Blackman Wins Gold at European No-Gi Championships
Barbadian Jiu-Jitsu competitor Nia Blackman claimed the women's 76kg title in Rome after overcoming an injury in the semifinal.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Body Building
Nia Blackman won gold in the women's 76kg division at the IBJJF European No-Gi Championships in Rome, defeating Maria Vicentini of Brazil by referee's decision in the final. She advanced past Sara Lehto of Finland in the semifinal despite sustaining an injury in that round.
Why it matters
The result adds a European title to Blackman's record as she builds toward the IBJJF World No-Gi Championships later this year. Her return to competition on day two after the injury indicates her fitness will be a key factor in her upcoming events.
Blackman won the women's 76kg division, the weight class she competed in at the event, by referee's decision in the final. The source does not specify the nature or extent of her semifinal injury.
The players
Nia Blackman
A British-born Barbadian Jiu-Jitsu competitor who won the women's 76kg title at the European No-Gi Championships.
IBJJF
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the governing body that organizes the European and World No-Gi Championships.
The details
Blackman defeated Sara Lehto of Finland in the semifinal before sustaining an injury in that round. She returned on day two of the competition and went on to defeat Brazil's Maria Vicentini by referee's decision to win gold.
Timeline
November 1, 2026: Blackman wins gold at the European No-Gi Championships in Rome.
December 10 to 12, 2026: IBJJF World No-Gi Championships in Las Vegas.
Season Trajectory
The European No-Gi title positions Blackman as a contender ahead of the IBJJF World No-Gi Championships in Las Vegas on December 10 to 12. Her result at the European event sets up a direct test of her form against the sport's top competitors at the season's biggest No-Gi event.
Blackman's gold medal puts her in a strong position heading into the World No-Gi Championships in December, where her results will shape rankings for the upcoming competitive season. Fans tracking the women's 76kg division can watch her next meaningful test at the Las Vegas event.
The takeaway
Blackman's European title shows that recovering from an in-match injury to win gold is possible at the highest level of No-Gi competition. Her performance is a useful benchmark for competitors preparing for the World No-Gi Championships.
What happens next
Blackman is set to compete at the IBJJF World No-Gi Championships in Las Vegas on December 10 to 12, 2026.
Further reading
For more on competition results across grappling and strength sports, see Body Building.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CANANews.
