Introduction to the 2019 No-Gi Worlds
The IBJJF No-Gi World Championships represent one of the pinnacle events in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, drawing the planet's top submission grapplers to battle it out without the traditional gi. Held in 2019, this tournament showcased intense rivalries, technical mastery, and strategic no-gi adaptations across various weight classes and divisions. For MMA enthusiasts, BJJ practitioners, and grapplers in disciplines like wrestling or submission grappling, understanding the dynamics here offers valuable lessons in competition prep, technique evolution, and gear selection.
This preview breaks down the standout competitors, potential dark horses, key matchups, and the apparel and equipment choices that give athletes an edge. Whether you're prepping for your own tournament or simply following the elite level, these insights translate directly to training scenarios in MMA gyms worldwide.
Absolute Division: The Heavyweight Showdown
The absolute division always steals the spotlight, pitting the best against each other regardless of weight. In 2019, Gordon Ryan emerged as the dominant force, fresh off multiple victories and known for his pressure-heavy passing and back attacks. Ryan's style—relentless top control combined with leg locks—makes him a nightmare for opponents. Watch for his clashes with the Danaher Death Squad teammates, where internal rivalries push the pace.
Craig Jones, another DDS standout, brought his unorthodox leg lock game and slick guard play. His ability to invert and attack from unconventional angles disrupted many plans. Prediction: Gordon Ryan takes gold, but Jones secures silver in a barnburner final.
Don't overlook Felipe Pena, whose explosive athleticism and berimbolo threats could upset the apple cart. Gear-wise, these athletes favored lightweight rash guards and compression shorts for maximum mobility—essentials for no-gi rolling where grips are minimal and speed is king.
Practical Tip for Your Training
In your Apollo MMA gym sessions, mimic these styles by drilling leg entanglements from 50/50 positions. Pair it with moisture-wicking rash guards to stay dry during long rolls.Men's Divisions: Lightweight to Super Heavy
Rooster to Light Feather (Up to 64.5kg)
Smaller weight classes reward precision over power. Taka Halliday, a rising star, impressed with his dynamic scrambles and triangle setups. He faced stiff competition from veterans like Gianni Grippo, whose wrist locks and guard retention are legendary.Prediction: Halliday edges out the win, leveraging youth and speed.
Feather to Welter (70.5kg - 79.5kg)
This bracket exploded with talent. Kyle Boehm's wrestling base fueled explosive takedowns, while Dante Leon's flexibility shone in inversions. Hyperfly athlete Nick Rodriguez, though competing heavier sometimes, brought elite wrestling entries into subs.Key matchup: Boehm vs. Rodriguez—wrestling vs. grappling chess. Prediction: Rodriguez advances deep.
Middle to Super Heavy (88.5kg +)
Middleweight saw Marcus 'Lo' Alvarez with his butterfly guard wizardry. Up top, Fellipe Andrew and Pablo Alfonso traded barbs pre-event. Super heavies like Erich Munoz dominated with sheer mass and strength.Predictions:
- Middle: Alvarez gold
- Light Heavy: Andrew
- Heavy: Ryan (again)
- Super Heavy: Munoz
Women's Divisions: Rising Stars Shine
Women's no-gi has seen massive growth, with athletes adapting gi techniques seamlessly. In lighter classes, Talita Alencar wielded her knee shield guard effectively. heavier divisions featured powerhouse Gabi Garcia, whose physicality remains unmatched, though challengers like Maria Malyjasiak tested her.
Standouts:
- Light: Alencar
- Medium: Beatriz Mesquita, blending technique and timing
- Heavy: Garcia
Gear Focus for Women Competitors
Rash guards with reinforced seams and flatlock stitching prevent chafing during prolonged grips. Apollo MMA stocks options in various fits for different body types, crucial for female athletes emphasizing mobility.
Hyperfly Athletes and No-Gi Gear Spotlight
Hyperfly representatives like Dante Leon and Nick Rodriguez showcased the brand's no-gi line: breathable rash guards with sublimated graphics for grip-free performance and board shorts with secure waistbands. These pieces prioritize durability without bulk—ideal for the constant friction of no-gi.
Other pros rocked brands like Venum for shorts and Hayabusa for spats, highlighting versatility. For your setup:
- Rash Guards: Long-sleeve for armbar protection, short for heat.
- Shorts: Split-leg for kicks, valved for expansion.
- Spats: Base layer to reduce mat burns.
Pro Tip: Test gear in live rolling; ensure no riding up during guard passes, a common fail point.
Key Matchups and Predictions
- Gordon Ryan vs. Craig Jones: Brotherly rivalry peaks—Ryan's control vs. Jones' counters.
- Nick Rodriguez vs. Kyle Boehm: Wrestling showdown.
- Gabi Garcia vs. Maria Malyjasiak: Power vs. technique.
Training Applications for MMA and BJJ
Translate Worlds prep to your routine:
1. Leg Lock Drills: 20 mins daily—ashigarami entries.
2. Guard Passing: Pressure passes like Ryan's.
3. Conditioning: High-intensity rounds simulating 10-min matches.
4. Gear Maintenance: Wash rash guards inside-out, air dry to preserve elasticity.
For MMA crossover, no-gi Worlds emphasizes takedown defense and top control—core for cage fights. Wrestlers benefit from sub threats under hooks.
Why No-Gi Worlds Matters for All Grapplers
This event pushes no-gi boundaries, influencing MMA (UFC subs), ADCC, and local tourneys. Gear choices reflect real-world needs: lightweight, gripless, fast-drying. Stock up at Apollo MMA for tournament-ready kits.
Stay tuned post-event for breakdowns—levels always rise.
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