7 of the BEST matches of the first round of the ADCC 2024

The full standings for ADCC are finally here! Now that all the paths to gold are finally known, it’s sure to be a weekend of some of the most exciting grappling action in the world. While all the later rounds are sure to be full of exciting encounters and intriguing rivalries, the first round is sure to be crazy as well.

We’ve picked out some of our favorite pairings for the very first round of the ADCC, which begins tomorrow, Saturday the 17th, at 10:00 a.m. PST.

Achilles Rocha vs Jay Rodriguez

– This could be the most action-packed fight of the entire tournament, and the first round goes to the -88kg category. Jay Rod is an ADCC veteran who thrives in chaotic back-and-forth battles that are as full of pace and scrambles as they are incredible technique. Achilles is the same way, either ending fights early (he holds the record for the fastest WNO submission ever) or getting involved in a brawl that gets the crowd going. There’s just no way these two don’t deliver fireworks together, especially early on when the crowd brings the energy. Achilles has a real knack for working explosive armbars out of scrambles, and Jay has an insane ability to never tap out on armbars – a dynamic worth watching.

Mike Perez vs Josh Saunders

– The ultimate wild card in this category is Mike Perez, as the 185 lb. competitor has fought his way to the top, winning the trials at +99 to earn his shot here. First round? The hulking Australian Saunders, fresh off a WNO title fight, recently promoted to black belt, and with plenty of momentum. Perez brings speed, athleticism, and a tough attitude that pushes him forward against any opponent. Will that be enough against Saunders, who is as active and athletically gifted as anyone in this division? Let’s see, first round. There’s a chance we’ll see speed and grappling in this fight that we don’t see in the rest of the 185 lb. division.

Mica Galvao vs Luiz Paulo

-We have some exciting moments in the first round of the ADCC in the -77kg class. Mica and Luiz trained together until Luiz left the Melqui Galvao team with Fabricio Andrey and Brenda Larissa until they left a few years ago. Now they meet in the first round of the ADCC. Mica is certainly the man to beat here in this class – and could seriously challenge for double gold – but it has to start with someone who knows him and his game very well. Luiz got here by running the gauntlet at the South American Trials and for the last few years he just needed a chance to prove how good he is. Now that chance comes against Mica.

Mateusz Szczecinski vs Garry Tonon

-The world’s most exciting grappler is back and ready to make another highlight reel run through ADCC. First, though, he faces one of the best modern leg closers. Garry was an OG in the leg closer game, part of the Danaher Death Squad that popularized the lower body attacks that revolutionized the sport. Mateusz took the straight ankle and revolutionized the submission lock and put it back on the map. These are two exciting, influential leg closers who have never met before, and now they get to square off in the first round at ADCC.

Michael Pixley vs Vinicius Trator

– This is a very interesting style matchup, pitting wrestler Pixley against pressure fighter Trator in a fight that could be an early upset for the 2019 silver medalist. Pixley won the West Coast Trials and brings a style that will be difficult to handle given his amazing takedown skills. Trator is as clever and experienced as can be, so some decent gameplay will be crucial to his chances of making a better run early on.

Amanda Leve vs. Ana Carolina Vieira

-Amanda and Ana are the two biggest, strongest, and most physically powerful women in the division and they face each other in the first round! Ana and Amanda, two brawlers who are used to moving people back and forth on the mat, will likely meet in the middle and settle things. One important factor in this fight: has Amanda recovered sufficiently from her traumatic knee injury at the Trials? Whoever wins this fight will likely have many advantages in every other fight this weekend and could very well win.

Dorian Olivarez vs. Gairbeg Ibragimov

– Crazy wrestling battle in round one! Dorian is a high school national champion who won the trials and has become a popular favorite for a medal among grappling fans and insiders. There is no easy path in the -66 kg class, but he has acquired a very interesting opponent for round one for his debut – Dagestani wrestling specialist Gairbeg Ibragimov. These are possibly the two most renowned wrestlers in the field and they will face off immediately. How will they match up? Can Dorian use his speed and close combat to put pressure on Gairbeg, or will Gairbeg be able to counterattack and control the fight?