Paraguayan athlete Sergio Villasanti has achieved a remarkable victory at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Championship, securing the gold medal in a highly competitive tournament held in Brazil. The event, which took place at the Ginásio Poliesportivo José Corrêa in São Paulo, saw Villasanti triumph in the Master 3 division. This victory marks his second title of the year, underscoring a period of exceptional performance in his career.
This latest achievement follows his previous success in March 2026, when he won his first Pan-American title in Florida, United States. By securing a second gold medal in São Paulo, Villasanti has established himself as a dominant force in his category, demonstrating remarkable consistency and skill on the international stage.
A challenging road to victory
The São Paulo event drew an enormous field of more than 7,900 competitors from across the globe, all vying for the win in their respective divisions. Competing in such a large and talented pool requires not only physical prowess, but also immense mental fortitude. Villasanti successfully navigated this challenging environment to emerge as the champion.
His journey to the top of the podium involved a series of difficult matches against formidable opponents. In the round of 16, he faced and defeated Hani Chamakhi of France, setting a strong tone for his campaign. Subsequently, in the quarter-finals, Villasanti overcame a significant challenge by defeating Fabio Ribeiro da Silva Bolsoni, a local Brazilian competitor who had the advantage of competing on home soil.
Securing the championship title
Advancing to the final stages of the competition, Paraguayan Sergio Villasanti maintained his focus and composure. In the semi-finals, he was matched against Stephan Lebon Brigman from the United States. In a crucial bout that determined who would compete for the gold, Villasanti executed his strategy effectively and secured his place in the final.
The final match saw him face Joshua Peter Rio of New Zealand for the gold medal. In the decisive contest, Villasanti showcased the high level of technical skill and competitive spirit that had carried him through the tournament. He ultimately defeated Rio to claim the championship.
A significant achievement for Paraguayan sport
Competing in the Master 3 division, a category for highly experienced athletes, Villasanti’s success highlights his longevity and enduring passion for the sport. His ability to consistently outperform elite competitors in this category is an indicator of his world-class standing.
Sergio Villasanti’s triumph in São Paulo represents a moment of great pride for Paraguay. By winning another major international championship, he has raised the Paraguayan flag on a prestigious global platform.
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, often abbreviated as BJJ, is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. Developed in Brazil by the Gracie family from Japanese Judo and Jiu-Jitsu roots, it emphasises technique, leverage, and positional control over brute strength, allowing a smaller practitioner to defeat a larger opponent by forcing them into submissions such as joint locks or chokes.
BJJ has become one of the most effective and popular grappling styles worldwide, forming a core part of modern mixed martial arts (MMA) training.
