This year's IBJJF World Championships was one of the most highly anticipated of all time. And it delivered, with amazing matchups, budding rivalries, and hours of great jiu-jitsu. In retrospect, it was also a historic year for the event. The 26th edition of IBJJF Worlds saw records broken and history made across the black belt divisions. Here are some of the most notable superlatives now in the history books.

The black belt class of 2021 is a who's who of top notch competitors, many of whom are likely to grace the top of black belt podiums in the coming months. Below are the athletes who earned the rank of black belt in December.

Day one of the IBJJF World Championships was filled with the action, submissions and incredible stories expected of an event of this caliber. Day two is sure to deliver as well, as the male purple and brown belts will take their place on the mats in search of the most coveted title in jiu-jitsu. With hundreds of competitors in search of just a few medals, we're guaranteed  thrilling action throughout the day.