Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Team History, Fighter Stats, Biographies and News

BJJ Fanatics Instructionals
BJJ Fanatics Instructionals

Otavio Sousa

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Nicholas Meregali Instructionals

Otavio Sousa is a jiu-jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Junior, who worked extensively with professor Zé Radiola in his hometown of Recife, Brazil, prior to his move to the United States. While representing the Gracie Barra team, Otavio became widely regarded as one of the best middleweight competitors in the sport, a reputation earned after his dominant wins at important tournaments such as the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s (IBJJF) World and Pan American Championships.

Otavio Sousa Jiu Jitsu

Full Name: Otávio Ferreira de Sousa

Nickname: Although seldom used, ‘The Steamroller’ has been mentioned as a nickname by some of the media, this would be due to his strength and the fast pace he usually imposes in his fights.

Lineage:  Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Carlos Gracie Junior > Otavio Sousa

Main Achievements:

  • IBJJF World Champion (2016/2013/2012)
  • IBJJF Pan American Champion (2020/2017/2010/2009)
  • IBJJF Pan American No-Gi Champion (2015)
  • CBJJ Brazilan Nationals Champion (2019)
  • IBJJF New York Open Champion (2012)
  • IBJJF Las Vegas Open Champion (2011)
  • IBJJF World Championship Runner-up (2014)
  • IBJJF World No-Gi Championship Runner-up (2009)
  • IBJJF Pan American Championship Runner-up (2019/2009*/2008)
  • CBJJ Brazilian National Championship Runner-up (2017)
  • IBJJF World Championship 3rd Place (2017/2009/2008)
  • IBJJF World No-Gi Championship 3rd Place (2015/2011)
  • IBJJF Pan American Championship 3rd Place (2016/2011)

Main Achievements (Colored Belts):

  • IBJJF World Champion (2007* brown)
  • IBJJF World Championship Runner-up (2007 brown)
  • IBJJF Pan American Championship Runner-up (2007 brown)
  • CBJJ Brazilian National Championship Runner-up (2004 purple)
  • IBJJF European Open Championship Runner-up (2008/2007 brown)

* Absolute
** Weight and absolute

Favorite Position/Technique: Omoplata

Weight Division: Peso Médio (82kg/181lbs)

Team/Association: Gracie Barra

Otavio Sousa Biography

Otavio Sousa was born in July 1986 in Recife, State of Pernambuco – Brazil. He started training jiu-jitsu when he was 13 years old, after an invitation from a friend who already trained at Recife’s Gracie Barra headquarters. The Gracie Barra – Recife was an academy led by José Olímpio (also known as “Zé Radiola”), a charismatic instructor who developed several high-level athletes, including Braulio Estima, Victor Estima, Bruno Alves to mention a few.

At the Gracie Barra academy, Otavio Sousa became one of the main names in the lower ranks of BJJ earning himself several titles, including a world championship in 2007 as a brown belt. After his win at the Mundial de Jiu-Jitsu, Otavio Sousa earned his black belt from the hands of Carlos Gracie Junior, the head of the Gracie Barra franchise. E.N.: Though Otavio Sousa was mainly coached by José Olímpio, it was common practice within Gracie Barra to have the founder of the academy hand the black belts.

After receiving his black belt, Otavio Sousa was invited to lead the Gracie Barra Academy in Irvine, California which was owned by Chris Pizzo. Sousa worked there a few years, but that relationship ended unexpectedly in unfortunate circumstances. According to the many internet forums who debated the issue at the time, Otavio was fired by E-mail while on vacation, by the gym’s owner. The reason for the dismissal (according to Pizzo) was that Otavio ​​spent too much time competing and touring for seminars, while not dedicating enough effort to the gym. This went against many of Sousa’s student’s beliefs who left the academy in a show of support for their instructor. Among the people who followed Otavio out were A-listers such as ‘Budo’ Jake, sports commentator, and CEO of the company BudoVideos.

Otavio Sousa Grappling Record

118 WINS
  • BY POINTS
    40 (34%)
  • BY ADVANTAGES
    12 (10%)
  • BY SUBMISSION
    57 (48%)
  • BY DECISION
    6 (5%)
  • BY PENALTIES
    1 (1%)
  • BY DQ
    1 (1%)

57 SUBMISSIONS WINS

#214eb8
Choke from back
21
12
#86e620
Armbar
16
9
#5AD3D1
Mounted X choke
9
5
#d1212a
Choke
5
3
#fad11b
RNC
5
3
#f58822
Omoplata
5
3
#224aba
Submission
5
3
#ff9124
Ezekiel
4
2
#bf1f6c
Cross choke
4
2
#22c9a5
Kneebar
4
2
#fad223
Wristlock
4
2
#03861f
Choke from mount
2
1
#039a1f
Bow and arrow
2
1
#03b41f
Brabo choke
2
1
#03c61f
Advantages
2
1
#03d61f
Botinha
2
1
#03f61f
Triangle
2
1
#82ff5f
Flying triangle
2
1
#a4ff5f
Armlock
2
1
#dbff5f
Shoulder pressure
2
1
Katagatame
2
1
Short choke
2
1
57
(100%) SUBMISSIONS
53 LOSSES
  • BY POINTS
    32 (60%)
  • BY ADVANTAGES
    9 (17%)
  • BY SUBMISSION
    9 (17%)
  • BY DECISION
    3 (6%)
  • BY PENALTIES
    0 (0%)
  • BY DQ
    0 (0%)

9 SUBMISSIONS LOSSES

#214eb8
Kneebar
33
3
#86e620
Armbar
33
3
#5AD3D1
Footlock
11
1
#d1212a
Guillotine
11
1
#fad11b
Choke from back
11
1
9
(100%) SUBMISSIONS

Otavio Sousa Fight History

ID Opponent W/L Method Competition Weight Stage Year
1841Jeff MonsonLN/A10k ChallengeABSGP2007
1851Alan FinfouAlan FinfouLAdvEuropean Open82KGF2008
1873Gustavo CamposGustavo CamposLKneebarPan American82KGF2008
1887Braga NetoBraga NetoLAdvBrasileiroABS4F2008
1896Alan FinfouAlan FinfouLPts: 2x0Brasileiro82KGF2008
1943Bill CooperBill CooperLKneebarWorld Champ.82KGSF2008
2061Braulio EstimaBraulio EstimaLArmbarCapital Challenge88KGF2008
2106Alan FinfouAlan FinfouLPointsEuropean88KGF2009
2199Braga NetoBraga NetoLPts: 3x0Pan AmericanABSF2009
2351Tarsis HumphreysTarsis HumphreysLFootlockWorld Champ.88KGSF2009
2583Marcel FortunaMarcel FortunaLPts: 3x0Pan AmericanABSR22010
2743Eduardo TellesEduardo TellesLPts: 10x10, AdvWorld Champ.ABS4F2010
2888Eduardo SantoroEduardo SantoroLAdvPan American88KGSF2011
3071Gustavo JunqueiraLPts: 2x0World Champ.88KGRDS2011
3375Rafael LovatoRafael LovatoLPts: 4x0No Gi Worlds88KGSF2011
3633Clark GracieClark GracieLPts: 2x0Pan American82KG4F2012
3675Felipe PreguiçaLPts: 4x4, AdvCopa Podio85KGGP2012
3680Rafael BarbosaRafael BarbosaLPts: 2x0Copa Podio85KGGP2012
3684Dimitrius SouzaDimitrius SouzaLPts: 2x0Copa Podio85KGGP2012
4151Kron GracieKron GracieLArmbarMetamorisABSSPF2012
4169Romulo BarralRomulo BarralLArmbarIBJJF Pro League94KGSF2012
4592Clark GracieClark GracieLPointsPan American82KG4F2013
5005Kron GracieKron GracieLGuillotineADCC77KGF2013
5378Leandro LoLeandro LoLAdvPan American82KGF2014
5505Lucas LepriLucas LepriLPts: 4x0WP MontrealABSF2014
5631Andre GalvaoAndre GalvaoLPts: 2x0World Pro.ABS4F2014
5655Leandro LoLeandro LoLPointsWorld Pro.82KGSF2014
5822Leandro LoLeandro LoLPts: 9x6World Champ.82KGF2014
6090Francisco IturraldeFrancisco IturraldeLPts: 2x0IBJJF Pro League82KGSF2014
6771Alexander TransAlexander TransLPointsPan AmericanABS4F2015
6846Leandro LoLeandro LoLPts: 5x2Pan American82KGF2015
7469Vitor OliveiraVitor OliveiraLPts: 2x0World Champ.82KGSF2015
7780Keenan CorneliusKeenan CorneliusLPts: 4x0FIVE SLABSSPF2015
7952Lucas LepriLucas LepriLPts: 4x0ADCC77KGSF2015
7954Gilbert BurnsGilbert BurnsLPts: 6x0ADCC77KG3RD2015
8435DJ JacksonDJ JacksonLReferee DecisionNoGi Worlds79KGSF2015
9304Yago SouzaYago SouzaLPts: 6x4Pan American82KGSF2016
10455Gabriel ArgesGabriel ArgesLPts: 2x0Grand Slam LA85KGF2016
11963Gabriel ArgesGabriel ArgesLKneebarACBJJ 485KGF2017
12784Jaime CanutoJaime CanutoLPts: 2x0Brasileiro82KGF2017
13155Marcos TinocoMarcos TinocoLPts: 2x0, AdvWorld Champ.82KGSF2017
13479Helton JoseHelton JoseD---ACBJJ WorldABSF2017
13821Diego RamalhoDiego RamalhoLPts: 0x0, AdvGrand Slam LA85KGSF2017
14975Leandro LoLeandro LoLPointsACB 1085KGSPF2018
15324Isaque BahienseIsaque BahienseLPointsACBJJ 1185KGSPF2018
15419Marcos TinocoMarcos TinocoLPts: 2x0Pan American82KGSF2018
16535Jonathan SatavaJonathan SatavaLPts: 4x2World Champ.82KGR22018
19386Jaime CanutoJaime CanutoLReferee DecisionLA BJJ Pro82KGF2019
19632Isaque BahienseIsaque BahienseLPts: 2x0Pan American82KGF2019
20654Jaime CanutoJaime CanutoLPts: 0x0, AdvWorld Champ.82KG4F2019
22486Ronaldo JuniorRonaldo JuniorLPts: 2x0SJJIF WorldsABSF2019
24418Isaque BahienseIsaque BahienseLChoke from backBJJ Stars 486KGSF2020
29097Jonnatas GracieJonnatas GracieLReferee DecisionIBJJF GP82KGSF2021
29551Leandro LoLeandro LoLPts: 2x0World Champ.88KG4F2021
1839Helio PerdigaoWPts: 4x010k ChallengeABSGP2007
1840Nicolas GregoriadesWKneebar10k ChallengeABSGP2007
1872Adriano SilvaAdriano SilvaWPts: 2x0Pan American82KGSF2008
1941Gustavo CamposGustavo CamposWKneebarWorld Champ.82KG4F2008
2058Tarsis HumphreysTarsis HumphreysWPointsCapital Challenge88KGSF2008
2176Jimmy TangWMounted X chokePan American88KG8F2009
2177Felipe FogolinWArmbarPan American88KG4F2009
2180Nivaldo OliveiraNivaldo OliveiraWAdvPan American88KGSF2009
2194Lucas LeiteLucas LeiteWPts: 4x0Pan AmericanABS4F2009
2197Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesWPts: 2x2, AdvPan AmericanABSSF2009
2348Marcello SalazarWPts: 2x0World Champ.88KG4F2009
2558Cameron DiffleyWPointsPan American88KGR12010
2559Cameron AppleWShoulder pressurePan American88KG4F2010
2560Jason EbarbWWristlockPan American88KGSF2010
2561Andre FreitasWPts: 7x0Pan American88KGF2010
2578Frost MurphyWMounted X chokePan AmericanABSR12010
3359Erik AndersonWSubmissionNo Gi Worlds88KG4F2011
3627Brent PrimusWPointsPan American82KGR22012
3691Leandro LoLeandro LoD---Copa Podio85KGGP2012
3864Rafael BarbosaRafael BarbosaWEzekielNYC Open82KGSF2012
3865Clark GracieClark GracieWPointsNYC Open82KGF2012
3866Rafael RosendoWWristlockNYC OpenABSSF2012
3867Rafael BarbosaRafael BarbosaWChokeNYC OpenABSF2012
4045Michael PinheiroWChoke from mountWorld Champ.82KGR22012
4053Luis GustavoWChoke from backWorld Champ.82KG8F2012
4063Lucas LeiteLucas LeiteWPts: 6x4World Champ.82KGSF2012
4065Claudio CalasansClaudio CalasansWPts: 6x6, PenWorld Champ.82KGF2012
4167John CarlquistWChokeIBJJF Pro League94KG4F2012
4585Nic RubenNic RubenWBow and arrowPan American82KGR22013
4796Davi RamosDavi RamosWPts: 6x2World Champ.82KG4F2013
4800Vitor OliveiraVitor OliveiraWArmbarWorld Champ.82KGSF2013
4802Claudio CalasansClaudio CalasansWPts: 4x2World Champ.82KGF2013
4997Youngnam NohWRNCADCC77KGR12013
4999Ben HendersonWOmoplataADCC77KG4F2013
5004Leonardo VieiraLeonardo VieiraWPointsADCC77KGSF2013
5365Matt JuberaWBrabo chokePan American82KGR12014
5373Leo IturraldeWPointsPan American82KG4F2014
5495Tanner RiceTanner RiceWPts: 9x0WP Montreal85KGNA2014
5501Leo SaggioroLeo SaggioroWPts: 4x2WP MontrealABS4F2014
5504Gianni GrippoGianni GrippoWPts: 0x0, AdvWP MontrealABSSF2014
5616Alexander TransAlexander TransWPts: 0x0, AdvWorld Pro.ABSR12014
5652Kit DaleKit DaleWPts: 7x2World Pro.82KGR12014
5654Brian BeauryBrian BeauryWArmbarWorld Pro.82KG4F2014
5806Caio AlmeidaCaio AlmeidaWPts: 2x0World Champ.82KGRDS2014
5813Israel ReyesWArmbarWorld Champ.82KGRDS2014
5817Vitor OliveiraVitor OliveiraWPts: 4x2World Champ.82KG4F2014
5820Alan FinfouAlan FinfouWArmbarWorld Champ.82KGSF2014
6113AJ AgazarmAJ AgazarmWChoke from backNYC Pro82KGSF2014
6114Vitor OliveiraVitor OliveiraWChoke from backNYC Pro82KGF2014
6748Evandro NunesEvandro NunesWPts: 10x0Pan AmericanABSR22015
6763Kitner MouraWInjuryPan AmericanABSR32015
6818Thabet al TaherWOmoplataPan American82KGR12015
6832Marcos TinocoMarcos TinocoWPts: 4x4, AdvPan American82KGR32015
6842Victor SilverioVictor SilverioWReferee DecisionPan American82KG4F2015
6845Vitor OliveiraVitor OliveiraWPts: 2x0Pan American82KGSF2015
7460Luca AnacoretaLuca AnacoretaWMounted X chokeWorld Champ.82KG8F2015
7464Jaime CanutoJaime CanutoWPts: 0x0, AdvWorld Champ.82KG4F2015
7940AJ AgazarmAJ AgazarmWRNCADCC77KGR12015
7948Vagner RochaVagner RochaWReferee DecisionADCC77KG4F2015
8184Mansher KheraMansher KheraWPts: 11x0NoGi Pan Ams82KGSF2015
8185Marcelo MafraMarcelo MafraWPts: 2x2, AdvNoGi Pan Ams82KGF2015
8427Dustin AkbariWOmoplataNoGi Worlds79KG8F2015
8434Rodrigo CaporalRodrigo CaporalWAdvantagesNoGi Worlds79KG4F2015
8535Kevin MahechaKevin MahechaWPts: 2x0IBJJF NY Pro82KGSF2015
8536Victor SilverioVictor SilverioWPts: 2x2, AdvIBJJF NY Pro82KGF2015
9286Youngam NohWPts: 7x0Pan American82KGR12016
9292Ken PrimolaWChoke from backPan American82KG8F2016
9300Jaime CanutoJaime CanutoWPts: 2x0Pan American82KG4F2016
9858Rafael RosendoWN/AAtlanta BJJ Pro82KG4F2016
9859Jaime CanutoJaime CanutoWArmbarAtlanta BJJ Pro82KGF2016
9996Santeri LiliusSanteri LiliusWChoke from backWorld Champ.82KGR22016
10007Jonathan SatavaJonathan SatavaWPts: 10x0World Champ.82KG8F2016
10014Dillon DanisDillon DanisWPts: 4x0World Champ.82KG4F2016
10019Yago SouzaYago SouzaWPts: 9x2World Champ.82KGSF2016
10450Stephen HergettWCross chokeGrand Slam LA85KG4F2016
10454Sergio RiosSergio RiosWArmbarGrand Slam LA85KGSF2016
10708Gabriel ArgesGabriel ArgesWBotinhaBJJ Pro LA82KGSF2016
10710Nathan MendelsohnNathan MendelsohnWTriangleBJJ Pro LA82KGF2016
11957Thiago SaThiago SaWChoke from backACBJJ 485KG4F2017
11962Claudio CalasansClaudio CalasansWReferee DecisionACBJJ 485KGSF2017
12198Douglas KallinWCross chokePan American82KG8F2017
12202Abmar BarbosaAbmar BarbosaWChoke from backPan American82KG4F2017
12204Vitor OliveiraVitor OliveiraWPts: 0x0, AdvPan American82KGSF2017
12205Isaque BahienseIsaque BahienseWFlying trianglePan American82KGF2017
12771Pedro ThiagoWChoke from backBrasileiro82KGR12017
12775Anderson LiraWArmlockBrasileiro82KGR22017
12781Felipe CesarFelipe CesarWArmbarBrasileiro82KG4F2017
12782Luan CarvalhoLuan CarvalhoWN/ABrasileiro82KGSF2017
13145Lachlan GilesLachlan GilesWMounted X chokeWorld Champ.82KG8F2017
13153Mansher KheraMansher KheraWReferee DecisionWorld Champ.82KG4F2017
13474Jan BuatimJan BuatimWChoke from backACBJJ World85KGF2017
13774Alexandre MolinaroAlexandre MolinaroWChoke from backSan Diego Pro82KG4F2017
13777Jaime CanutoJaime CanutoWPointsSan Diego Pro82KGF2017
13820Sergio RiosSergio RiosWPts: 9x4Grand Slam LA85KG4F2017
13824Nathan MendelsohnNathan MendelsohnWPts: 9x2Grand Slam LA85KGRR2017
13826Sergio RiosSergio RiosWPts: 8x4Grand Slam LA85KG3RD2017
15412Diego RamalhoDiego RamalhoWEzekielPan American82KG8F2018
15417Manuel RibamarManuel RibamarWReferee DecisionPan American82KG4F2018
17832Gabriel ProcopioGabriel ProcopioWChoke from backLA BJJ Pro82KGSF2018
17833Michael LieraMichael LieraWPts: 0x0, AdvLA BJJ Pro82KGF2018
19384Andris BrunovskisAndris BrunovskisWPts: 6x6, AdvLA BJJ Pro82KGSF2019
19619Fabricio BarbarottiFabricio BarbarottiWKatagatamePan American82KG8F2019
19628Alexandre JesusAlexandre JesusWChoke from backPan American82KG4F2019
19631Jaime CanutoJaime CanutoWPts: 6x4Pan American82KGSF2019
20294Rodrigo SantosWRNCBrasileiro82KGR22019
20298Manoel MiguelWPointsBrasileiro82KGR32019
20301Igor VerissimoIgor VerissimoWPointsBrasileiro82KG4F2019
20303Ronieri SilvaWShort chokeBrasileiro82KGSF2019
20305Claudio CalasansClaudio CalasansWDQBrasileiro82KGF2019
20649Hugo MarquesHugo MarquesWChokeWorld Champ.82KGR22019
22475Edmund KimWSubmissionSJJIF Worlds82KGSF2019
22476Tom GallicchioWSubmissionSJJIF Worlds82KGF2019
22485Rafael VasconcelosRafael VasconcelosWPointsSJJIF WorldsABSSF2019
24186Armando EsquerWMounted X chokePan American88KGR12020
24190Joseph WatsonWArmbarPan American88KG4F2020
24193Gabriel AlmeidaGabriel AlmeidaWPts: 2x0Pan American88KGSF2020
24195Matheus LunaMatheus LunaWPts: 4x0Pan American88KGF2020
24414Matheus DinizMatheus DinizWPts: 0x0, AdvBJJ Stars 486KG4F2020
29548Matheus DinizMatheus DinizWReferee DecisionWorld Champ.88KG8F2021

Banner photograph taken from Gracie Mag.

Otavio Sousa vs Junior Santos

Otavio Sousa vs N/A

Craig Jones Brand New Instructional

4 Comments

  • dylan says:

    he should be embarassed with how he refused to fight kron

  • Alex D'Hue says:

    Octavio is certainly well known for his competition titles, but I can say from first hand knowledge that he is just as good of a professor as competitor. Furthermore, I have heard nothing but good things from other students who have taken his classes at GB Irvine.

  • Henry Dunn says:

    Otavio Sousa is the best instructor and competitor in the world, hands down. The story about Irvine is false. I'm a current student at his gym in Huntington Beach, I was a student at HQ during that period and he was absolutely as great an instructor then as he is now. He taught the curriculum every single day, was at the gym leading by example as always most of the time. While travel was a part of his activities, it never got in the way of our (students) training or development and we loved that others around the world got the opportunity to train with the best in the world. Nothing but love, respect and admiration for a truly great professor, competitor and a legend in the making.

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