Former ADCC champ Romulo Barral has elected to pull out of the greatest grappling show on earth. With a new academy and other opportunities at hand, it’s believed that Barral couldn’t focus solely on a training camp and decided to give up his place.

Romulo Barral famously won ADCC 2013 with wins over Keenan Cornelius and Rafael Lovato Jr. Barral was defeated in the semis by Yuri Simoes in 2015. Romulo Barral is also a multiple time world champion in the gi and has nothing left to prove on the competition stage.

The -99kg division is one of the most stacked of all-time and all eyes will be on the returning Gordon Ryan who moves up to try take home another gold. Vinny Magalhaes and Keenan Cornelius will also be looking to make it to the podium. DIllon Danis is also moving up to try his look against the big boys.

Keep tuned to grapplinginsider.com for updates on Barral’s replacement.