Congolese athlete Christophe Mputu clinches second world ju-jitsu title

Congolese athlete Christophe Mputu has once again ascended to the pinnacle of ju-jitsu, securing his second world championship title on August 1, 2026, in Abu Dhabi. Competing in the under-94kg category, Mputu defeated Iraq's Albu-Mohammed Mohanad in the final match.

This latest victory adds to Mputu's impressive career achievements, bringing his total medal count to 82. His first world title was also claimed in Abu Dhabi back in 2020. Mputu expressed his profound joy and pride in achieving his goal, highlighting his unwavering determination despite facing significant obstacles.

One such challenge involved his team, which was unable to join him in Abu Dhabi due to an Ebola outbreak in their home country. "Despite this, I remained determined," Mputu told Radio Okapi. "Once on the tatami, my objective was clear: to win the gold medal and the world championship title."

Mputu's journey to this second world title included victories over Kazakh opponents Rustanbek Jirenshiyev and Kazbolat Satybaldiyev in earlier rounds. Hailing from Kinshasa, Mputu has established himself as one of Congo's most decorated athletes, with a record that includes a bronze medal from the 2023 World Championships in Mongolia, silver medals from the 2024 World Championships in Greece and the 2025 World Championships in Thailand, and the 2024 African Championship title.

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I have just won my second ju-jitsu world championship title in the under-94 kilo category, here in Abu Dhabi. The first title was in 2020, here in Abu Dhabi. The competition went well. I was a bit stressed because another team, which remained in Congo, was supposed to join me. Unfortunately, they were blocked in the country because of Ebola. Despite this, I remained determined. Once on the tatami, my objective was clear: to win the gold medal and the world championship title. Today, I have just won my 82nd medal. In total, I have won 82 medals to honor the Democratic Republic of Congo.