BJJ News · 2026-09-14 · TATSU WEAR Editorial
Felipe Pena became the first athlete to win two ADCC absolute titles, submitting Roosevelt Sousa via rear-naked choke in the 2026 absolute final in Krakow after four matches and three submissions.
What Happened
ADCC 2026 absolute bracket ran Sep. 13 at Tauron Arena, Krakow. Felipe Pena (Brazil) opened with an overtime smother over Francis Pana, beat Eoghan O’Flanagan 3-0 in quarters, and edged Abdulaev Ruslan via smother in the semi. In the final he weathered leg attacks from Roosevelt Sousa, took the back, and finished via rear-naked choke.
The win made Pena the first double absolute champion in ADCC history, echoing his 2017 absolute final over Gordon Ryan. Sousa had beaten Tommy Langaker (RNC), Felipe Costa (calf slicer), and Marlon Tajik (smother) to reach the final. The absolute had drawn heat for ticket prices ($54-$972) but delivered elite no-gi grappling.
Why It Matters
Pena’s history at ADCC is now singular — two absolutes puts him atop the no-gi GOAT debate alongside Gordon Ryan’s absence drama (Ryan was jumped Day 1, three suspended per MMA Mania). For Sousa, silver in absolute after a tough heavyweight run shows his leg-lock game translates at open weight.
The Details
- Event: ADCC 2026 Absolute — Sep. 13, 2026, Krakow, Poland
- Result: Final — Felipe Pena def. Roosevelt Sousa via rear-naked choke
- Record: Pena first double absolute champion; 4 matches, 3 submissions this absolute run
- Other absolutes: Pena’s path — Pana, O’Flanagan, Abdulaev, Sousa
What’s Next
Pena’s next super-fight could be Kaynan Duarte vs. Yuri Simoes fallout — Duarte was also in 99kg. For fans, absolute highlights plus Victor Hugo’s +99kg gold complete the heavyweight picture.
Sources: FloGrappling — Pena makes history, BJJ Heroes