Dominance on the World Stage: Moya Young Guns Shine at the ADCC Youth World Championship

When the mats rolled out in Austin, Texas, for the inaugural 2026 ADCC Youth World Championship, the world’s elite junior submission grapplers gathered to test their skills under the most demanding ruleset in combat sports. Stepping under the bright lights, the Moya Young Guns squad delivered a performance defined by technical supremacy, dynamic wrestling, and high-percentage submission hunting.

Battling through stacked division brackets under official ADCC scoring, the Moya Young Guns came away with multiple podium finishes, taking home two Gold Medals and two Silver Medals.

The Breakthrough Performances

Edward "Jiren" Rivero — Boys (13–14 / 61.2kg) — GOLD 

Known for his lethal guard play and precise distance control, Edward Rivero put on a clinic in the Boys 13–14, 61.2kg division. Systematically breaking down his opposition throughout the bracket, Rivero advanced to the championship final against Caue Sá. Under intense pressure, Rivero executed a picture-perfect triangle choke submission to lock up the victory and secure the Gold Medal.

Mateo Martínez — Boys (15–17 / 99kg) — GOLD 

Stepping into the 99kg heavyweight division, Mateo Martinez brought non-stop forward pressure and physical dominance. Dictating where every exchange took place and frustrating opponents trying to defend his takedown threat, Martinez pushed an unyielding pace. In a grueling final against William Potter, Martinez out-worked his opponent through the points and regulation periods to earn the referee's decision and claim Gold.

Andrés Maldonado — Boys (13–14 / 55kg) — SILVER 

Competing in a lightning-fast 55kg bracket, Andrés Maldonado set an electric pace from the opening whistle. Combining swift guard passes with aggressive submission entries, Maldonado scored a decisive semifinal win over Scotty Freeman to punch his ticket to the final. Facing Marcos Vidal in the championship match, Maldonado put on a valiant effort to close out an impressive tournament run with the Silver Medal.

Mathew "Bam Bam" Velez — Boys (15–17 / 65kg) — SILVER 

Living up to his nickname, Mathew "Bam Bam" Velez brought explosive athleticism and relentless scramble energy to the 65kg division. Refusing to yield position, Velez continually turned defensive situations into offensive counter-attacks to navigate a tough bracket. He battled all the way to the championship final against James Ortiz, taking home a well-deserved Silver Medal.

Moya Young Guns Official Tournament Results

The Statement

Leaving the Youth ADCC stage with two World Champions, two Silver Medalists, and highlight-reel finishes, the squad proved that hardware is only part of the story. The Moya Young Guns sent a clear message to the international grappling scene: the future of submission grappling has arrived, and the Moya Young Guns are leading the charge.