BJJ Fighter Database

Eloisa Souto, commonly known as Elô Souto is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Claudio Joanino and a member of the Nova União academy – Macaé branch, being regarded as one of the top female athletes of her generation. Competing mainly in Brazil’s national grappling circuit, Elô Souto has medalled in important tournaments such as the Brazilian Nationals. World Championships as well as the São Paulo International Open.

Sergio Benini is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Vinicius “Draculino” Magalhães of Gracie Barra – Belo Horizonte, a team he took over as head coach in 2015. One of the top representatives of Draculino’s famous academy as an athlete, Sergio Benini is also well recognised jiu jitsu instructor at GB-BH

Rômulo Azevedo, commonly known as Romulo “Caju” is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Welton Ribeiro. One of the top medium-heavyweight grappling competitors of his generation, Rômulo is also known as the cousin of jiu jitsu legend Victor Ribeiro.

Bruno Barbosa, commonly known as “Bruninho” is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Adalberto “Buda” de Souza of Team Buda. Barbosa was one of the first jiu jitsu black belts to arrive and develop this martial art in Malaysia, from his Kuala Lumpur based gym. Bruninho also worked towards growing jiu jitsu in Kyrgyzstan during 2013.

Maurício Miguel Pereira, commonly known as Maurício “Behring” or “Maurição da Hunter” was one of the top jiu jitsu figures of the late 1990’s and early 2000’s decades, be it a promoter/sponsor, athlete and as an instructor.

Isaque Bahiense is a jiu jitsu black belt under Fábio Gurgel and Michael Langhi of team Alliance, having also worked extensively with Fábio Andrade of Nova União – Bangu. One of the most talented middleweights of his generation, Bahiense earned the reputation of being a masterful guard passer in the lower belt divisions of the sport through his numerous World, Pan and Brazilian titles.

Manuel António Pontes, commonly known as “Nelton” Pontes is a Portuguese grappler and a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Alex Machado of Gracie Barra – Lisbon. One of the top competitors in Europe, Nelton has conquered titles in important jiu jitsu events such as the Abu Dhabi World Pro and the European International Open, having also podium placed at the prestigious Copa Pódio’s Heavyweight Grand Prix.

Renato Forasieppi Canuto is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under his father Valdir “Tio Chico” Canuto, being also one of the top representatives of team …

Felipe Bezerra is a high level Brazilian judo competitor and a black belt in jiu jitsu under Bruno Barreto of Checkmat – RN (Rio Grande do Norte). Bezerra is one of the few athletes to compete in both grappling sports at the highest level, having conquered numerous medals at the Judo Nationals as well a IBJJF World and Pan American titles.

Bianca Basílio is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Caio Almeida, being also one of the top grappling competitors of her generation. A representative of the Almeida Jiu Jitsu academy, Basílio took the world by storm in the lower belt divisions of the sport by conquering some of the sport’s most praised events. This included the World, Pan American, South American and European titles.

Eliot Kelly is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Marcos “Yemaso” Torregrosa and one of the top super-heavyweight competitors in the sport, particularly in the Masters division where Kelly has won three Masters World medals (black belt). Eliot Kelly has also competed extensively in freestyle wrestling, having carried a lot of this sport on to his jiu jitsu game, making him one of the exponents of the American jiu jitsu style in the super-heavyweight division of the sport.

Nakapan Phungephorn is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt of Thailandese nationality who earned the rank from Master Pedro Sauer. Phungephorn is also the founder of the BETA academy (Washington, DC), and a historic figure in the North American grappling circuit during the 2000’s, when he won important titles, particularly at the Grapplers Quest promotion.

Nicholas Meregali is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Mario Reis and Jeferson Adan, as well as a representative of the Alliance academy in the sport’s competitive circuit.

Valdir Canuto, commonly known as “Tio Chico” is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Leonardo Costa, and a pioneer for this grappling style in São Vicente (Brazil). A well respected referee for the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), Valdir is also an accomplished instructor, having in his son Renato Canuto his most famous student.

Paul Ardila-Ibarra a jiu jitsu black belt under Roan Carneiro, and representative of American Top Team (ATT), Ardila-Ibarra is also one of the top ultra-heavyweights of his generation, Paul also represented the Alliance Academy while training under Bruno Malfacine’s guidance during 2015.

Adam Wardziński is a Brazilian jiu jitsu under Alan “Finfou”, who is widely regarded as one of the top medium heavyweight competitors in the sport of grappling. Adam Wardziński is also one of the first big names to emerge from Poland in the sport of BJJ.

Kristian Woodmansee is a jiu jitsu black belt under André Galvão, being also one of the top rooster-weight competitors of his generation. A reputation built in the lower belt divisions of the sport for academies such as Team Lloyd Irvin, Drysdale Jiu Jitsu and Atos Jiu Jitsu.

Thamires Aquino is a jiu jitsu black belt under Júlio César, being also one of the top female competitors of her generation while competing for Grappling Fight Team – out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

David Avellan is an accomplished American grappler and a jiu jitsu black belt under Ricardo Teixeira, well known for his many battles in important no-gi tournaments such as the ADCC and Grapplers Quest, where he defeated legends of our sport such as Amaury Bitetti, Alexandre Ribeiro, Rafael Lovato Jr. and Tarsis Humphreys – to name a few.

Eddie Cummings is a jiu-jitsu black belt under John Danaher, who is widely recognized as the first big name to emerge from a grappling …