Keanna Klay, black belt rookie, takes on Ághata at The Crown
In her first year at black belt, the Gracie Barra athlete says she won’t let this opportunity slip away
Keanna Klay opens the women’s lightweight division at The Crown 2026 this Sunday, November 8, at the Pyramid in Long Beach, California, against Ághata Rabelo. In her first year at black belt, the Gracie Barra athlete took bronze at the 2026 Pans and now faces a CheckMat opponent who won brown belt World titles in both gi and no-gi.
“I really trust my game and the work I’ve been doing. I know Ághata is a great athlete and I respect everything she has achieved, but no matter who’s on the other side, I’m going in to give everything I have. This is a huge opportunity in my career, and I’m not willing to let it pass. At the end of the day, every match is just a match, and what matters is what each of us does on the mat,” Klay told VF Comunica.
The winner faces defending champion Sarah Galvão or Giovanah Oliveira in the semifinals, according to the Crown 2026 brackets.
Can Klay beat Rabelo in the first round?
VF Comunica’s coverage of The Crown is presented by Kingz.
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