While the women’s lightweight division is set to deliver an electrifying showcase, the middleweight male division at the 2025 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship is equally stacked with some of the most dangerous competitors in the sport. Fans can expect a fierce battle for gold as a mix of established champions and rising contenders step onto the mats, ready to make their mark in one of the most exciting divisions of the tournament.
The Contenders: A Battle of Elite Grapplers
This year’s middleweight division is packed with high-caliber black belts, each bringing their unique style and skill set. Here are the top names to watch:
- Tainan Dalpra – One of the most dominant middleweights of recent years, Dalpra is known for his impeccable guard passing, relentless pressure, and technical brilliance. He enters the tournament as a strong favorite to take home gold.
- Pedro Maia – A well-rounded competitor with both excellent guard retention and a lethal submission arsenal, Maia has the potential to shake up the division with his dynamic style.
- Andy Murasaki – A powerhouse competitor, Murasaki is known for his aggressive takedowns, high-paced passing, and submission threats. His exciting style makes him a serious contender for the podium.
- Rolando Samson – With his explosive movement and strong wrestling background, Samson is a dangerous opponent in any matchup. His ability to dictate the pace makes him a dark horse in this bracket.
- Gabriel Galvao – A rising star in the middleweight ranks, Galvao’s technical precision and strong positional control make him a force to be reckoned with.
- Wallisson Oliveira – Known for his relentless attack style and dangerous submission game, Oliveira is another competitor who could surprise many and make a deep run in the division.
- Gabriel Avila – Avila is a well-balanced fighter with a mix of strong positional control and finishing ability. He has the tools to challenge the best in the division.
- Tarik Hopstock – Hopstock’s creative game and deep submission knowledge set him apart. If he can impose his game early, he could be a major threat to more seasoned opponents.
- Elijah Pizarro – A competitor with solid fundamentals and an unpredictable attack style, Pizarro could make waves if he finds his rhythm in the tournament.
What to Expect
The middleweight division is often one of the most explosive at the Pan Championship, and 2025 is no exception. With a mix of high-level guard players, aggressive passers, and submission hunters, this bracket promises to deliver edge-of-your-seat action.
The key question is: Can Tainan Dalpra continue his reign of dominance, or will one of these elite challengers step up and dethrone him?
One thing is certain—every match in this division will be a war. Expect fast-paced transitions, technical battles, and highlight-reel finishes as these athletes go head-to-head for Pan gold.
A Must-Watch Division
With so much talent on display, the men’s middleweight bracket is one of the divisions you won’t want to miss. Whether it’s Dalpra’s calculated dominance, Murasaki’s relentless pressure, or an underdog rising to the occasion, this is going to be one of the most thrilling storylines of the 2025 Pan Championship.
Who’s your pick for gold? Will Dalpra continue his streak, or will a new champion emerge? Let us know your thoughts!