Three athletes just rewrote the top of the no-gi world rankings, and the competitive landscape may never look the same. On August 24, 2026, FloGrappling released updated no-gi world rankings that confirmed Andrew Tackett, Helena Crevar, and Elisabeth Clay as the undisputed division leaders in their respective weight classes. The No-Gi World Rankings August 2026: Tackett, Crevar, Clay Lead Divisions update sent shockwaves through the grappling community, signaling a new era of elite dominance heading into the fall competition season. [2]
Key Takeaways
- 🥇 Andrew Tackett claims the #1 spot at men’s 170 lbs in the latest FloGrappling no-gi world rankings.
- 🥇 Helena Crevar holds the top position at women’s heavyweight and is recognized as the #1 female no-gi grappler pound-for-pound in the world.
- 🥇 Elisabeth Clay leads the women’s 145 lbs division and sits at #3 in the women’s pound-for-pound rankings.
- 📅 Rankings were officially updated on August 24, 2026, reflecting results from major recent events.
- 📊 Multiple ranking systems, including FloGrappling, Nogipedia, and the AJP Tour, all align on these athletes’ elite status.
Who Are the New Division Leaders?
The August 2026 update marks a significant moment for no-gi grappling. FloGrappling’s rankings, which are widely regarded as the de facto world standings for competitive no-gi, identified multiple new #1 athletes across divisions. [2] Three names stand out above all others.

Andrew Tackett, Men’s 170 lbs
Andrew Tackett has climbed to the summit of the men’s 170 lbs division. His rise to #1 reflects consistent performances at high-level events, with FloGrappling’s men’s pound-for-pound rankings updated as recently as August 23, 2026, incorporating results from competitions including the PBJJF Goiania Winter International Open. [8] Tackett’s positioning in this weight class makes him an immediate target for challengers looking to make a statement before the end of the year.
Helena Crevar, Women’s Heavyweight
Helena Crevar is not just the best in her division, she may be the best female no-gi grappler on the planet, full stop. FloGrappling’s official women’s pound-for-pound page describes her as the “undisputed number one in the world, any weight.” [7] Nogipedia’s algorithm-based rankings back this up with a rating of 22,108.15 and a record of 48-4, 0, placing her comfortably ahead of the field. [1] She also holds the #1 spot in the women’s featherweight division rankings on Nogipedia, demonstrating cross-divisional dominance. [1]
💬 “Undisputed number one in the world, any weight.”, FloGrappling on Helena Crevar [7]
Elisabeth Clay, Women’s 145 lbs
Elisabeth Clay leads the women’s 145 lbs division and holds the #3 spot in Nogipedia’s women’s pound-for-pound rankings, with a rating of 13,743.76 and an impressive record of 53-13-0. [1] Clay’s longevity and volume of competition make her one of the most battle-tested athletes in the no-gi world. Her ranking is not a fluke, it reflects sustained excellence across dozens of high-stakes matches.
📊 August 2026 Division Leaders at a Glance| Athlete | Division | Record | Nogipedia Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Tackett | Men’s 170 lbs | , | , |
| Helena Crevar | Women’s Heavyweight / P4P #1 | 48-4, 0 | 22,108.15 |
| Elisabeth Clay | Women’s 145 lbs / P4P #3 | 53-13-0 | 13,743.76 |
How No-Gi World Rankings August 2026: Tackett, Crevar, Clay Lead Divisions Are Determined
Understanding why these athletes sit at the top requires a look at how the major ranking systems actually work.

FloGrappling’s Rankings System
FloGrappling has operated its no-gi rankings infrastructure for at least a year, treating its standings as de facto world lists. [14] The platform maintains detailed divisional tables, including men’s 205 lbs and pound-for-pound lists for both genders, updated regularly based on recent event results from competitions like Fight to Win and the Shamrock Cup. [5][10] The August 24, 2026 update incorporated very recent competition data, giving these rankings strong real-time accuracy. [2][8]
Nogipedia’s Algorithm
Nogipedia uses a hybrid points/Elo-based algorithm that weighs:
- ✅ Win rate over career
- ✅ Submission rate as a quality indicator
- ✅ Opponent quality to prevent padding records
- ✅ Event prestige to reward major competition wins [3]
This methodology means Crevar’s and Clay’s top positions are grounded in hard data, not opinion. [1]
Other Authoritative Sources
The picture doesn’t stop at FloGrappling and Nogipedia. Additional ranking bodies add layers of authority:
- AJP Tour maintains official no-gi ranking lists for the 2025-26 season, separate from media outlets. [4]
- JJIF tracks high-factor events including the 2026 Adults World Championships (August 6, 2026, UAE) and the 2026 PanAmerican Championship (August 7, 2026, Uruguay), both of which are significant drivers of ranking changes. [11]
- Jits Magazine published its own independent BJJ rankings update in August 2026, offering an alternative view of where Tackett, Crevar, and Clay stand relative to their peers. [6]
The convergence of multiple independent systems on the same athletes at the top of their divisions is powerful validation.
What These Rankings Mean for Upcoming Competitions
The No-Gi World Rankings August 2026: Tackett, Crevar, Clay Lead Divisions update is more than a snapshot, it shapes the entire competitive calendar heading into the fall.
Target on Their Backs
When an athlete reaches #1 in any ranking system, every challenger below them has a clear incentive: beat the top-ranked competitor and leapfrog the standings in a single match. Tackett, Crevar, and Clay can all expect increased attention from promoters and opponents alike.
Historical Validation for Crevar
Crevar’s current dominance is not sudden. Her IBJJF athlete profile records a gold medal at the World IBJJF No-Gi 2025 in the adult medium-heavy division, providing historical competitive validation for her #1 status in 2026. [15] This kind of track record makes her ranking difficult to dispute.
Adele Fornarino Lurks at #2
Nogipedia’s women’s pound-for-pound list places Adele Fornarino at #2, sitting between Crevar and Clay. [1] A potential Crevar vs. Fornarino matchup would be one of the most anticipated no-gi bouts of the year. Promoters and fans should watch this rivalry closely.
Men’s Division Volatility
The men’s rankings remain fluid. FloGrappling’s pound-for-pound men’s list was updated as recently as August 23, 2026, with multiple events feeding in fresh data. [8] Tackett’s position at 170 lbs could face challenges quickly if other top competitors perform at major fall events.
Conclusion
The August 2026 no-gi world rankings have delivered clarity at the top of several key divisions. Andrew Tackett, Helena Crevar, and Elisabeth Clay have earned their #1 spots through verifiable, data-driven performance across multiple ranking systems. These standings are not just numbers, they define matchmaking priorities, athlete legacies, and the storylines that will dominate no-gi competition through the rest of 2026.
Actionable next steps for fans and competitors:
- 📌 Bookmark FloGrappling’s official rankings hub and check back after every major event for live updates. [2]
- 🔍 Monitor Nogipedia’s pound-for-pound lists to track algorithm-driven movement as fall competitions begin. [1]
- 🗓️ Watch for matchups involving Crevar vs. Fornarino and any challengers to Tackett’s 170 lbs throne, these are the bouts most likely to reshape the rankings before year-end.
- 📰 Follow Jits Magazine and FloGrappling’s Grappling Bulletin for real-time ranking updates after each major no-gi event. [6][2]
The elite have been identified. Now the challengers must respond.
References
[1] Rankings – https://nogipedia.com/rankings
[2] 16143104 Grappling Bulletin Gabi At Adcc Jiu Jitsu Con Ufc Bjj More – https://www.flograppling.com/articles/16143104-grappling-bulletin-gabi-at-adcc-jiu-jitsu-con-ufc-bjj-more
[3] nogipedia – https://nogipedia.com/
[4] Ranking – https://ajptour.com/en/federation/1/ranking
[5] 46144 Mens 205lbs No Gi Rankings – https://www.flograppling.com/rankings/11183335-the-official-flograppling-no-gi-rankings/46144-mens-205lbs-no-gi-rankings
[6] Bjj Rankings Update August 2026 – https://jitsmagazine.com/bjj-rankings-update-august-2026/
[7] 54530 Womens Pound For Pound No Gi Rankings – https://www.flograppling.com/rankings/11183335-the-official-flograppling-no-gi-rankings/54530-womens-pound-for-pound-no-gi-rankings
[8] 46137 Mens Pound For Pound No Gi Rankings – https://www.flograppling.com/rankings/11183335-the-official-flograppling-no-gi-rankings/46137-mens-pound-for-pound-no-gi-rankings
[10] 53837 Mens 205lbs No Gi Rankings – https://www.flograppling.com/rankings/11183335-flograpplings-official-no-gi-rankings/53837-mens-205lbs-no-gi-rankings