Ricardo “Jegue” Evangelista

Ricardo Evangelista is a top Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under master Julio Cesar from the Grappling Fight Team (GFT) and one of the best super heavyweights in BJJ having won several important tournaments at the top level such as the Brazilian Nationals and the Rio Open.

Ricardo Evangelista Jiu Jitsu

Full Name: Ricardo Ferreira Evangelista

Nickname: ‘Jegue’ (working donkey), name circled around his friends and training partners as a joke due to Ricardo’s strength and endurance while making a hint at donkey’s lack of wit.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Luis França > Oswaldo Fadda > Monir Salomão > Julio Cesar Pereira > Ricardo Evangelista

Main Achievements:

• IBJJF European Open Champion (2018)
• UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro Champion (2016)
• UAEJJF Grand Slam – London Champion (2016)
• UAEJJF Grand Slam – Rio de Janeiro Champion (2016)
• UAEJJF Grand Slam – Los Angeles Champion (2016)
• IBJJF Rio International Open Champion (2010/2011*)
• CBJJ Brazilian National Champion (2011)
• CBJJE Pan American Champion (2009)
• IBJJF World Championship Runner-up (2015)
• UAEJJF World Pro Championship Runner-up (2013)
• IBJJF Pan American Championship Runner-up (2018/2012)
• UAEJJF World Pro Championship 3rd Place (2012*)
• IBJJF World Championship 3rd Place (2014)

Main Achievements (Colored Belts):

• IBJJF World Champion (2003 blue)
• CBJJ Brazilian National Champion (2003 blue, 2004 purple)
• CBJJ Brazilian National Championship Runner-up (2002 blue)

Weight Division: Super Heavyweight (Under 100kg/221lbs)

Favourite Position/Technique: Closed Guard

Team/Association: Grappling Fight Team

Ricardo Evangelista Biography

Ricardo Evangelista was born on the 6th of April, 1986 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He started practising Jiu Jitsu when he was 13 years old due to his brother’s influence, who convinced Ricardo to attend his first class. It didn’t take long for Evangelista to find interest in the sport, and from his very early teens he started dedicating all his attention to BJJ.

His first instructors were Alexandre Barauna and Bruno Cunha who awarded Ricardo his blue and purple belts. Evangelista then changed to the UGF (Universidade Gama Filho) academy in the Northern area of Rio de Janeiro (which later changed its name to GFTeam). There Ricardo Evangelista’s Jiu Jitsu took a step forward due to the team’s high level of competitors training alongside every day. The Grappling Fight Team was led taught by both Julio Cesar and Marcus Bello, these two coaches awarded Evangelista his black belt at the age of 22.

Picture taken by William Burkhardt of BJJPix.

Ricardo Evangelista vs Antonio Bujão

Ricardo Evangelista vs Antonio Carlos

Ricardo Evangelista Highlight