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Erich Munis is the target: Fran plots a historic upset

The three-time champion of the division faces Papasidero in the first round, and Fran says he has a plan for a historic upset

Erich Munis is the target: Fran plots a historic upset
Foto: Divulgação | IBJJF

Erich Munis begins his chase for a fourth ultra heavyweight title at The Crown 2026 this Sunday, November 8, at the Pyramid in Long Beach, California, against Francisco “Fran” Papasidero.

“Every competition has its challenges. I know my potential and I believe in the work I’m doing. The most important thing, I do every day, which is to put it in God’s hands. Now it’s time to work and have fun,” Munis told VF Comunica.

Papasidero did not hold back.

“Ive been training for over 12 years for moments like this, I’ve always wanted to face the best guys in the world and here we are. Whether that’s in the first round or in the finals, doesn’t change anything for me. Erich is the best P4P in the world right now. It’s definitely going to be a difficult match for sure, we have a plan that I’m gonna try to execute. If everything goes according to plan this could potentially be one of the biggest upsets in Jiu Jitsu history. Can’t wait.”

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The winner faces Alexander Sak or Matheus Vetoraci in the semifinals, according to the Crown 2026 brackets.

Does Munis hold serve, or does Papasidero pull off the upset?

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

Vitor Freitas
Written by Vitor Freitas

Vitor Freitas is a journalist who has covered Jiu-Jitsu for more than 15 years, with interviews, news stories and a presence at the sport’s biggest events around the world. In 2022, he created VF Comunica.

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