Natan Chueng replaces Jackson Nagai at the 2026 Crown
The 2026 world silver medalist from Unity Jiu-Jitsu steps in on three weeks’ notice at middleweight in Long Beach
2026 world middleweight silver medalist Natan Chueng is the newest name at the 2026 Crown. The IBJJF announced on Wednesday that the Unity Jiu-Jitsu black belt is replacing Jackson Nagai, who is out of the event, set for November 8 at the Long Beach Pyramid in California.
Chueng stepped up on just three weeks’ notice. The IBJJF did not say why Nagai withdrew and explained that Chueng earned the invitation with his run at this year’s Worlds, where he took silver.
Under the announcement, Chueng wrote: “I’m so happy to be part of this big event, thanks so much @ibjjf let’s go!”
The run that earned the invite
At Worlds in May, Chueng choked Tommy Langaker from the back in the quarterfinals, then beat José Steve by referee decision in the semifinal after a tight match with two advantages each. In the final, he was submitted by Tainan Dalpra, who took the back and finished every opponent in the bracket the same way.
A possible rematch with José Steve
With Chueng in, the Crown middleweight field is Mica Galvão, Andy Murasaki, Tarcisio Santos, José Steve, Leonardo “Leleo” Souza, Rafael Gamba, Uanderson Ferreira and Chueng. Steve’s presence opens the door to a rematch of their Worlds semifinal, depending on the bracket, which the IBJJF has yet to release. Each eight-man division pays $20,000 to the winner.
Jackson Nagai’s exit
Nagai was the 2025 Crown middleweight runner-up, losing the final 4-0 to Andy Murasaki. This year he won lightweight gold at Pans and took silver at Worlds in the same division.
The Crown takes place on November 8. Can Natan Chueng pull off a surprise at middleweight? Let us know in the comments.
VF Comunica’s coverage of The Crown is presented by Kingz.
Read more
- Who completes the bracket? Five names who could take the last middleweight spot at the Crown 2026
- Crown 2026 middleweight: Mica Galvão and four first-timers
