Felipe Pena added another chapter to his ADCC legacy on Sept. 13, becoming the first athlete in event history to win the absolute division twice with a submission victory over Roosevelt Sousa in the 2026 ADCC World Championships absolute final in Krakow, Poland.
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Pena secured a rear naked choke from back control after weathering several aggressive leg attacks from Sousa, sealing the championship in trademark fashion. The sequence echoed one of the most memorable moments of Pena's career, his back-taking counter that led to a points victory over Gordon Ryan in the 2017 ADCC World Championships absolute final.
Pena's Road Through The Absolute Bracket
Pena's championship run was anything but straightforward.
The Brazilian veteran was pushed into overtime in multiple matches and frequently found himself defending dangerous positions early. But each time, he found a path back into the match.
He opened the tournament with an overtime smother submission over Francis Pignoti Panamley Pana, then earned a 3-0 points victory against Eoghan O’Flanagan in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Pena again needed overtime before finishing Abdulaev Ruslan with a smother choke to advance to the gold-medal bout.
By the time he reached the final, Pena had already recorded two submissions in the absolute division and carried momentum from a strong showing in the +99kg bracket earlier in the weekend, where he earned two more submission victories.
Roosevelt Sousa Reaches First Absolute Final
Sousa delivered one of the strongest performances of the tournament to reach the championship match.
The Brazilian submitted Tommy Langaker with a rear naked choke, finished Felipe Costa with a calf slicer in the quarterfinals and stopped Marlon Tajik with a smother submission in the semifinals.
His relentless leg attacks created problems for Pena early in the final, but the veteran ultimately capitalized on an opening, transitioned to the back and secured the finish.
Historic Achievement For Pena
The victory gives Pena a place alone in ADCC history as the first competitor to capture two absolute championships.
His latest run showcased the formula that has defined much of his career: survive dangerous exchanges, capitalize on mistakes and finish when opportunities appear.
After four matches and three submissions in the absolute division, Pena once again stood atop the ADCC podium.
Watch Felipe Pena vs. Roosevelt Sousa
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