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Jiu-Jitsu athlete paralyzed after spinal injury in Brazil tournament
Jiu-Jitsu athlete Willian Hiroyuki Masuda has suffered a severe spinal cord injury during the Super Pro Jiu-Jitsu 2026 championship in Londrina, Brazil. The injury occurred during a no-gi match against Juliano Di Pelli Machado, when Masuda was slammed head-first into the mat following what has been described as an illegal maneuver.
Masuda sustained fractures to his C5 and C6 vertebrae. Following a 9 to 10-hour stabilization surgery, he has regained the ability to breathe without assistance and move his arms, but he has lost all sensation and mobility in his legs.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident as a case of very serious bodily injury. Legal complaints have highlighted a significant weight discrepancy, noting a 40kg difference between the two competitors.
Di Pelli Machado has stated that he did not realize the dangerous position of his opponent, claiming he moved his knee to the floor to prevent being unbalanced. His legal team maintains he is not at fault and is willing to cooperate with the investigation.
Entities
Juliano Di Pelli Machado · Londrina · Super Pro Jiu-Jitsu · Willian Hiroyuki Masuda
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Masuda underwent a spinal stabilization surgery lasting approximately 9 to 10 hours. visionrdn.com · www.ladbible.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Masuda sustained fractures in the C5 and C6 vertebrae. visionrdn.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There was a reported 40kg weight difference between the two fighters. www.ladbible.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The injury occurred during a match between Masuda and Juliano Di Pelli Machado. visionrdn.com · hugogloss.uol.com.br · www.ladbible.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Authorities have opened an investigation into the incident as a case of very serious bodily injury. visionrdn.com · www.ladbible.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Di Pelli Machado claimed he did not realize the dangerous position of his opponent. hugogloss.uol.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Willian Hiroyuki Masuda suffered a spinal injury during a Jiu-Jitsu tournament in Londrina, Brazil. visionrdn.com · hugogloss.uol.com.br · www.ladbible.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Masuda has lost sensation and movement in his legs. visionrdn.com · www.ladbible.com