By Jiu Jitsu on April 11th, 2010

Antonio Braga Neto

Antonio Braga Neto is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, being at the top of the “Pesadissimo” weight category since first receiving his black belt from the legendary Roberto Correa. A world champion in BJJ, Braga Neto also launched himself into a successful career as a Mixed Martial Artist (MMA fighter).

Braga Neto in Detail

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Carlos Gracie Junior > Roberto Correa > Antonio Braga Neto

Main Achievements:

3x World Nogi Champion (2009, 2008 weight & absolute);
2x World Champion (2008, 2011);
3x Pan American Champion (weight and open weight 2009, 2010);
Brazilian National Champion (2008);
World Nogi Silver Medallist (2009 open weight);
Pan American Silver Medallist (2010 open weight, 2011);
World Bronze Medallist (2010)

Weight Category in Jiu Jitsu: Super-Pesado (Super Heavy Weight) Under 100Kg-221Lbs

Team/Association: Gracie-Barra/Gordo Evolve and Ralph Gracie.

Important DVD Releases: Core Fundamentals of BJJ

Braga Neto Biography

Antônio Braga Neto was born on the 29th of October 1987 in the city of Águia Branca from the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil, though he moved to Manaus in the Amazon jungle when he was still a toddler. Braga Neto’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training started very early in his life with Professor Fábio Aníbal when he was just 4 years old in the Amazonian city. He came to Rio de Janeiro to improve his BJJ when he was around 17 years old, joining the famed “Gordo” academy from Gracie Barra. The sacrifice paid off received as he received his black belt when he was 18 years old from the hands of BJJ legendary Roberto Correa.

Coming from a humble background, Braga Neto had to rely on his sponsors in order to stay in the game, as a consequence, he always had to keep as busy as possible fighting in Jiu Jitsu, No-Gi and MMA whenever the opportunity arises, even when he doesn’t feel at the peak of his abilities. This has caused him a few unusual losses on his resume, but takes nothing away from his warrior spirit.

On September 2009 a strange incident occurred in one of Braga Neto’s fights, as he fought Rodney Glunder at the “Art of War” event in China. Antonio shot for a takedown falling together with his opponent outside the ring area and on top of some electric equipment, as a result the fight had to be stopped as Rodney Glunder had to be carried by an ambulance to a hospital due to injuries from the fall. The fight was ruled a no contest.

Braga Neto vs Andre Galvao World Pro Cup 2011