Murilo Santana

Murilo Santana is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Mario Yamasaki (Ultimate Fighting Championship [UFC] referee), who also worked extensively with coach Marco Barbosa in São Paulo, Brazil. One of the main figures in the sport during the 2000s and early 2010’s decades, Santana would later become known for his work as the head-coach of Unity Jiu-Jitsu, a New York City-based BJJ academy.

Murilo Santana Jiu Jitsu

Full Name: Murilo Silva Ferreira Santana

Nickname: n/a

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rickson Gracie > Marcelo Behring > Mario Yamasaki > Murilo Santana

Main Achievements:

• 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2007 /2010 / 2012)
• 1st Place IBJJF World Championship No-Gi (2013*)
• 1st Place CBJJE World Championship (2007*)
• 1st Place ADCC Brazilian SP Trials (2011)
• 2nd Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2010)
• 3rd Place IBJJF World Championships (2014 / 2008 / 2007)
• 3rd Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2008* / 2022)
• 3rd Place IBJJF Pans Championship (2016 / 2020*)
• 3rd Place IBJJF World Championship No-Gi (2010/2018)
• 4th Place ADCC World Championship (2011*)

** Absolute
** Weight and absolute

Favorite Position/Technique: Miragaia Pass

Weight Division: Médio (82kg-181lbs)

Team/Association: Unity JJ

Murilo Santana’s Biography

Murilo Santana was born on April 13, 1983, in São Paulo state, Brazil, where he grew up.

It was also in São Paulo that Murilo became a jiu-jitsu student under the tutelage of the Yamasaki brothers, particularly Mario Yamasaki – who would later move to the United States and become a famous Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), referee.

Given the close relationship between Yamasaki and Marcos Barbosa, when Mario left to the USA, Murilo – then already a black belt, started training and representing Marcos Barbosa. It was under the tutelage of Barbosa that Murilo had his most positive years as a competitor.

In 2015 Murilo moved to the United States, more specifically New York, where he helped kickstart a new team named Unity BJJ in Manhattan. The team quickly became one of the top talent-producing facilities in the sport.

Murilo Santana vs Vinicius Corrales

Murilo Santana vs Claudio Calasans

Murilo Santana vs Frank Unol

Murilo Santana vs Lucas Leite