The Crown 2026: five matchups that could happen in Long Beach
The bracket is not out yet, but the IBJJF draw could set up Mica Galvão vs. Rafael Gamba, Thierry Felipe vs. Seif Houmine and a rematch in the women’s lightweight division
The IBJJF has not released the brackets for The Crown 2026 yet, but a few possible matchups are already building hype. The event takes place on November 8 at the Pyramid in Long Beach, California, with 48 invited black belts across six divisions and eight athletes in each bracket.
Since every matchup depends on the draw, nothing is set. VF Comunica picked five fights that could happen that night, each with history, rivalry or a generational clash behind it.
Mica Galvão vs. Rafael Gamba: the debutant against the rising star
Mica Galvão makes his first appearance at The Crown in Long Beach and comes in as one of the big favorites at middleweight.
On the other side could be Rafael Gamba of Alliance. He wrapped up a 2026 season with European, Brazilian Nationals and World titles, earned his black belt after that run, and will have his first fight at the new rank at The Crown.
Even with Mica as the favorite, Gamba is not walking in as an underdog. “It’s not a superhero against a regular human being,” Gamba told VF Comunica.
Tarcisio Santos vs. José Steve: the new generation collides
Also at middleweight, another possible matchup pits two names from the new generation against each other. At 20 years old, Tarcisio Santos comes in on a roll, with three open class titles at IBJJF Opens and wins over Jonnatas Gracie, Francisco Papasidero and Andy Murasaki.
Belgium’s José Steve is in his second season as a black belt and already has silver medals at the Europeans and Brazilian Nationals, plus a bronze at the Worlds.
Leo Ferreira vs. Fellipe Andrew: a rivalry that could get a new chapter
At heavyweight, Leonardo “Leo” Ferreira has already said who he wants in The Crown final: Fellipe Andrew. The two have met before at BJJ Stars, and Leo feels there is unfinished business.
“Our match at BJJ Stars left some questions unanswered,” Leo told VF Comunica.
Fellipe Andrew was the first name the IBJJF announced in the heavyweight division. A two-time world champion, he won the open class at the 2021 Worlds and the heavyweight title in 2023. The draw will decide whether the rematch happens.
Thierry Felipe vs. Seif Houmine: the debutant against the world champion
Thierry Felipe heads to The Crown after winning an open class title in his very first tournament as a black belt.
At ultra-heavyweight, he could run into France’s Seif Houmine of GF Team, the reigning world champion in the division. At 38, Seif is also making his Crown debut, and he holds this season’s European, Pan and World titles. He recently explained his Worlds belt gesture to VF Comunica.
It’s a matchup that could shake up the division.
Sabrina Gondim vs. Janaína Lebre: a rematch in sight
In the women’s lightweight division, the draw could set up a rematch from last year. At The Crown 2025, Janaína Lebre submitted Sabrina Gondim with an ezekiel choke in the quarterfinals.
Now Sabrina returns to lightweight as the reigning featherweight world champion, and a second meeting between the two could be one of the most anticipated fights of the night.
The IBJJF draw will decide it
All of these matchups depend on the bracket draw, which the IBJJF has yet to release. Until then, VF Comunica will keep following every update on The Crown 2026, with full athlete profiles on our athletes page.
Which of these fights do you most want to see in Long Beach? Let us know in the comments.
Read more:
- Erich Munis completes The Crown 2026 field, chases a fourth title
- Natan Chueng replaces Jackson Nagai at the 2026 Crown
- Sam Nagai promises no steroids, no stalling at The Crown
VF Comunica’s coverage of The Crown is presented by Kingz.
Original story by VF Comunica, published at vfcomunica.com. Reproduction allowed only with credit and a link to the source.
