Fernanda Mazzelli

Fernanda Mazzelli is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Thiago de Oliveira being also one of the top figures in the sport’s medium-heavy and heavyweight female divisions. A representative of the Striker Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Mazzelli made a name for herself in the lower belt divisions by conquering 6 Brazilian national titles, going on to accomplish a stellar career as a black belt. Fernanda’s many talents went beyond the mats, particularly on to politics where Mazzelli made a career as an elected councilwoman for Guarapari’s town hall while keeping active as a grappler.

Fernanda Mazzelli Jiu-Jitsu

Full Name: Fernanda Mazzelli Almeida Maio

Nickname: n/a

Lineage: Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Leo D’ilha > Flavio Ferreira > Thiago de Oliveira > Fernanda Mazzelli

Main Achievements:

1st Place IBJJF World Championship (2012/2015/2016)
1st Place IBJJF World Championship No-Gi (2012)
1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2010 / 2012 / 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2022)
2nd Place IBJJF World Championship (2013/2014/2019)
2nd Place IBJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro (2016)
2nd Place IBJJF European Open (2012)
2nd Place IBJJF Pans Championship (2016)
2nd Place IBJJF Brazilian Nationals (2011/2012*/2016)
3rd Place IBJJF World Championship (2009/2010/2011)
3rd Place IBJJF World Championship No-Gi (2010)
3rd Place IBJJF European Open (2012*)
3rd Place IBJJF Brazilian Nationals (2011/2013*/2016*)

Main Achievements (Colored Belts):

1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2003/2004** blue, 2005 purple, 2008** brown)
2nd Place IBJJF World Championship (2005 purple)
3rd Place IBJJF Brazilian Nationals (2005* purple, 2007 brown)

* Absolute
** Weight and Absolute

Favorite Position/Technique: Triangle

Weight Division: Peso Pesado (79kg/175lbs)

Team/Association: Striker JJ

Fernanda Mazzelli Biography

Fernanda Mazzelli was born on September 27, 1988, in Guarapari, a coastal town in the state of Espirito Santo – Brazil.

Growing up Fernanda was always highly motivated to practice sports, going through ballet, swimming, and volleyball before discovering jiu-jitsu at the age of 11 – an activity she found interest in by watching her sister and cousin, who already grappled.

Mazzelli’s first instructor was Flavio “Dente” Ferreira, who introduced jiu-jitsu to Guarapari. Dente spent most of his time in Rio de Janeiro and left the academy in the capable hands of his student, Thiago de Oliveira.

Thiago de Oliveira was Fernanda’s instructor throughout all belts, including her black belt which Mazzelli received at the podium of the Brazilian Nationals on the 10th of May 2008, after winning both her weight and the absolute division. Thiago also married Fernanda’s sister, becoming both a mentor and her brother in law.

With a life always connected with sports, Fernanda went on to finish a degree in physical education from Vila Velha’s University, taking second place overall in the class of 2012.

While competing in jiu jitsu’s international circuit and establishing herself as one of the top grappling figures of her generation, Mazzelli also followed her grandfather’s footsteps as a politician (Mr. Oswaldo Epaminondas de Almeida was Guarapari’s very first Mayor). Fernanda took a leading role as one of the top representatives of Brazil’s PSD (Social Democratic Party) in her state, becoming a councilwoman for the party in her hometown’s town hall.

Though Mazzelli’s civic duties took the lead in her busy schedule, she managed to maintain a daily training routine throughout most of her jiu-jitsu career.

Cover photo by William Burkhardt of BJJPix.

Fernanda Mazzelli vs Tatiana Santos