Top 30 BJJ Fighters Of All Time (Men)
Greatest male champions in BJJ History, ranked
Top 30 BJJ grapplers of all time (MALE RANKINGS)
Point Ranking System
I made this points system to determine who is the best of the best in BJJ. I have watched (almost) every major BJJ event since 2007.
Points awarded per medal in the adult black belt division. The two major competitions are International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championship held every year in June, and Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) held every two years. They are given more weight as they are seen as the most prestigious tournaments in the world to win. Also considered are yearly events the IBJJF Pan American Championship and the IBJJF No Gi World Championship.
ADCC and IBJJF World Championship (gi)
1st place/gold = 4 points
2nd place/silver = 3 points
3rd place/bronze = 1 point
IBJJF No Gi World Championship and IBJJF Pan Ams (gi)
Gold/1st place = 3 points
Silver/2nd place = 2 points
Bronze/3rd place = 1 point
Male Rankings
1st: Marcus ‘Buchecha” Almeida - 97 points
Born in Sao Vicente, Brazil. January 8, 1990.
Height 6’3. Weight 258 pounds.
Weight classes: Super heavyweight, open weight
138 wins (72 submissions) and 14 losses. Best of his generation, best of all time. Buchecha’s era of dominance was 2012-2019. Buchecha holds the record for most IBJJF world titles in history with 13 total titles. He won his weight class 7 times and won the open weight category 6 times. Nobody else in history has more than 10 world titles. He could have had one more open weight title in 2018 but gave the title to his friend Leandro Lo. After Lo was injured in the semifinal. Buchecha transitioned to MMA in 2020. He holds a record of 5 wins and 1 loss. All fights in ONE Championship. As of February 2025, he is a free agent. (Buchecha means “Big cheeks”)
Buchecha - Documentary (YouTube)
Titles
2x ADCC 1st place (2013, 2017). 8 points
2x ADCC 2nd place (2013 open, 2019 open). 6 points
2x ADCC 3rd place (2017 open, 2019). 2 points
13x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2012-2019). 52 points
2x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2011, 2018). 6 points
2x IBJJF No Gi Worlds 1st place (2011, 2011 open weight). 6 points
1x IBJJF No Gi Worlds 2nd place (2010).2 points
4x Pan American 1st place (2011-2013). 12 points
1x Pan American 2nd place (2012). 2 points
1x Pan American 3rd place. (2011 open weight). 1 point
2nd: Andre Galvao – 86 points
Born in Sao Sebastiao, Sao Paulo, Brazil. September 29th, 1982
Height 5’7. Weight 190-220.
Weight classes: middle heavyweight, heavyweight, open weight
157 wins (73 submissions) and 28 losses. Andre Galvao’s era was 2007-2017. With a few big matches (Felipe Pena and Gordon Ryan) in 2019 and 2022 respectively. He is a 5-time IBJJF world champion. Inducted into the IBJJF Hall of Fame and the ADCC Hall of Fame. Co-founder and head coach of Team Atos one of the largest BJJ schools in the world based out of San Diego, California. MMA record of 5 wins and 2 losses.
Andre Galvao vs. Chris Weidman - ADCC 2009
Titles
6x ADCC 1st place (2011-2019) 24 points
1x ADCC 2nd place (2009) 3 points
2x ADCC 3rd place (2007, 2007 open weight) 2 points
5x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2005, 2008, 2014, 2016, 2017) 20 points
2x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2006, 2007) 6 points
1x IBJJF worlds 3rd place (2013) 1 point
9x Pan American 1st place (2005-2014) 27 points
1x Pan American 2nd place (2013 open weight) 2 points
1x Pan American 3rd place (2016 open weight) 1 point
3rd: Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles – 85 points
Born in Londrina, Parana, Brazil. December 24, 1979.
Height 5’4. Weight 154 pounds.
Weight classes: Featherweight
118 wins (63 submissions) and 21 losses. Only ever submitted one time in his weight class. One of my personal BJJ idols. Cobrinha started training BJJ at the age of 21 years old. A late star for such a high achiever in BJJ. Cobrinha is a featherweight (under 154 pounds) grappler which makes this entry on the list all that more impressive. He had a decade of dominance. Cobrinha’s era was 2006-2017. He won 4 consecutive IBJJF world titles in his weight class from 2006-09. He won a 5th and final IBJJF world title in 2017 at 38 years old. Cobrinha is a winner of the “Super Grand Slam” which means he won all 4 major IBJJF events (European, Pan American, Worlds, Brazilian Nationals) and the ADCC Championship in the same year. An incredible achievement all done at 38 years old. Cobrinha has always been an inspiration.
Rubens "Cobrinha Charles vs. Mario Reis - IBJJF World Championship
Titles
3x ADCC 1st place (2013, 2015, 2017) 12 points
2x ADCC 2nd place (2009, 2011) 6 points
5x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2006-09, 2017) 20 points
4x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2010, 2012, 2014, 2015) 12 points
3x IBJJF worlds 3rd place (2011, 2013, 2016) 3 points
5x Pan American 1st place (2007-09, 2010, 2017) 15 points
2x Pan American 2nd place (2012-13) 4 points
1x IBJJF Pan American 3rd place (2009) 1 point
4x No Gi Worlds 1st place (2007, 2008, 2011, 2012) 12 points
4th: Leandro Lo - 79 points
Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. May 1989-August 7 2022
Weight classes: lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight, open weight
268 wins (55 submissions) and 39 losses. 8 IBJJF world titles in a record 5 different weight classes. IBJJF Hall of Fame. He began training BJJ at the age of 14 after joining a social BJJ program for underprivileged kids in Brazil. Widely considered one of the greatest of all time. Very few major no gi titles and still ranked 4th on the all-time list. The Leandro Lo era was 2010-2022. Lo would likely be higher but unfortunately, he was shot and killed at a nightclub in Brazil in 2022. Only 2 months after winning his final IBJJF world title. Personally, I think Leandro Lo influenced BJJ more than anyone else in the 2010’s. His loose style of torreando guard passing changed the way gi jiu-jitsu was played. I spent many hours studying and trying to replicate Leandro Lo’s moves. RIP.
Leandro Lo Best Submissions (YouTube)
Titles
8x IBJJF world champion 1st place (2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2017 open weight, 2018, 2018 open weight). 32 points
4x IBJJF world champion 2nd place (2014-16). 12 points
1x IBJJF world champion 3rd place (2021). 1 point
8x Pan American 1st place (2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2017 open weight, 2018, 2018 open weight). 24 points
3x Pan American 2nd place (2014, 2015, 2016). 6 points
1x Pan American 3rd place (2022). 1 point
1x IBJJF No Gi Worlds 2nd place (2012 open weight). 2 points
1x IBJJF No Gi Worlds 3rd place (2012). 1 point
5th: Xande Ribeiro – 72 points
Born in Manaus, Brazil. January 20th, 1981
Height 6’0. Weight 210 lbs.
Weight classes: Heavyweight, open weight.
162 wins (80 submissions) and 44 losses. Started training BJJ at age 10. Xande is a 7-time IBJJF world champ including 2 open weight titles. Most of his submission wins are by armbar. His longevity in the sport is crazy. His first world title was in 2004, and his last world title was 2015. Xande Ribeiro is one of the only two men on this list to beat BJJ legend Roger Gracie. Xande’s brother, Saulo, is also an IBJJF Hall of Famer and amazing BJJ champion.
Xande Ribeiro ADCC Submissions
Titles
2x ADCC 1st place (2007, 2009) 8 points
1x ADCC 2nd place (2009 open weight) 3 points
4x ADCC 3rd place (2005, 2011, 2011 open weight, 2017) 4 points
7x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2004, 2006, 2006 open weight, 2007, 2008, 2008 open weight, 2015) 28 points
3x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2005, 2010, 2012) 6 points
5x IBJJF worlds 3rd place (2002 open weight, 2004 open weight, 2007 open weight, 2010 open weight, 2013) 5 points
4x Pan American 1st place (2001 open weight, 2002, 2005, 2006) 12 points
2x Pan American 2nd place (2005 open weight, 2006 open weight) 4 points
2x Pan American 3rd place (2001, 2002 open weight) 2 points
6th: Lucas Lepri – 72 points
Born in Minas Gerais, Brazil. September 19, 1984.
Weight 168 pounds.
Weight classes: Lightweight (167 pounds)
111 wins (55 submissions) and 29 losses. One of the best lightweight competitors of all time. Member of IBJJF Hall of Fame. The Lepri era was 2008-2019. What is interesting about Lepri is he won his first IBJJF world title in 2007 and won his next world title 7 years later in 2014. He went on to become a 6-time IBJJF world champion. Incredible. He has a big BJJ school in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Lucas Lepri - 2017 IBJJF World Champion
Titles
6x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2007, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) 24 points
3x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2008, 2012, 2015) 9 points
2x IBJJF worlds 3rd place (2010, 2013) 2 points
2x ADCC 2nd place (2015, 2017) 6 points
4x Pan American 1st place (2009, 2011, 2014, 2017) 12 points
4x Pan American 2nd place (2008, 2010, 2012, 2013) 8 points
3x No Gi Worlds 1st place (2009-11) 9 points
1x No Gi Worlds 2nd place (2008) 2 points
7th: Bruno Malfacine – 70 points
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. August 28, 1986.
Height 5’4. Weight 125 pounds.
Weight classes: Roosterweight (125 pounds)
67 wins (41 submissions) and 12 losses. Competitor in the lightest weight class in BJJ roosterweight under 125 lbs. Bruno is a 10-time IBJJF world champion. Dominating the division from 2007 until passing the torch to Mikey Musumeci in 2021. It should be noted that there are usually significantly less competitors in flyweight compared to featherweight and lightweight. You would need to win 2-3 matches for roosterweight gold but likely 4-5 wins for gold in other divisions.
Bruno Malfacine shows BJJ technique
Titles
10x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2007, 2009-12, 2014-2018) 40 points
2x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2013, 2021) 6 points
2x IBJJF Worlds 3rd place (2008, 2019) 2 points
6x Pan American 1st place (2007-10, 2012, 2015, 2017) 18 points
2x Pan American 2nd place (2011, 2013) 4 points
8th: Roger Gracie – 69 points
Born Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. September 26, 1981
Height 6’4. Weight 220 lbs.
Weight classes: Super heavyweight, open weight.
76 wins (62 submissions) and 7 losses. Over 80% of his wins are by submission. Amazing. 10-time IBJJF world champion including 3 open weight titles. Perfect 2005 ADCC run of double gold with 8 submissions over 8 matches. Considered by many as the greatest BJJ competitor of all time. Nobody dominated their opponents, quite like Roger Gracie. I believe Roger Gracie is the all-time BJJ GOAT.
Roger Gracie rolling with student
Titles
2x ADCC 1st place (2005, 2005 open weight). 8 points
1x ADCC 3rd place (2003). 1 point
10x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2004-10). 40 points
5x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008). 15 points
1x IBJJF Pan American 1st place (2006). 3 points
1x IBJJF Pan American 2nd place (2006 open weight). 2 points
9th: Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu – 58 points
Born in Campo Grande, Brazil. December 20, 1980.
Height 5’11. Weight 222 pounds.
Weight classes: super heavyweight (220+ pounds), open weight.
160 wins (56 submissions) and 48 losses. Cyborg started competing as a black belt in 2005. As of 2025 he is still an active competitor at the age of 44. Cyborg took silver in the open weight finals of ADCC 2024 vs. Kaynan Duarte. Abreu got the nickname “Cyborg” when he was in a car accident when he was young and required 300 stitches in his arm. To be fair, Cyborg does have few marks against him. One being failed drug tests. Another being the way Cyborg has handled several of his instructors and fellow coaches in his Fight Sports association being charged with sexual assault over young students.
Titles
1x ADCC 1st place (2013 open weight) 4 points
2x ADCC 2nd place (2009, 2024 open weight) 6 points
4x ADCC 3rd place (2011, 2013, 2017, 2024) 4 points
1x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2010) 3 points
4x IBJJF worlds 3rd place (2006 open weight, 2008, 2011, 2013) 4 points
2x Pan American 1st place (2008, 2022) 6 points
1x Pan American 2nd place (2009) 2 points
7x No Gi Worlds 1st place (2010, 2010 open weight, 2011, 2012, 2017, 2019, 2021) 21 points
3x No Gi Worlds 2nd place (2008, 2019, 2021) 6 points
2x No Gi Worlds 3rd place (2007, 2008 open weight) 2 points
10th: Bernardo Faria – 54 points
Born in Minas Gerais, Brazil. January 20, 1987.
Weight classes: Heavyweight, super heavyweight, open weight.
95 wins (49 submissions) and 26 losses. One of the nicest people in the sport of jiu-jitsu. Faria retired from BJJ competition young at the age of 30. Known for his bottom half guard game and over/under style of guard passing. The Bernardo Faria era 2009-2017. Bernardo is the owner of the popular BJJ instructional website, BJJ Fanatics. Due to the success of BJJ fanatics and their YouTube channel Bernardo has become one of the faces of modern BJJ.
Bernardo Faria Deep Dive - BJJ Study
Titles
4x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2010, 2013, 2015, 2015 open weight) 16 points
5x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2011, 2011 open weight, 2012, 2014, 2017) 15 points
2x IBJJF worlds 3rd place (2012 open weight, 2014 open weight) 2 points
6x Pan American 1st place (2010, 2010 open weight, 2012, 2015, 2015 open weight, 2016 open weight) 18 points
3x No Gi Worlds 3rd place (2012, 2012 open weight, 2014 open weight) 3 points
11th: Saulo Ribeiro - 51 points
Born in Manaus, Brazil. July 2, 1974.
Height 5’9. Weight 200 lbs.
70 wins (10 submissions) and 21 losses. Incredibly well rounded BJJ competitor who realized the value of judo takedowns very early in his career. Brother of Xande Ribeiro (5th place on this list). Saulo and Xande are the only brothers on this list.
Titles
2x ADCC 1st place (2000, 2003) 8 points
1x ADCC 2nd place (1999, 2001) 3 points
1x ADCC 3rd place (2005) 1 point
5x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (1997-2000, 2002) 20 points
4x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2001, 2001 open weight, 2002 open weight, 2007) 12 points
1x IBJJF worlds 3rd place (2005 open weight) 1 point
2x Pan American 1st place (1998, 1998 open weight) 6 points
12th: Marcelo Garcia – 51 points
Born in Formiga, Brazil. January 17, 1982
Height 5’7. Weight 170 pounds.
Weight classes: Middleweight, open weight.
85 wins (55 submissions) and 17 losses. One of my personal BJJ heroes. Marcelo is known for killer technique and being an incredibly nice person. He is someone everyone in BJJ should look up to and admire. He recently returned to BJJ competition in February 2025 after 14 years away from competition.
The Story of Marcelo Garcia (YouTube)
Titles
4x ADCC 1st place (2003, 2005, 2007, 2011). 16 points
2x ADCC 2nd place (2007 open weight, 2009). 6 points
1x ADCC 3rd place (2005 open weight). 1 point
5x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2004, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011). 20 points
1x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2003). 3 points
2x IBJJF Worlds 3rd place(2004 open weight, 2006 open weight). 2 points
1x Pan American 1st place (2007). 3 points
13th: Romulo Barral – 48 points
Born in Minas Gerais, Brazil. May 3, 1982.
Weight classes: Middle heavyweight, open weight.
107 wins (61 submissions) and 41 losses. One of the masters of the spider guard (double sleeve guard). One of the top middle heavyweights of all time.
Titles
1x ADCC 1st place (2013) 4 points
5x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2007, 2009, 2012-14) 20 points
6x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2007, 2009-11, 2016) 18 points
1x Pan American 1st place (2007) 3 points
1x Pan American 2nd place (2016) 2 points
1x Pan American 3rd place (2017) 1 point
14th: Rafael Mendes – 45 points
Born in Rio Claro, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Weight 154 pounds.
Weight classes: Featherweight
93 wins (59 submissions) and 7 losses. The Mendes era was 2009-2016. Rafa Mendes retired after winning his 6th IBJJF world title at only 27 years old. Alongside his brother Gui Mendes they switched their focus 100% to coaching and have a very successful BJJ academy in California called Art of Jiu-Jitsu. Rafael Mendes had one of the biggest BJJ rivalries of all time vs. Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles (3rd place on this list). They two faced off 14 times with Rafa winning 10 and Cobrinha winning 4.
Rafa vs. Cobrinha match history
Match #1 - Capital Challenge (Jordan) December 2008—Cobrinha wins 3x0 (guard pass near the end of the time limit).
Match #2 – Pan Jiu-jitsu Championship 2009-(Carson, California. USA) March 2009—Cobrinha wins via disqualification (Rafael gets dq’ed for lacing his leg around Cobrinhas knee).
Match #3 - Abu Dhabi Pro World Cup (Abu Dhabi, UAE) May 2009—Mendes wins 4x2 (back and forth battle of sweep after sweep).
Match #4 - World Championship 2009 (Long Beach, California. USA) June 2009—Cobrinha wins via judges decision (back and forth battle).
Match #5 - ADCC 2009-(Barcelona, Spain) October 2009—Mendes wins 7x4 (In double overtime, with the score tied 4×4, Rafael gets Cobrinhas back with hooks at the final moments of the match).
Match #6 - Brasileiro 2010 (Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. Brazil) May 2010—Mendes wins 4x2 (battle of 50/50 guard from both athletes, as well as footlock attempts).
Match #7 – World Championship 2010 (Long Beach, California. USA) June 2010—Mendes wins 4x4, 5-3 advantages (back and forth battle of sweeps and leg/foot locks).
Match #8 - ADCC 2011 - (Nottingham, England) September 2011—Mendes wins 0x-1 (Cobrinha incurred a negative point for pulling guard).
Match #9 - Pan Ams, April 2012—Mendes wins via Armbar Submission. (Cobrinha’s only submission loss)
Match #10 - World Championship 2012 (Long Beach, California. USA) June 2012—Mendes wins via Referee Decision
Match #11 - Pan Ams, March 2013 (Long Beach, California. USA) -- Mendes wins via Referee Decision (2-2 points)
Match #12 - ADCC 2013 - (Beijing, China) October 2013 — Cobrinha wins in double overtime via Referee Decision.
Match #13 - World Championship 2014 (Long Beach, California. USA) June 2014—Mendes wins via points (10-8)
Match #14 - World Championship 2015 (Long Beach, California. USA) May 2015—Mendes wins via points (6-0)
Rafa Mendes vs. Cobrinha ADCC 2011 Finals (YouTube)
Titles
2x ADCC 1st place (2009, 2011). 8 points
1x ADCC 2nd place (2013). 3 points
6x IBJJF worlds 1st place (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016). 24 points
1x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place. (2013) 3 points
1x IBJJF Worlds 3rd place (2009). 1 point
2x Pan American 1st place (2012, 2013). 6 points
15th: Rafael Lovato Junior – 44 points
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Height 6’3. Weight 220 pounds.
Weight classes: Super heavyweight, open weight.
135 wins (73 submissions) and 58 losses. Lovato Jr. was only the second American to win the IBJJF world championships at black belt. The first was BJ Penn. Lovato Jr. has a large BJJ academy in Oklahoma City, USA.
Lovato Jr. at No Gi Pan Ams 2024 (YouTube)
Titles
2x ADCC 2nd place (2013, 2024) 6 points
2x ADCC 3rd place (2022, 2024) 2 points
1x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2007) 4 points
1x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2008) 3 points
6x IBJJF Worlds 3rd place (2009-14) 6 points
2x Pan American 1st place (2007, 2008) 6 points
1x Pan American 2nd place (2010) 2 points
2x Pan American 3rd place (2009, 2012) 4 points
3x No Gi Worlds 1st place (2010, 2011, 2013) 9 points
1x No Gi Worlds 2nd place (2012) 2 points
16th: Rodolfo Vieira – 42 points
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. September 25, 1989.
Height 5’11. Weight 210 pounds.
Weight classes: Middle heavyweight (195), heavyweight (220 pounds), open weight.
98 wins (64 submissions) and 12 losses. The OG black belt hunter. One of the best heavyweights of his era. Much more known as a gi player. Rodolfo had a major impact on BJJ culture with his beautiful mix of judo takedowns and strong guard passing. At one point in time we all wanted to be like Rodolfo. Known for dominating his opponents and a classic rivalry with number one ranked Marcus “Buchecha” Almedia. Fighting each other six times. Rodolfo won the first encounter, but Buchecha won every match after that. The Rodolfo era was from 2010-2015 before he switched to MMA. Rodolfo currently fights in the UFC middleweight division. Rodolfo has a sister Ana Carolina who is a five-time IBJJF black belt world champion.
Titles
1x ADCC 1st place (2015) 4 points
5x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2011, 2011 open weight, 2012, 2013, 2014) 20 points
3x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2013 open weight, 2014 open weight) 12 points
2x Pan American 1st place (2011, 2011 open weight) 6 points
17th: Braulio Estima – 41 points
Born in Recife, Brazil. June 10 1980.
Height 6’3. Weight 190 pounds.
Weight classes: Middle heavyweight (195 pounds), open weight.
59 wins (37 submissions) and 21 losses. Braulio Estima is a highly respected champion. He moved from Brazil to England in the middle of his competitive career. He left Brazil to open a school. Despite having limited training partners, he still went on to win weight and absolute at ADCC 2009 in Barcelona, Spain. Braulio has left a lasting impression on BJJ with his creation of the Estima foot lock and his use of inverted triangle chokes.
Braulio Estima 2014 World Championship (YouTube)
Titles
3x ADCC 1st place (2009, 2009 open weight, 2011) 12 points
2x ADCC 2nd place (2007) 6 points
3x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2004, 2006, 2009, won 2014 but failed drug test) 12 points
3x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2005, 2008, 2013) 6 points
1x IBJJF worlds 3rd place (2005 open weight) 1 point
1x Pan American 1st place (2006) 3 points
1x Pan American 3rd place (2006 open weight) 1 point
18th: Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza – 38 points
Born in Espirito Santo, Brazil. December 7, 1979.
Height 6’1. Weight 185 pounds.
Weight classes: Middle heavyweight (195 pounds), open weight.
47 wins (27 submissions) and 6 losses. Double black belt in BJJ and judo. Jacare always brought a fast pace and a lot of action to excite the crowd. He is one of only a handful of people to have a submission win over Marcelo Garcia (via kimura ADCC 2005). One of the most famous moments in IBJJF history belongs to Jacare. In the finals of the 2004 IBJJF World Championship open weight division Ronaldo “Jacare” Sousa squared off against another legend, Roger Gracie. With less than a minute left on the clock Jacare was winning by a score of 2-0. Roger Gracie secured an armlock from closed guard and it appeared like Jacare was finished. Instead, Jacare refused to submit and let his arm break to escape the submission. The match continued, time ran out, Jacare won the biggest title in BJJ (at the time), the IBJJF Open weight World Championship.
“In an interview given to Portal do Vale Tudo in 2007, Jacare discussed the injury stating that the armbar caused all of his ligaments to hyperextend, it also dislocated his elbow and ruptured his muscle detaching it from the bone… But that it had all been more than worth it!” via BJJHeroes.com
Jacare was one of my early BJJ heroes. I used to love watching his highlight reel on YouTube. Jacare went on to have a successful career in the UFC.
Jacare Sousa breaks arm vs. Roger Gracie and wins BJJ World Championship 2004 (YouTube)
Titles
2x ADCC 1st place (2005, 2009) 8 points
3x ADCC 2nd place (2003, 2005 open weight, 2011) 9 points
3x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2004 open weight, 2005, 2005 open weight) 12 points
1x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2004) 3 points
2x Pan American 1st place (2004, 2004 open weight) 6 points
19th: Gordon Ryan (active) - 37 points
Born in New Jersey, USA. July 8, 1995.
Height 6’2. Weight 230 pounds.
Divisions: Heavyweight, open weight.
102 wins (82 submissions) and 5 losses. The King. Gordon Ryan. The undisputed best grappler of his era. Gordon Ryan is exclusively a no gi competitor. Gordon is still only 29 years old. He could climb this list over the next few years with more ADCC titles. Gordon Ryan only competed in the IBJJF No Gi Worlds once and never competed in the IBJJF Gi World Championships. Gordon is a competitor who has grown bigger than the sport. He’s not fighting for IBJJF titles, he’s fighting for money. Big money.
Gordon Ryan vs. Patrick Gaudio WNO Heavyweight Championship (YouTube)
Titles
7x ADCC 1st place (2017, 2019, 2019 open weight, 2022, 2022 superfight, 2024 x2). 28 points
1x ADCC 2nd place (2017 open weight). 3 points
2x IBJJF No Gi Worlds 1st place (2018, 2018 open weight). 6 points.
20th: Kaynan Duarte (active) – 35 points
Born in Pedeneiras, Brazil. January 24, 1998.
Height 6’1. Weight 208 pounds.
Weight classes: Heavyweight, super heavyweight, open weight.
148 wins (66 submissions) and 22 losses. One of the best active grapplers in the world. Received his BJJ black belt from legend, Andre Galvao. Durate is a dominant competitor in gi and no gi. Kaynan holds wins over Rodolfo Vieira, Nicky Rodriguez, Craig Jones, Cyborg, Lovato Jr, and Victor Hugo. Kaynan won his first ADCC World title at only 19 years old. Currently Kaynan is 27 years old and has a lot of time left to climb the list and pass some of the all-time greats. Kaynan Durate is scheduled to go against Gordon Ryan as the ADCC 2027 superfight.
Kaynan Durate ADCC 2022 Double Gold (YouTube)
Titles
4x ADCC 1st place (2019, 2022, 2024, 2024 open weight) 16 points
1x Pan American 1st place (2019) 3 points
2x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2021, 2022, won gold in 2019 but failed drug test) 8 points
1x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2023) 3 points
2x IBJJF worlds 3rd place (2021 open weight, 2023 open weight) 2 points
1x No Gi Worlds (2018) 3 points
21st: Royler Gracie – 35 points
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. December 6, 1965.
Height 5’7. Weight 160 pounds.
Weight classes: Featherweight (154 pounds), open weight.
34 wins (10 submissions) and 6 losses. Royler Gracie is one of the most decorated champions in the Gracie family. The son of Helio Gracie, brother of Rickson Gracie. Royler is an IBJJF and ADCC legend. Royler is a smaller grappler. A featherweight under 154 pounds. Royler won his division 4 years in a row (1996-99). A feat that has only been achieved one other time in the division by Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles (2006-09). Before Roger Gracie there was Royler as king of the IBJJF circuit. A rare achievement was Royler Gracie, a featherweight taking bronze in the IBJJF open weight division in 1997. I believe Royler is the lightest grappler to ever make that podium. Royler also fought MMA with a record of 5 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw. He was the very first Gracie fighter to lose to Kazushi “The Gracie Hunter” Sakuraba. Sakuraba was 40 pounds heavier than Royler in that fight.
A must-watch rivalry is Royler Gracie vs. Eddie Bravo. The pair had two legendary matches. The first at ADCC 2003. Eddie Bravo became the first person to submit a Gracie in BJJ competition with a triangle choke. The rematch in 2014 at BJJ super show Metamoris 3 was also an instant classic.
Royler Gracie vs. Eddie Bravo Rematch - Metamoris 3
Titles
3x ADCC 1st place (1999-2001) 12 points
4x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (1996-99) 16 points
1x IBJJF Worlds 3rd place (1997 open weight) 1 point
2x Pan American 1st place (1997, 1999) 6 points
T-22nd: Yuri Simoes (active) – 34 points
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. June 18, 1990.
Height 6’0. Weight 185 pounds.
Weight classes: Heavyweight (220 pounds), open weight.
88 wins (21 submissions) and 27 losses. Yuri Simoes is a three-time ADCC World Champion in two different weight classes. He also won the ADCC open weight class in 2022 defeating Nicholas Meregali in the finals. Yuri has faced injury issues the past few years but hopefully he can come back and finish his career strong.
Yuri Simoes All Access ADCC 2017 (YouTube)
Titles
3x ADCC 1st place (2015, 2017, 2022) 12 points
1x Pan American 1st place (2014) 3 points
1x Pan American 2nd place (2012) 2 points
1x Pan American 3rd place (2016) 1 point
4x No Gi Worlds 1st place (2014, 2014 open weight, 2016, 2016 open weight) 12 points
2x No Gi Worlds 2nd place (2018 open weight) 4 points
T-22nd: Marcio Feitosa – 34 points
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. May 16, 1976.
Height 5’9. Weight 154 pounds.
Weight classes: Featherweight (154 pounds), open weight.
32 wins (3 submission) and 10 losses. Marcio Feitosa received his BJJ black belt at 19 years old. Three years later he was IBJJF World Champion. Long time Marcio Feitosa has been a long time coach for the Gracie Barra team.
Macrio Feitosa vs. Caol Uno - ADCC 2000 (YouTube)
1x ADCC 1st place (2001) 4 points
2x ADCC 3rd place (1999, 2005) 6 points
3x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (1997, 2001, 2002) 12 points
4x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (1998, 2000, 2003, 2006) 12 points
4x Pan American 1st place (1996-99, 2005) 12 points
T-24th: Victor Hugo (active) – 31 points
Born in Fortaleza, Brazil. May 1, 1997. May 1997.
Height 6’4. Weight 270 pounds.
Weight classes: Super heavyweight, open weight.
91 wins (49 submissions) and 22 losses. Victor Hugo is nicknamed “The man mountain”. Currently one of the most active and dominant grapplers in the world. Hugo loves competing gi and no gi. Only 27 years old. Victor Hugo has beaten pretty much everyone there is to beat in the active BJJ world (except Gordon Ryan).
Victor Hugo Prepares for WNO Match (YouTube)
Titles
4x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2021, 2022, 2023, 2023 open weight) 16 points
1x Pan American 1st place (2021) 3 points
2x No Gi Worlds 1st place (2019 open weight, 2022) 6 points
2x No Gi Worlds 2nd place (2021, 2022) 4 points
2x No Gi Worlds 3rd place (2019, 2022) 2 points
T-24th: Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa – 31 points
Born in Boa Vista, Brazil. February 13, 1992.
Height 5’10. Weight 185 pounds.
Weight classes: Middle heavyweight, heavyweight, open weight.
204 wins (79 submissions) and 45 losses. Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa is an amazing grappler and one of the best of his generation. A student of legend, Andre Galvao. Hulk is known for his strong takedowns and top game.
Lucas "Hulk" Barbosa vs. Jozef Chen - CJI (YouTube)
1x ADCC 2nd place (2022) 3 points
1x ADCC 3rd place (2019) 1 point
1x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2018) 4 points
1x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2021) 3 points
2x Pan American 1st place (2018, 2019 open weight) 6 points
1x Pan American 2nd place (2017) 2 points
4x No Gi Worlds 1st place (2015, 2016, 2017, 2017 open weight) 12 points
26th: Mario Sperry – 28 points
Born in Porto Alegre, Brazil. September 28, 1966.
Height 6’1. Weight 220 pounds.
17 wins (8 submissions) and 5 losses. Mario Sperry won gold at the first ever IBJJF World Championships 1996 in Brazil. Sperry also won gold in his weight and open weight in the first ever ADCC World Championship in 1998 (Abu Dhabi). Sperry is an old school BJJ legend. A BJJ black belt under Carlson Gracie (RIP). Mario Sperry was one of the creators of Brazilian Top Team. BTT was a dominant MMA team in the 2000’s with fighters like the Nogueira brothers and Ricardo Arona. Sperry is a veteran of Pride Fighting Championships. MMA record of 13 wins, and 4 losses.
Mario Sperry - Mentality of a Champion (YouTube)
Titles
4x ADCC 1st place (1998, 1998 open weight, 1999, 2000) 16 points
3x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (1996, 1997, 1998 open weight) 12 points
27th: Keenan Cornelius – 27 points
Born in Hilo, Hawaii. February 25, 1992.
Height 6’2. Weight 195 pounds.
Weight classes: Middle heavyweight, heavyweight, open weight.
183 wins (113 submissions) and 35 losses. Known primarily as a gi grappler with a lot of creativity. The creator of the worm guard. Cornelius is a very popular grappler among BJJ fans. He is one of the most successful grapplers in American history. Keenan has one of the more viral moments in BJJ history when he fought Gordon Ryan in a no time limit BJJ match that lasted over 90 minutes. Keenan has done a lot in the BJJ world outside of competing. He has one of the biggest gyms in the world, Legion American Jiu-Jitsu in San Diego, California. He’s also known for his popular YouTube videos. Keenan is 33 years old, but he appears to be more focused on being a coach and BJJ gym owner. Keenan has not actively competed since 2020.
Keenan Cornelius vs. Gordon Ryan - No Time Limit Match
Titles
2x ADCC 2nd place (2015, 2017) 6 points
2x ADCC 3rd place (2013, 2013 open weight) 2 points
4x IBJJF worlds 3rd place (2014 open weight, 2016, 2018, 2019) 4 points
2x Pan American 1st place (2015, 2018) 6 points
2x No Gi Worlds 1st place (2014, 2017) 6 points
1x No Gi Worlds 2nd place (2014) 2 points
1x No Gi Worlds 3rd place (2017) 1 point
28th: Mikey Musumeci – 22 points
Born in Marlboro, New Jersey. July 7, 1996.
Height 5’7. Weight 135 pounds.
Weight classes: Flyweight (125 pounds), light featherweight (135 pounds), featherweight (154 pounds), open weight.
64 wins (31 submissions) and 5 losses. Master of the berimbolo rolling back take. Master of the ankle lock. Mikey has the record for IBJJF World Titles won by an American with 4. He also holds the record for the fastest submission in an IBJJF world championship black belt final. Winning with an ankle lock in only 12 seconds. His nickname Darth Rigatoni because he loves pasta and Star Wars. Mikey is an elite grappler and will be one of the faces of BJJ into the future.
Mikey Musumeci nasty leg submission (YouTube)
Titles
4x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021) 16 points
1x Pan American 1st place (2016) 3 points
1x No Gi Worlds 1st place (2016) 3 pointsFelipe Pena – 18 points
Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. October 19, 1991
2x ADCC 1st place (2017 open weight, 2024). 8 points
2x ADCC 2nd place (2015, 2017). 6 points
2x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2018, 2019). 2 points
2x IBJJF No Gi Worlds 1st place (2015, 2015 open weight). 2 points
29th: Nicholas Meregali (active) – 21 points
Born Santo Antonio, Brazil. May 27, 1994.
Height 6’3. Weight 222 pounds.
Weight classes: Super heavyweight, open weight.
85 wins (62 submissions) and 16 losses. Meregali won IBJJF Worlds at his first year at black belt defeating legend Leandro Lo in the finals. After conquering every title in the gi, Meregali shifted his focus to no gi competition since joining Team New Wave in 2022. Meregali is a student of John Danaher and a training partner of Gordon Ryan.
Meregali vs. Vagner Rocha - All Access (YouTube )
Titles
1x ADCC 2nd place (2022) 3 points
1x ADCC 3rd place (2022) 1 point
3x IBJJF Worlds 1st place 12 points
1x IBJJF worlds 2nd place (2022) 3 points
2x IBJJF Worlds 3rd place (2018) 2 points
30th: Tainan Dalpra (active) – 20 points
Born in Florianopolis, Brazil. November 6, 2000.
Height 5’10. Weight 180 pounds.
Weight classes: Middleweight.
88 wins (64 submissions) and 3 losses. One of the prized students of the Mendes brothers, Tainan Dalpra is a BJJ black belt from the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Santa Clara, California. After receiving his black belt in 2020 Tainan won an incredible 50+ matches in a row (including 2 world titles) before finally losing in the finals of the 2023 IBJJF World Championship to Jansen Gomes. Tainan is known as a gi competitor, but he does appear to be enjoying no gi competition lately. Everyone hopes to see Tainan Dalpra in a future ADCC or CJI event.
Tainan Dalpra: The Way Of The Martial Artist (YouTube)
Titles
2x IBJJF Worlds 1st place (2021, 2022) 8 points
1x IBJJF Worlds 2nd place (2023) 3 points
3x Pan American 1st place (2021-23) 9 points
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