Pedro Machado vs Anderson Kauan: “We’re ready for war”

Pedro Machado and Anderson Kauan open the ultra heavyweight bracket at The Crown 2026 this Sunday, November 8, at the Pyramid in Long Beach, California. It is an all-Brazilian first round, and both men used the same word to describe it: war.

Machado usually competes at heavyweight and told VF Comunica he spent the last few weeks adjusting his game for a heavier division.

“In this bracket, every match is a final. My biggest goal is always to impose my game, no matter who I’m facing. I’ve been able to improve a lot over the last few weeks and adjust some things to fight the heavier guys. Sunday is one more day of battle, and we’re ready for war,” he said.

Kauan, who joined the bracket as a replacement, took silver at the 2026 Pans and reached the open-class semifinals at Worlds, where he lost to Erich Munis.

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“My confidence is very high. I’m happy to have the chance to compete at an event that brings together the best in the world. Every athlete in the bracket is being studied closely, and I believe the first match against Pedro will be a good war,” Kauan said.

The winner faces Thierry Felipe or reigning World Champion Seif Houmine in the semifinals, according to the Crown 2026 brackets.

Who takes the all-Brazilian opener: Machado or Kauan?

VF Comunica’s coverage of The Crown is presented by Kingz.