Anabel Lopez takes on the new wave at The Crown
A veteran of the super heavyweight division faces one of the sport’s rising names in the first round this Sunday
Anabel Lopez and Hazel Butcher-Salazar open the women’s super heavyweight bracket at The Crown 2026 this Sunday, November 8, at the Pyramid in Long Beach, California. It is a clash between a veteran black belt and one of the sport’s rising names.
“I’m expecting a tough and exciting matchup with Hazel. It’s also cool to be at this stage of my career, now being one of the more veteran black belts and facing this new wave of talent coming through. I love seeing how the level is evolving, and I’m excited to test myself against in the Gi again. Starting with a win would be a great first step towards the title, and that’s exactly what I’m coming for!” Lopez told VF Comunica.
Butcher says she isn’t changing a thing.
“I think it’s going to be an amazing match. I am not changing anything in my game, since what I have been doing has been working out for me, I am going in with my all and going to give it everything I have. I think the key will be to use my technique and speed while also knowing when to put the pressure down.”
The division also features three-time Crown champion Gabi Pessanha, Larissa Dias and Yara Soares. Like every bracket in the Crown 2026 brackets, it has eight athletes, and the winner takes home $20,000.
Who gets the first win: Lopez’s experience or Butcher’s speed?
VF Comunica’s coverage of The Crown is presented by Kingz.
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