Felipe Pena makes ADCC history as Kaynan Duarte loses title and suffers injury
The Brazilian became the first two-time ADCC absolute champion, while the defending -99kg champion lost twice and suffered an injury.
ADCC 2026 took place in Kraków, Poland, on Sept. 12 and 13, with Felipe Pena making history by becoming the first fighter to win the prestigious absolute division twice. The Brazilian accomplished the feat despite falling short in his own weight class. Meanwhile, defending -99kg champion Kaynan Duarte lost his title before suffering another setback in the event's superfight against Yuri Simões.
Felipe Pena Becomes First Two-Time ADCC Absolute Champion
Pena entered the absolute division after losing to Josh Saunders by referee decision in the semifinal of the +99kg division. However, the setback did not prevent the Brazilian from making history later in the tournament. Pena opted not to compete in the bronze medal match, saying he was only interested in gold.
Later on, the Brazilian went on to win the absolute division, defeating Roosevelt Sousa via a rear-naked choke in the final to claim his second ADCC absolute title. He previously won the tournament's openweight division in 2017, and his latest victory made him the first fighter to accomplish the feat twice.
Kaynan Duarte Loses Title and Superfight
Duarte, meanwhile, had a difficult weekend in Poland. The Brazilian entered the tournament as the defending -99kg champion but lost his title after being submitted by Luke Griffith via rear-naked choke in the final.
The Brazilian then faced Simões in the superfight, suffering another setback and a shoulder injury during the match. Duarte left the event without a title, while Simões won his fourth ADCC championship.
Despite the difficult results, Duarte remains one of the most accomplished competitors in the sport, having won four ADCC titles: two in the -99kg division, one at +99kg and one in the absolute division.
