Grappling Excellence: 3 Of Giancarlo Bodoni’s Signature Weapons
American grappling phenom Giancarlo Bodoni ranks among modern submission grappling’s most elite technicians, and he’ll finally showcase his world-class skills on the global stage at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.
On Sunday, November 16, the 29-year-old two-time ADCC World Champion squares off against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu icon Rafael Lovato Jr. in a middleweight submission grappling showcase inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Before the New Wave Jiu-Jitsu standout makes his highly anticipated debut in the world’s largest martial arts organization, here are three weapons that make him such a dominant force.
#1 Bodoni’s Punishing Pressure Passing
Giancarlo Bodoni’s methodical, pressure-based guard passing is the foundation of his game.
The Florida native doesn’t rely on flashy athleticism or explosive movements. Instead, he applies suffocating pressure with perfect weight distribution, precise body positioning, and powerful knee cuts that systematically dismantle even the most intricate guard systems.
What makes his passing game truly elite is how he maintains absolute control while transitioning between positions. Like a chess grandmaster thinking three moves ahead, Bodoni uses shoulder pressure and strategic hand placement to shut down escape routes before his opponents even recognize the danger.
That pressure passing was on full display at the 2022 ADCC World Championships, where he shocked the grappling world with a perfect 4-0 run, including a victory over returning champion Matheus Diniz to claim the 88-kilogram division gold.
Bodoni’s crushing top game was so unforgiving that he went without surrendering a single point during that historic run, cementing his reputation as one of submission grappling’s most suffocating maestros.
#2 Bodoni’s Technical Brilliance
Beyond his crushing top pressure, Giancarlo Bodoni possesses a grappling IQ that places him among the sport’s most cerebral competitors.
This is evident in his highly detailed BJJ instructionals, where he breaks down techniques with meticulous analysis.
More importantly, that technical mastery translates directly into competition. He doesn’t just execute techniques — he understands the underlying principles that make them work and chains them together with surgical precision.
Bodoni is a master at getting to his best spots, particularly back takes, where he’s most lethal with chokes.
His submission arsenal extends well beyond back attacks. Bodoni’s all-around submission-hunting game includes armbars and leg attacks that keep opponents guessing from every position.
At the Craig Jones Invitational II in August 2025, Bodoni delivered one of the most technically sound performances against Ronaldo Junior. He imposed chain wrestling principles, using a rolling Juji-Gatame for a textbook armbar finish, which sent his New Wave team to the finals.
#3 Bodoni’s Seamless Adaptability
While Bodoni’s prodigious skills are apparent, it’s his adaptability and ability to adjust his game plan mid-match that sets him apart from the competition.
The two-time ADCC World Champion reads his opponents like an open book, identifying patterns and making tactical adjustments.
This versatility stems from his well-rounded training background. He learned fundamental principles under the legendary Lucas Lepri before refining his systematic approach with renowned BJJ architect John Danaher in Texas.
His remarkable victory over Jay Rodriguez in the 2024 ADCC World Championship 88-kilogram final demonstrated his ability to shift strategies effortlessly.
Forced to play the majority of the match off his back, Bodoni displayed his underrated closed guard game. He performed sweeps, submission attempts, and off-balancing techniques to secure the victory by points in overtime, making him the first back-to-back champion in that weight class.
When Bodoni faces experienced veteran Lovato, this adaptability could prove decisive. His knack for problem-solving in real time may make the difference in what promises to be a chess match between two of BJJ’s finest minds.
On November 16, Bodoni’s mastery of these three weapons faces its ultimate test against Lovato Jr., and fans worldwide will witness whether modern systematization can overcome old-school Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mastery.
