As anticipation builds for ADCC 2026, clarity around the event’s lineup is becoming harder – not easier – to find.
Several names, including Vagner Rocha, PJ Barch, Dan Manasoiu, Ruslan Abdulaev, and Josh Saunders, have been publicly linked to invitations.
But with the official ADCC website removing its invite and qualification list – and its social media focusing largely on ADCC Open events – fans are left piecing together the lineup through athlete announcements.
Among those names, Abdulaev stands out as a straightforward inclusion.
A recent win over reigning ADCC absolute champion Kaynan Duarte likely solidified his place, suggesting that performance still plays a role in the selection process.
Other decisions are less clear.
Rocha’s invitation, for example, brings experience, but also raises questions.
Now 43, he competed at the last ADCC and experienced a serious cardiac episode afterward.
Meanwhile, Barch and Manasoiu’s inclusions have flown relatively under the radar, drawing little public reaction.
However, the most controversial name is Saunders.
Once a recognized competitor, he largely disappeared from the top level following backlash over past social media posts.
His return to ADCC competition is expected to reignite debate, not just about him, but about the standards guiding invitations.
Additionally, criticism has only intensified following other controversial decisions, including the invitation extended to Izaak Michell amid serious allegations made about him.
The subsequent removal of the official participant list has done little to ease this scrutiny.
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