Gabi Garcia enters the 2026 ADCC World Championships as one of the most recognizable names in the sport’s history, but according to FloGrappling’s latest tier rankings, that recognition won’t translate into favorite status inside the women’s +143 lbs (65 kg) bracket.
On the FloGrappling Ranking Show, host Joe Gilpin placed Garcia in the lowest tier of the division, grouping her with Matilda Reid of Australia and Lyz Mitrovic of the USA.
The move stands out given Garcia’s resume, but Gilpin explained the reasoning behind the placement.
“This might be a little controversial that I have Gabi so low,” Gilpin said. “Obviously, for any of these tiers, it could just be like mixed up. It’s not A, B, C, or 1, 2, 3, or anything like that.”
“But still, Gabi has just been out of the game for so long, not been picking up the big wins over the relevant new generation that, especially here at ADCC with the women, it’s only four people.”
He continued, “I think that every single match is going to be so tough, unless it’s seeded very particularly to suit what Gabi does well. I think it’s going to be tough for her to make a very deep run.”
That assessment reflects the depth of competition Garcia now faces in a bracket that has changed considerably since her prime. Rafaela Guedes, the returning 2024 champion, and Helena Crevar, ranked pound-for-pound number one at multiple lighter weights before moving up, sit atop Gilpin’s rankings as the two favorites.
The second tier includes Anabel Lopez, Yara Soares, and Paige Ivette Borras, all trials winners entering their ADCC debuts with recent, high-level results against modern competition.
With only four competitors in the +143 lbs (65 kg) bracket, every match carries added weight, and Gilpin’s analysis suggests seeding will play a major role in how far any competitor advances, Garcia included.
A favorable draw against a style suited to her strengths could open a path forward, but a match against one of the division’s more active, well-rounded opponents would present a steep challenge.
