-73 kg: Return of the Champions
Hidayat Heydarov of Azerbaijan enters the tournament as the clear favourite. Although he experienced a difficult period after winning everything in 2024, he is very much on the road back. His recent victories at the Guadalajara Grand Prix and the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh show that he remains a formidable force. He may not yet have fully regained the powers that allowed him to secure continental, world and Olympic titles in 2025, yet he is unquestionably the man to beat.
In his half of the draw, all eyes will be on Lasha Shavdatuashvili of Georgia. Now thirty three years old, the former world and Olympic champion still possesses a fierce competitive spirit and his depth of experience can produce remarkable performances.
The category is exceptionally deep, with Daniel Cargnin of Brazil in pool C and, above all, Joan Benjamin Gaba of France in pool D. This marks the return to competition of the reigning world champion. In June he delivered a masterclass in both technique and strategy to claim his world title. His current form remains an intriguing question and Abu Dhabi will provide the answer.
-63 kg: A High Voltage Clash Looms in Pool B
Iva Oberan of Croatia continues her steady rise. Fresh from a bronze medal performance at home in Zagreb, she arrives in Abu Dhabi as the top seed. Yet the spotlight is already drawn to pool B, where a potential quarter-final between Rafaela Silva of Brazil and Jessica Klimkait of Canada could electrify the arena. Both are world champions and Olympic medallists and there’s even an Olympic title for Silva. On paper, Klimkait may have a slight edge but with the Brazilian judoka nothing is ever predictable.
Other athletes to watch closely include Lubjana Piovesana (AUS), Gili Sharir (ISR), Laura Fazliu (KOS) and Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo (MGL).
-81 kg: Experience, Power and Depth
With ten grand slam medals already to his name, Francois Gauthier Drapeau (CAN) has proved himself a consistent force in the category. On his best days he can defeat anyone and he will undoubtedly be aiming to add a third grand slam victory to his record.
Antonio Esposito (ITA), winner in Austria in March and bronze medallist in Zagreb at the end of November, brings a reputation for robustness and resilience; he leads pool B. Speaking of robustness, Vedat Albayrak (TUR), the leader of pool C, is another powerful contender. The lower section of the draw is headed up by Nugzari Tatalashvili (UAE), a judoka with the experience and strength to carry him deep into the competition. Yet the depth of talent in this category means unexpected results are always possible.
-70 kg: A Diverse Field with Bold Ambitions
Aoife Coughlan (AUS), one of the leading figures in Oceania, arrives as the top seed. She faces a challenging path, with a possible quarter-final against Aina Laura Rasoanaivo Razafy (MAD). The young Malagasy judoka claimed a superb silver medal in Qingdao in September, the first of its kind for her nation. Giorgia Stangherlin (ITA) and Kelly Petersen Pollard (GBR) also look well placed to push for a place in the last four.
In the lower half of the draw, Szofi Ozbas (HUN) appears to be the strongest contender, although Yingying Feng (CHN), Ida Eriksson (SWE) and Elisavet Teltsidou (GRE) all have the pedigree to reach the podium. Each has already tasted success on the international stage.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam consistently delivers drama and excellence and this edition promises to be no exception. With seasoned champions, ambitious newcomers and returning stars all vying for victory, the middle weight categories are set to provide some of the most captivating moments of the tournament. Fans can look forward a second day of high level judo, with all contests available on JudoTV.