The superfight for ADCC 2026 has officially been confirmed – with Kaynan Duarte set to face Yuri Simoes for the vacant title!
Duarte earned his shot at the superfight by winning the absolute division at ADCC 2024, which traditionally grants the winner the right to challenge the reigning superfight champion at the following event.
After his victory, Duarte immediately faced off with longtime champion Gordon Ryan in front of the crowd to begin building anticipation for the matchup.
However, the plans changed after Ryan stepped away from competition.
The reigning champion last defended the title at ADCC 2024, where he defeated both Simoes and Felipe Pena.
Earlier this year, Ryan announced his retirement from the sport, leaving the superfight title vacant.
This is the first time in 17 years that the ADCC superfight belt has been vacated.
Previously, Ricardo Arona vacated the title ahead of the 2005 event, while Roger Gracie did the same before ADCC 2009.
With Ryan no longer competing, Simoes emerged as the logical replacement opponent for Duarte.
Simoes previously won the ADCC 2022 absolute division and also challenged for the superfight title at ADCC 2024.
The matchup also carries some history between the two competitors.
Duarte previously defeated Simoes 3-0 on points during the second round of ADCC 2019 on his way to winning his first ADCC title.
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