Michelle Nicolini (Checkmat)

Michelle Nicolini is one of the elite fighters in womens jiu jitsu. A 6x jiu jitsu world champion, European open weight champion and World Pro Cup Champion, Michelle Nicolini is also a black belt under ADCC 2007 absolute champion Robert Drysdale and one of the main stars in the Checkmat BJJ team. Michele Nicolini’s rampant competitive career has had its shiniest moments since she started training under Rodrigo Cavaca at his Santos academy.

Michelle Nicolini Jiu Jitsu

Full Name: Michelle Zonato Nicolini

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Romero Cavalcanti > Leonardo Vieira > Robert Drysdale > Michelle Nicolini

Main Titles (Black Belt):

• 6x World Champion (2012, 2011, 2010, 2007 weight & absolute, 2006);
• 2x World Nogi Champion (2010, 2008);
• World Pro Cup Champion (2012)
• 2x European Champion (2012 weight & absolute)
• 3x Pan American Champion (2011, 2010, 2008);

Favourite Technique: Triangle & Toe Hold

Weight Division: Pluma (Light Featherweight) 53kg-118lbs

Team/Association: Checkmat

Michelle Nicoline Biography

Michelle Nicolini was born on the 1st of January, 1982, in the city of Itú – State of Sao Paulo – Brazil. Her chosen door of entry in the martial arts world was Capoeira, which she started at the age of 14. She stopped training Capoeira 3 years later and changed her focus to jiu jitsu, training under Robert Drysdale, who awarded her all belts, including her black belt.

In 2010 Michelle Nicoline surprised everyone by showing up at the “Mundials” fighting 4 divisions above her usual weight category. She explained the peculiar event by saying that she was prepared to fight in her traditional light-featherweight division, but after a friendly challenge was proposed by one of her Checkmat colleagues – to fight in the same division and close up the final together for the team – she decided to go and compete in this division.

Today Michelle Nicolini trains and coaches at the “Cavaca Fight Trainer” she has done seminars all over the world and is contactable at:

Cavaca Fight Centre
R: Henrique Soler, 239, Ponta da Praia – Santos SP

Contact: priscilaprandini@ig.com.br

Photo credits to: Bruno Polengo

Michelle Nicolini vs Marina Ribeiro

Michelle Nicolini vs Kyra Gracie

Michelle Nicolini vs Bia Mesquita