BJJ Fighter Database

Emyr Bussade, commonly known as “Shark” or “Tubarão”, is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Ricardo Libório, and a representative of American Top Team (ATT), having built one of the academy’s biggest affiliate gyms from where he developed talented athletes such as Tammi and Michael Musumeci, as well as Kevin and Brian Mahecha, to name a few. With a stellar career in the lower ranks of jiu jitsu, Emyr went on to compete in mixed martial arts (MMA) during the 2000’s decade, representing grappling in the cage to the highest standard, ending his career with an 82% submission ratio.

Faisal Al Kitbe is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Alex Paz and Maiky Reiter, being known as the first high level grappler to come from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Al Kitbe made a name for himself in the lower ranks of the sport, conquering a staggering 6 Abu Dhabi World Pro titles before breaking into the black belt division (2015).

Alex Paz, commonly known as Alex “Negão” is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Murilo Bustamante and Ricardo Libório, as well as a multiple-time …

Pirillo Roriz is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Ricardo Pinho, being one of the main representatives of the Gracie Barra academy in the state of Ceará – Brazil. Although an accomplished grappler of his own merrit, Pirillo Roriz is mostly known for his work as an instructor, having produced several talented jiu jitsu competitors such as world champion Yan “Pica-Pau” Lucas and Helio Mourão.

Paulo Sergio is a 6th degree black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ) under Master Romero Cavalcanti, as well as an accomplished judo black …

Rodnei Barbosa, commonly known as “Roy”, is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under the prestigious Paulo Rezende, a coach known for having developed grapplers …

Diego Borges is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under José Augusto Gato, being widely regarded as one of the top grappling competitors his generation, having conquered important medals in the sport, such as in the Brazilian National Championship, Copa Podio, World Championships, etc., having defeated big names of the sport such as Claudio Calasans, Clark Gracie, Dillon Danis, to name a few.

Ailson Brites, AKA “Jucão” is a jiu jitsu (BJJ) black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and a highly accomplished figure with wins at important tournaments including the Pan American, European Open, Masters World, International Masters & Seniors and many other championships. Ailson Brites is also known for his incredible family tree, and its close relationship to jiu jitsu, where you will find big names of this martial art such as grandmaster Geny Rebello, Armando Wriedt, Admilson “Juquinha” Brites.

Sophia McDermott Drysdale is a 4 time Pan American Jiu Jitsu Champion, being also the first female Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt of Australian Nationality. Regarded as one of the top grappling competitors of her generation, Sophia is also known for her work in the fitness industry, having developed several programs for women, particularly on the subject of post pregnancy fitness.

Alison Tremblay is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Peter Tremblay and a representative of Canada in the international grappling circuit. Regarded as one of the most talented competitors of her generation, in 2015 Alison became the 2nd Canadian national ever to medal in the IBJJF World Jiu Jitsu Championship in the adult black belt division, further cementing that claim.

Felipe Mota, commonly known as “Gargamel”, is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Octávio “Ratinho” Couto and Vinicius Campelo of the Akxe Academy in Rio de Janeiro. A former Rio International Open Champion and IBJJF World Championship silver medalist, Felipe Mota is also known as one of the jiu jitsu pioneers in Scandinavia, particularly Norway.

“Carlão” Barreto is an iconic figure in both jiu jitsu and vale-tudo/no-holds-barred (NHB). A black belt under Sergio “Bolão”, Barreto defended the flag of jiu jitsu and the Carlson Gracie Academy inside cages and rings across the world against various styles of combat, defeating big names such as Kevin Randleman, Ben Rothwell, Dan Bobish and numerous others.

Djalma Spindola is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Rodolfo Azevedo and Admilson “Juquinha” Brittes. Spindola earned the rank after a glorious campaign at brown belt, where he medalled at important tournaments such as the Pan American Championship, Brazilian National Championship, South American Championship.

Aldo Januário, commonly known as “Caveirinha” is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Junior, who is widely recognized as one of the top grappling coaches in the world. A pioneering figure for the sport in the city of Belo Horizonte – Brazil, Caveirinha developed some of the top competitors in the grappling world. people such as Rafael dos Anjos, Philipe Della Monica, Rodrigo de Freitas, Gustavo Saraiva, Igor Araújo, and many others.

Suyan Queiroz is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Master Carlson Gracie, and one of the main lightweight competitors of the late 1990s/early 2000s era, having beaten big names of the sport such as Jefferson Moura, Leonardo Peçanha, Leonardo Santos, Raphael Abi-Rihan among many others. Queiroz is also revered for his work in Abu Dhabi, helping establish one of the most important grappling programs on the jiu jitsu world.

Luigi Mondelli is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under André “Deco” Almeida, being widely recognized as one of the top grappling instructors in the US. Mondelli has also been praised for his work with mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes from both American Top Team (ATT) and John Hackleman’s “The Pit”, with the mediatic Glover Teixeira being his most well known pupil. Luigi Mondelli is also the founder of Kore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, an association that works to reintegrate jiu jitsu with the techniques of judo and wrestling.

Ricco Rodriguez is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Jean Jacques Machado, and an important figure in the history of the sport, being the first U.S. national to earn an ADCC gold medal (1998), and the 2nd American to earn a world title in Jiu Jitsu (1997). Rodriguez was also an important figure in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) where he became the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight Champion, though his career is also a controversial one, being the first MMA fighter ever to be suspended by the athletic commission for the use of cocaine.

Elan Santiago is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under the illustrious Mauro Chueng, being known in the world of grappling for his incredible work as a coach, where he developed competitors such as Lucas Lepri, Tiago Rocha, Gabriel Goulart, Rodrigo “Akilis” and many others. Santiago is also recognized as a pioneer in the Brazilian region of “Triângulo Mineiro” and for his involvement with the social project of “Sonho do Beija-Flor”.

Tanner Rice is a jiu jitsu black belt under “Cobrinha”, who became known as the first American born athlete to be promoted by the respected Alliance coach. Rice earned the rank at the age of 19, after winning the 2012 IBJJF world title, being at the time the youngest US native to achieve this deed. Later that year, in his black belt debut, Rice defeated two of the sport’s biggest names cementing his name as one of the most talented athletes in his division.

Hiago George is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under the illustrious Cícero Costha as well as Fabio Medeiros, being also one of the most accomplished featherweight competitors of his generation. Hiago made a name for himself competing mainly in the Brazilian grappling circuit, where he conquered numerous important titles.