Few have spent more time researching, writing and learning about the 2024 ADCC World Championship groups and athletes than FloGrappling analyst and reporter Joe Gilpin.
The longtime BJJ writer can rattle off stats and fights at lightning speed, and few are as well-versed in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu as Gilpin.
So when asked what match he thinks could be the highlight of ADCC Las Vegas, it’s clear that Gilpin knows what he’s talking about.
And he’s talking about Kaynan Duarte versus Nicholas Meregali.
“A rematch between Kaynan Duarte and Nicholas Meregali,” Gilpin said. “The list of incredible fights is long, but I think these two have an epic quality and what they accomplished really sets their clash apart.”
Meregali, the fourth-ranked no-gi wrestler in the world (pound for pound), and Duarte, ranked No. 12, are in the -99 kg division, which features some of the biggest names in the sport.
Cyborg Abreu. Rafael Lovato Jr. Michael Pixley. Declan Moody.
These are just some of the names.
Still, Duarte, the returning champion, and Meregali, the returning medalist, are the clear favorites in the group. The two last wrestled in 2023 at WNO 19, with Meregali forcing Duarte to submit with a katagatame. The two have wrestled five times, and Meregali has the edge 3-2.
Here’s everything you need to know about the potential rematch between Duarte and Meregali and why you should watch it.
Kaynan Duarte record
Duarte, 26, has an overall record of 139-22. He has 59 submission victories.
Nicholas Meregali Record
Nicholas Meregali, 30, has a record of 84-15 with 61 submissions. Meregali has never suffered a submission loss.
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ADCC brackets will not be released until August 16th after induction into the ADCC Hall of Fame. Neither is a Trials champion as they had already qualified for ADCC, so bracket placement is unclear.
The first rounds of the ADCC World Championship begin on August 17th at 1:00 p.m. EST. The final day of the tournament begins on August 18th at 1:00 p.m.
Nicholas Meregali vs. Kaynan Duarte: Two great, talented BJJ athletes
Gilpin described the duel as a battle between two titans. Both men’s resumes are incredibly impressive. Meregali trains in Austin, Texas, with Gordon Ryan and is coached by John Danaher.
Duarte earned his black belt under Andre Galvao, one of the greatest and most dominant athletes in the history of the sport.
Both are former IBJJF World Champions in Gi. But Duarte has the edge in the ADCC and has won two ADCC World Championships.
“It’s like watching two titans clash and collide, that’s how big, strong, technical and strategic these guys are,” Gilpin said. “They really are two of the best of all time.”
Don’t underestimate Kaynan Duarte or Nicholas Meregali based on past and current results
Duarte was defeated by both Victor Hugo and Erich Munis at the 2023 IBJJF World Championships. He lost to Meregali in August 2023. In May, he lost to Luke Griffith.
But Gilpin said it would be a mistake to accept those losses. Duarte has proven to be a different fighter in a tournament environment.
“I wouldn’t try to look at those (losses at the IBJJF Worlds) and say that was necessarily a bad performance that he needs to recover from and get back to top form,” said Gilpin, who noted that there is no shame in losing to Hugo, Munis or Griffith. “I think Kaynan has had some bad performances that you can pinpoint.
“But there is one irrefutable truth about Kaynan Duarte: He is completely different when he has a one-on-one match and when he competes in a tournament.”
In short, he is a different fighter in a tournament and that is why he is aiming for his third consecutive ADCC world title.
“When he’s in a tournament, he’s significantly better,” Gilpin said. “He can build momentum and figure out what works best for him on the day. And I think that’s a lot different than what you’ll see in his approach to a lot of superfights, where he’s just not nearly as effective.”
And if you think you can downgrade Meregali’s chances against Duarte because of 2022, think again.
“They’re very focused right now,” Gilpin said. “I think if you’re trying to take their first match away from them and deny Kaynan’s chances in a rematch, you’re completely wrong.”
ADCC World Championship Cards
The ADCC World Championship begins on August 17th and ends on August 18th. The event begins at 1:00 p.m. EST on both days. Tickets can be purchased here.
When will the ADCC 2024 brackets be revealed? On August 16
The ADCC World Championship standings will be released during the second hour of the ADCC Hall of Fame and Bracket Reveal Show at 9:00 p.m. EST, streamed on FloGrappling and the FloSports app.
How to watch the 2024 ADCC World Championship
The 2024 ADCC World Championship will be streamed live in the USA on FloGrappling and the FloSports app.
Replays, highlights and news will also be available on both platforms.
ADCC Las Vegas Schedule
ADCC bracket predictions
Here are FloGrappling’s ADCC World Championship bracket predictions:
Ladies’ braces
Men’s braces
As soon as the brackets are released, you can follow them on FloArena.
Watch BJJ on FloGrappling
FloGrappling is the streaming home of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu events and news coverage. FloGrappling is the streaming home of:
Don’t miss the IBJJF World Championships and the ADCC World Championships on FloGrappling
In May 2024, FloGrappling will broadcast the fourth and final Grand Slam event on the IBJJF calendar in California.
In August 2024, FloGrappling will broadcast the ADCC World Championships. The biennial tournament returns to Las Vegas.
