What We Learned From BJJ Stars 18

BJJ Stars just finished their last event of the year. They've been doing more and more nogi events, so I've started covering them a bit more here. They usually show some local Brazilian talent that sometimes isn't seen in the US and it is interesting to see what those people can do. Keep in mind this event had gi and nogi matches, but I only covered the nogi ones. Anyway, Let take a look at the results and see who won. 

Results

 Yatan Bueno def Dan Mansiou via points

 Meyram Alves def Owen Jones via points

Fabricio Andre def Oliver Taza via dec

Vagner Rocha def Sergio Moraes via points

 Pedro Marinho def Roosevelt Sousa via dec

How People Won

In all honesty, this was very disapointing. There were no submissions in the nogi matches. Most of them ended in points and a few of those were decided on penalties. There were also a number of decisions, which isn't always bad, but when the matches aren't barn burners, it isn't a good thing. 

Stats

Overall

Unfortunately this event didn't have any submissions, which really hurt it. I'm happy BJJ stars is featuring more nogi matches and including some top names from around the world, but their match making has a bit to be desired. Some of the matches weren't bad and they chose a few people known for being exciting, but there were also some names that made me worried before the matches even started. 

I don't know what happened with the Oliver Taza vs Fabricio Andre decision. I felt bad for Oliver, but perhaps Andre is a hometown hero and they wanted to give him the win. It looked really bad though. Meyram Alves(Mequine) looked amazing and I hope that they continue having him do nogi matches. I think some other events should start adding him as well. He's beaten 2 people on the ADCC podium so far and I hope he gets invited to ADCC himself this year.

Unfortunately this event had the lowest action and watchability score of any event I've covered this year. Perhaps for next year BJJ Stars should reevaluate its rules and try to push the action more in their matches. I think they did a great job improving their event in 2025, but there is still a bit more work to do. I'm looking forward to what they'll do in 2026.

Year to Date