The Next Generation Is Here | The Story Of The WNO 32 Youth Bracket - Featuring Matthew "Bam Bam" Velez

The Future of Grappling: The WNO 32 Youth Bracket

The landscape of professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is shifting as a new generation of "born-into-it" athletes arrives faster than anyone expected. The Next Generation Is Here tells the story of the inaugural Who’s Number One (WNO) 32 Youth Bracket, a brand-new proving ground for tomorrow’s world champions.  Inspired by young phenoms like Mica Galvao and the Ruotolo brothers, these rising stars are proving that greatness has no age limit. On March 31st in Austin, Texas, four of the brightest prospects in the sport will step onto the mats to transition from watching their idols on TV to becoming the main attraction themselves.

This elite four-man bracket features a diverse array of talent, each bringing a unique pedigree to the NOI arena. Carlos Sains, a battle-tested ADC Youth Champion from the famous Sains wrestling family, looks to follow in his brothers' winning footsteps.  He is joined by the relentless pressure of Matthew "Bam Bam" Vellez, a seven-time Pan Kids champion, and JP Tran, a highly decorated AOJ phenom looking to prove his dominance transcends the gi. Rounding out the group is the "dark horse" Jay Ortiz, who has been sharpening his skills alongside elite veterans like Nikki Ryan and Nick Rodriguez. With such a deep talent pool, this tournament represents more than just a