In the ever-evolving world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, few events carry the prestige, intensity and global attention that the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) World Championship commands. The ADCC is the Olympics of No-Gi BJJ. In ADCC, elite grapplers from all over the world compete in a test of skill, strategy and stamina. In 2025, the ADCC once again delivered a spectacle that showcased the elite of modern grappling. Thus, redefining the boundaries of what is possible in Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

It does not matter whether you are a BJJ Gi purist or a No-Gi enthusiast. Knowing who stands atop the ADCC podium gives insight into where the sport is heading. In this article, we dive deep into the top BJJ fighters in ADCC 2025, their journeys, achievements, fighting styles and what makes them the best of the best.

1- Gordon Ryan – The King Retains His Crown

• Weight Class: +99kg
• Nationality: USA
• Team: New Wave Jiu-Jitsu

No list of top BJJ fighters in 2025 is complete without mentioning Gordon Ryan. He is widely regarded as the greatest No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner of all time. In 2025, Gordon returned to the ADCC mats after overcoming health issues, silencing doubters once again with a flawless performance in the +99kg division.

Why He’s Still #1:

• Unbreakable Pressure Passing: Gordon’s top game smothers opponents. Hence, giving them no space to move or breathe.
• Precision Leg Locks: His leg lock entries and finishes are unparalleled in the sport.
• IQ on the Mats: Gordon dissects opponents' strategies mid-fight and adapts with clinical efficiency.

His dominance proves that No-Gi BJJ is evolving, and he is leading that charge with a systemized approach that others now try to emulate.

2- Mica Galvão – The Young Lion Roars Again

• Weight Class: 77kg
• Nationality: Brazil
• Team: Melqui Galvão Jiu-Jitsu

At only 21 years old, Mica Galvão made waves in the 2025 ADCC with his electrifying pace, innovative guard game and finishing mindset. A prodigy from Brazil, Mica represents the next generation of BJJ athletes who excel in both Gi and No-Gi.

What Sets Him Apart:

• Hybrid Game: Mica blends modern Gi guard techniques with explosive No-Gi wrestling.
• Submissions First: He consistently hunts for the finish rather than points, which makes him exciting to watch.
• Cardio Machine: He can go full speed from start to finish—rare even at the elite level.

Mica’s ability to thrive in both BJJ Gi competitions and ADCC-style No-Gi tournaments marks him as a true dual-threat in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

3- Ffion Davies – Queen of the 60kg Throne

• Weight Class: 60kg 
  
• Nationality: Wales
• Team: Essential BJJ

In 2025, Ffion Davies continued her reign as the most dominant female grappler in the 60kg division. Her mix of judo-style takedowns and slick back takes makes her a nightmare matchup for anyone.

Why She Dominates:

• Takedown Prowess: Rare among BJJ competitors, Ffion’s judo background gives her the edge on her feet.
• Technical Scrambles: Her ability to create and control scrambles is unmatched.
• Confidence and Consistency: She’s been a podium finisher in every major tournament since 2019.

Ffion’s style reflects the growing influence of wrestling and judo in modern BJJ, especially within No-Gi formats like the ADCC.

4- Kade Ruotolo – The Flowing Fury

• Weight Class: 77kg
• Nationality: USA
• Team: Atos Jiu-Jitsu

Kade Ruotolo, the 2022 ADCC champion, returned with even more refined tools in 2025. His unorthodox style, relying on flowy movements, leg attacks and unrelenting pace, captivated fans and terrified opponents.

Signature Elements:

• Fluid Guard Passing: Kade moves like water around opponents' defenses.
• Creative Entries: He finds submissions from angles others don’t see.
• Youthful Fire: At only 22, he represents the fearless new era of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Kade’s game proves that No-Gi BJJ is not just about strength. It is about rhythm, timing and a deep understanding of human movement.

5- Nicholas Meregali – From Gi to No-Gi Greatness

• Weight Class: -99kg
• Nationality: Brazil
• Team: New Wave Jiu-Jitsu

Formerly known for his dominance in BJJ Gi tournaments, Nicholas Meregali shocked the world with his incredible adaptation to No-Gi grappling under the guidance of John Danaher and Gordon Ryan.

What Makes Him Special:

• Gi Fundamentals: His classical Gi BJJ base gives him superior posture and balance.
• Submission Hunting: Meregali is not afraid to chase submissions at every opportunity.
• Mentorship from Legends: Training with the likes of Gordon Ryan has sharpened his game dramatically.

Meregali’s success in 2025 signals a trend: more Gi BJJ fighters are transitioning successfully into the ADCC No-Gi arena with the right coaching and mindset.

6- Elisabeth Clay – The Submission Machine

• Weight Class: +60kg
• Nationality: USA
• Team: Ares BJJ

Elisabeth Clay had one of the highest submission rates in the 2025 ADCC. Her aggressive guard and ability to secure submissions from bottom and top made her a standout performer.

Why Fans Love Her Style:

• Submission Focused: Always attacks, never stalls.
• Dangerous from Guard: Especially effective with triangle and leg lock setups.
• Evolving Skill Set: Continually refining both Gi and No-Gi techniques.

Elisabeth’s performance highlighted the value of a submission-first mindset in ADCC-style tournaments.

7- Diego “Pato” Oliveira – Featherweight Phenom

• Weight Class: 66kg
• Nationality: Brazil
• Team: Dream Art

Diego Pato brought a combination of explosive takedowns, high-level transitions and lightning-fast submissions to the featherweight division in 2025.

Why He’s a Star:

• Speed and Agility: Arguably the fastest competitor at ADCC.
• Elite Scrambling Ability: Turns chaotic moments into calculated victories.
• Rising Star: Already dominating both BJJ Gi and No-Gi circuits at just 24.

Pato represents the new generation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes who have been bred for the hybrid style. It is what that modern BJJ demands.

The Evolution of BJJ in 2025: Gi, No-Gi, and Beyond

The 2025 ADCC was more than just a tournament. It was a snapshot of how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is evolving. The line between Gi and No-Gi specialists continues to blur. Today’s top fighters train for both, adopting the best techniques from each format.

• Gi BJJ still builds core principles of posture, grips and control.
• No-Gi BJJ focuses on speed, transitions and leg locks.
• Cross-training in wrestling and judo is now essential.
• The influence of teams like New Wave, Atos and Dream Art is pushing boundaries.

With this new hybrid model, BJJ athletes in 2025 are no longer limited by tradition. They are innovators, athletes and submission artists competing at the highest levels—whether in a Gi or No-Gi shorts.

Conclusion: The Future of BJJ Has Arrived

The ADCC 2025 World Championship was not just a tournament. It was a revolution. From legends like Gordon Ryan and Ffion Davies to rising stars like Mica Galvão and Diego Pato, the talent pool in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has never been deeper. These athletes are not just winning matches. But they are redefining what it means to be a complete BJJ fighter.

It does not matter whether you are a fan, practitioner or someone exploring the sport. These are the names you will want to follow closely. They are shaping the narrative of BJJ in 2025 and their legacies are inspiring thousands to step onto the mat, throw on a BJJ Gi and pursue greatness in this beautiful, technical martial art.