Lucas Protasio says the World Pro is special because it brings together the best athletes in the world
The current champion in the under 77kg division talks to VF Comunica about the Abu Dhabi tournament, which has registration open until October 25
Lucas Protasio, the current world champion in the under 77kg division, spoke exclusively to VF Comunica about what makes the World Pro different from other tournaments on the international calendar. The World Pro is the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held every year in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.
Protasio said the World Pro is special because it brings together the best athletes in the world. For him, it is a chance to test his level, to represent his work and to live a unique experience in jiu-jitsu.
Who is Lucas Protasio
The Brazilian black belt is 26 years old and is one of the most consistent athletes on the tour of the AJP, the organization that runs the World Pro. He was the champion of the ranking in the 2021/2022 season. He also finished the 2024/2025 season as number 1 in the professional black belt ranking, according to the AJP.
In an interview with the AJP website in 2023, Protasio said the tour made it possible for him to make a living from jiu-jitsu and to visit countries in Europe and Asia while competing.
World Pro 2026: dates and registration
The World Pro 2026 takes place from November 19 to 21 at the Mubadala Arena, in Abu Dhabi. With big names together in the Emirates, the tournament is still one of the main stages for athletes who want to test themselves at the highest level. Registration is open until October 25, and the event has more than US$ 800,000 in prizes.
In the race to Abu Dhabi, Felipe Bezerra leads the AJP ranking in the under 120kg division.
Read also: Rodolfo Vieira and the story of the “black belt hunter” at the World Pro.
Is the World Pro the hardest tournament on the calendar? Leave your opinion in the comments.
