Filipina Annie Ramirez's tearful win and Joao Rocha's incredible battle: Six highlights from Abu Dhabi World Pro 2019

Memorable moments of this year's Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship

• 

  Joao Rocha: The Brazilian clinched gold in the black belt 110-kilogram weight. He also won the spectators' hearts having returned to competitive action following his battle with testicular cancer. Rocha, who returned to Abu Dhabi after six years, won eight fights. Reem Mohammed / The National

• 

  Gabriel de Sousa: The Brazilian was crowned the fourth UAEJJF world No 1 – in only his first year in the black belt division – thereby following in the footsteps of compatriots Erberth Santos, Jose Junior and Igor Silva. De Sousa took part in 15 competitions, winning 13 gold medals. Reem Mohammed / The National

• 

  Gabrieli Pessanha: At just 18 years old, the Brazilian was crowned female world No 1 after racking up 10 golds in 10 competitions and ending the UAEJJF season undefeated on 20 fights. Raised in the notorious favela of Cidade de Deus in Rio de Janeiro, Pessanha credits jiu-jitsu with helping her lead a better life. Courtesy UAEJJF

• 

  Annie Ramirez: The Filipina fighter touched many a heart after breaking down following her victory in the purple belt 55kg final against American Sophia Dalpra. The 28-year-old black belt in judo is a jiu-jitsu teacher for children, including those with hearing impairment, and was understandably emotional having won her first gold on the world circuit after four years of trying. Reem Mohammed / The National

• 

  Tommy Langaker: The Norwegian became the only non-Brazilian to win a black belt gold on Friday. The 25-year-old got the better of Briton Oliver Lovell with a choke submission. But he earlier saw off a Portuguese, a Swede and two Brazilians, including the favourite Diego Ramalho, en route to the 77kg final. Reem Mohammed / The National

• 

  Omar Al Fadhli: The 18-year-old Emirati underlined his status as the emerging star after winning his 62kg blue belt weight and with it the UAEJJF world No 1 title in the blue belt. It was also his first gold in the adult division in the World Pro. Al Fadhli was promptly elevated to purple belt by Ribamar Santiago, his Brazilian high performance coach. Khushnum Bhandari for The National

The 11th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship concluded on Friday following the completion of the 12 brown/black belt finals at Mubadala Arena.

The week-long championship, popularly known as the World Pro, is the season-ending event in the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation's calendar. This year entries were restricted for the first time to 5,000, and still drew fighters from 102 countries.

There were some memorable stories during the week, including Joao Rocha's record eight wins on his return from a battle with cancer, as well as Annie Ramirez's emotional outpouring after her first win on the world circuit.

To find out what highlights Amith Passela has picked out of this year's action, browse through the photo gallery above. To move on to the next position, click the arrows on the photo, or if using a mobile device simply swipe.