The 2018 IBJJF World featherweight champion Shane Jamil Hill-Taylor won’t be able to defend his title at this year championship due to an emergency illness he has.
Jamil Hill is one of the best BJJ athletes in the world was struck by appendicitis and the American had to undergo an immediate surgery just days before the tournament starts. The recovery time for Jamil could be anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks depending on the severity of his medical condition.
The champ’s absence means that there will be a new Black Belt featherweight champion because there are no other returning champions in this category.