep an eye on the competitors who make a name for themselves during this event, as they could be the ones to watch in the years to come.
We will be closely following the action in the advanced women’s divisions, with a keen eye on our crowd favorite champions, including Maggie (Grindatti) Lira, Jasmine Rocha, Ana Talita Alencar, and Sophia Cassella, known for consistently delivering exceptional matches. In the intermediate division, Florida’s rising stars – Yashira Millayes, Maria Plata, Claudia Garaiacu – and many more, who regularly participate in the local competition circuit, will proudly represent the Sunshine State.
A Celebration of Grappling Excellence
The ADCC Orlando Open 2023 promises to be a celebration of grappling excellence. As competitors gear up for the challenges ahead, the stage is set for a weekend of intense battles, unforgettable moments, and the forging of new champions.
Stay tuned as we cover the event and bring you updates on the results, standout performances, and the remarkable stories that will undoubtedly emerge from this epic showdown in the Sunshine State. Whether you’re a lifelong grappling enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, the ADCC Orlando Open is an event not to be missed.
Live and Online Viewing
If you can’t make it to Orlando in person, don’t worry. ADCC provides live streaming options for grappling fans worldwide. You can follow the action from the comfort of your home and witness every thrilling moment as it unfolds. Watch on FloGrappling
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