Sábatha Santos: “The crown doesn’t give me any advantage”
In an exclusive interview with VF Comunica, the 70kg World Pro champion and AJP No. 1 says she has to win it all over again as she defends her title in Abu Dhabi
The reigning World Pro champion at 70kg and No. 1 in the AJP world rankings, Sábatha Santos heads into the 2026 edition of the circuit’s biggest event without leaning on what she has already won. In an exclusive interview with VF Comunica, the Brazilian, who defends her title in Abu Dhabi in November, explained why being champion means nothing once the referee says fight.
“I can’t hold on to the fact that I’m the defending champion or the world No. 1. That’s part of my journey, but when I step on the mat, I have to win everything all over again,” she said.
From silver to gold in Abu Dhabi
Sábatha built her World Pro story step by step. In 2024, she took silver at 70kg. The next year, she returned to Mubadala Arena and won gold, the title she now puts on the line.
For her, wearing the crown changes nothing inside the match. “The crown doesn’t give me any advantage in the fight. It’s the work that prepares me to defend it,” she said.
Her form backs it up. Representing M.O.D UAE, Sábatha closed the circuit season with gold at 70kg at the Shanghai Grand Slam on October 17 and 18, ahead of Hungary’s Tamara Toros.
A legacy beyond medals
Sábatha also talked about how she wants to be remembered when she stops competing, and her answer had little to do with her medal count.
“I want to be remembered not only for the medals or titles I’ve won, but for the athlete I was, for my attitude, my discipline and the example I can leave for other women who dream of making a living from the sport,” she said.
The 18th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship takes place in November at Mubadala Arena, with a total prize pool of AED 3 million. VF Comunica is covering the event.
Do you think Sábatha can defend her title in Abu Dhabi? Let us know in the comments.
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