10 Best Decorated BJJ Fighters

When it comes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there are many ways that people like to show their personality and skill set. Some people want to keep things simple by only focusing on the BJJ techniques (which is not easy), while others go above and beyond to build their physical appearances by learning the BJJ techniques.

They want to look macho and manly, distinguished from the other BJJ fighters. What do they do, and how do they maintain themselves as the best decorated BJJ fighters? Let’s delve into the details.

1. 10 Best Decorated BJJ Fighters

If you are inspired to be a BJJ fighter but are searching for a model to follow to transform your shapeless body into a good-looking physique, this section has the crux for you.

1.1. Gordon Ryan

Photo credit: @gordonlovesjiujitsu

Main Detail

Name	Gordon Ryan
Belt Lineage	Lineage 1: Carlos Gracie -> Helio Gracie -> Carlos Gracie Jr -> Renzo Gracie -> Ricardo Almeida -> Tom deBlass -> Garry Tonon -> Gordon Ryan Lineage 2: Carlos Gracie -> Helio Gracie -> Carlos Gracie Jr -> Renzo Gracie -> John Danaher -> Gordon Ryan
Grappling Record	Matches 164 Wins 152 Losses 9
Weight Class	Super-Heavyweight
Associated Gym/Team	New Wave

Gordon Ryan is one of the best decorated BJJ fighters of 2022. He is a 3x ADCC champion and a 2x EBI champion, among countless other championship titles.  Ryan began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at age 15 and trained under different coaches such as John Danaher and Tom DeBlass.

By 18, Ryan had already won several major international championships, such as the IBJJF World Championship and World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championship. He has also won the IBJJF World Championship. Ryan is known for his aggressive style of grappling and his impressive physique.

That is why he is acknowledged as the best No-Gi grappler in the world. Gordon has defeated the head coach of the Atos team, Andre Galvao, by RNC in ADCC. That fight was one of the most anticipated fights of 2022.

Standing at 6'1” and weighing 218 pounds., Gordon Ryan has a solid frame which helps him during grappling matches. His arms are well-defined, giving him superior control when locking up submissions.

Additionally, he has developed impressive muscle mass throughout his entire body, with special attention given to core strength and balance, which helps him perform at peak levels during matches.

He has performed in many sports, but his No-Go BJJ performances are invincible and can be analyzed through this table.

Year	Event
2022	ADCC World Championship (99 kg)
2022	ADCC World Championship (99 kg)
2022	Who's Number One (93 kg)
2022	ADCC World Championship (99 kg)
2022	Who's Number One (92 kg)
2022	ADCC World Championship (99 kg)
2022	Who's Number One (92 kg)
2022	ADCC World Championship (99 kg)

1.2. Nick Rodriguez

Photo credit: @nickyrod247

Main Detail

Name	Nick Rodriguez
Belt Lineage	Mitsuyo Maeda -> Carlos Gracie -> Helio Gracie -> Carlos Gracie Jr. -> Renzo Gracie ->  John Danaher -> Nick Rodriguez
Grappling Record	Matches 46 Wins 32 Losses 11 Draws 3
Weight Class	Ultra-heavyweight
Associated Gym/Team	B-Team Jiu-Jitsu

When building a stronger and more energetic body to win your fan’s hearts, you have to be more focused and do much training but pushing your limits. Nick Rodriguez is one of the most well-decorated BJJ fighters with abs and an elite muscular physique.

Moreover, he is also an excellent fighter and a famous submission grappler in BJJ. He started grappling in 2018 and earned a blue belt from coach John Danaher. 

He participated in the 2019 ADCC World Championship and qualified for the finals by defeating top BJJ Black Belts like Orlando Sanchez. The amazing thing is that Nick was a blue belt, but he defeated the black belt holders with his unique grappling abilities.

But unfortunately, he was not qualified for the championship and became the runner-up of the competition. But the struggle did not end there because he had participated in many competitions.

He is 6'3" and weighs 220 lbs. Nick's well-balanced, muscular build makes him an intimidating force on the mats. His well-proportioned muscular frame is filled with strength and speed, making him a formidable opponent on the mat.

He trains intensely, emphasising movements from all angles with heavy compound exercises that help develop his strength and power. The details are as follows:

Year	Event
2022	Who's Number One (93 kg)
2022	SUBVERSIV 7 (ABS)
2022	ADCC World Championship (99 kg)
2022	ADCC World Championship (99 kg)
2022	ADCC World Championship (99 kg)
2022	ADCC World Championship (99 kg)
2022	ADCC World Championship (ABS)
2022	ADCC World Championship (ABS)

1.3. Andre Galvao

Photo credit: @mikecalimbas

Main Details

Name	André Luiz Leite Galvão
Belt Lineage	Carlos Gracie -> Reyson Gracie -> Osvaldo Alves -> Luis Dagmar -> André Galvão
Grappling Record	Matches 185 Wins 157 Losses 28
Weight Class	Welterweight / Absolute Weight
Associated Gym/Team	Atos Academy

Andre Galvao is a world-renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter and a head coach at Atos Academy. He is the longest-serving super fight champion and most decorated BJJ competitor, earning him a place in the inaugural class of the ADCC Hall of Fame.

Galvao began BJJ training at 14 and quickly started winning competitions. He has won numerous championships, including the prestigious Mundials (World Jiu-Jitsu Championship) eight times. In addition to his accomplishments on the mats, Galvao is also a successful businessman, owning several businesses in Brazil and worldwide.

He has the Atos Jiu Jitsu academy in San Diego, California, where he trains BJJ champions and inspires many BJJ fighters. Galvao has helped popularise the BJJ sport worldwide.

His most recent ADCC fight on Sept 18, 2022, with Gordan Ryan, was a real thrill because he tried his best to beat Ryan but tapped out after being strangled in the lethal RNC of Rayan. Better luck next time.

Andre's physique is composed of strong shoulders and arms that give him great control when grappling on the mats. His vast back provides a solid base for takedowns, while his core muscles allow him to maintain good balance throughout any match. He also has powerful legs that help him move quickly during competition. Let's have some of his BJJ fight details:

Year	Event
2022	ADCC World Championship (ABS)
2022	ONE Fighting Championship (ABS) (SPF)
2019	ADCC World Championship (SPF)
2018	King of Mats (85kg)
2018	King of Mats (85kg)

1.4. Angelica Galvao

Photo credit: @angelicagalvao

Main Details

Name	Angelica Galvao
Belt Lineage	Carlos Gracie Jr. --> Reyson Gracie --> Osvaldo Alves --> Luis Dagmar --> Andre Galvao
Grappling Record	Matches 8 Wins 7 Losses 1
Weight Class	Peso Leve
Associated Gym/Team	Atos Jiu-Jitsu

Angelica Galvao is an inspirational figure in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) world. She is a black belt multiple-time world champion and has won numerous gold medals throughout her competing career.

In addition to being a top competitor, Angelica also runs her academy and is involved with several charity organizations focused on helping disadvantaged kids gain access to quality martial arts training.

As an athlete, Angelica is known for having one of the best-decorated physiques in BJJ. While physical strength and endurance are vital to her success, Angelica's physique also plays an important role.

She weighs 90 kg and has a lean yet toned figure that allows for quick reflexes and superior movement on the mat. Let's check out her competition details in the below table:

Year	Event
2018, 2014, 2013, 2012	IBJJF Pans Championship
2011, 2014	IBJJF World Championship
2013	USBJJF/IBJJF American Nationals Championship
2015, 2012	IBJJF World Championship
2015	IBJJF Dallas International Open Championship

1.5. Ricardo Arona

Photo credit: @r_arona

Main Details

Name	Ricardo Arona
Belt Lineage	Mitsuyo Maeda -> Carlos Gracie -> Helio Gracie -> Carlson Gracie -> Ricardo Libório -> Ricardo Arona
Grappling Record	Matches 19 Wins 14 Losses 5
Weight Class	Light Heavyweight
Associated Gym/Team	Brazilian Top Team

Ricardo Arona was a world champion and an Olympic medalist. He is now a retired mixed martial artist. He was born on July 17, 1978, in Niteroi, Brazil. He is a 4X world champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a silver medalist in Judo at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He is also a former MMA fighter who competed in the UFC and PRIDE.

Arona retired from MMA in 2009 after losing his last two fights. However, he remained one of the best decorated BJJ fighters worldwide because of his well-proportioned body and excellent, shredded muscle details.

His shoulders are broad, his chest is muscular, and his legs are long and powerful. He has a very low body fat percentage, which gives him an advantage over other fighters.

He was a very technical fighter and was always looking for submissions.

Year	Event
2003	ADCC World Championship (ABS) (SPF)
2001	ADCC World Championship (99 kg)
2001	ADCC World Championship (99 kg)
2001	ADCC World Championship (99 kg)
2001	ADCC World Championship (99 kg)
2001	ADCC World Championship (ABS)

1.6. Gabrielle Lemos Garcia

Photo credit: @gabigarciaofficial

Main Details

Name	Gabrielle "Gabi" Lemos Garcia
Belt Lineage	Mitsuyo Maeda -> Carlos Gracie -> Helio Gracie -> Rolls Gracie -> Romero Cavalcanti -> Fábio Gurgel -> Gabrielle Garcia
Grappling Record	Matches 81 Wins 71 Losses 10
Weight Class	Heavyweight
Associated Gym/Team	Alliance

Gabrielle Lemos Garcia is one of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) fighters. With a height of 6'2”,  she has an impressive combination of strength and technique that gives her an advantage over opponents. Her unique physique sets her apart from other fighters and makes her stand out in the competition.

Garcia's body is well-defined for a fighter at her weight class. She carries her muscular frame exceptionally well with balanced muscle development throughout her upper body, including deltoids, biceps, triceps and lats. Her core muscles are toned to provide stability while executing techniques on the mat and during conditioning exercises outside it.

Gracia is known for her incredible physique and strength, which she uses in her grappling game. She is also an excellent striker and fought in MMA with powerful kicks and punches that have helped her several secure victories. She has won numerous championships and was included in the IBJJF Hall of Fame.

She is 9 times Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) World Champion and 4 times ADCC Submission Fighting World champion. Her struggle and effort paid off when she became a member of the IBJJf Hall of Fame. Garcia retired from IBJJF in December 2021. These are some of her prominent wins:

Year	Event
2022	ADCC World Championship (60 kg)
2021	Who's Number One 6 (ABS)
2021	Who's Number One Championship (ABS)
2021	World Championship (ABS)
2021	World Championship (ABS)
2021	World Championship (79 kg)

1.7. Kron Gracie

Photo credit: @riokid

Main Details

Name	Kron Gracie
Belt Lineage	Mitsuyo Maeda -> Carlos Gracie -> Helio Gracie -> Rickson Gracie -> Kron Gracie
Grappling Record	Matches 40 Wins 29 Losses 11
Weight Class	Middleweight & Lightweight
Associated Gym/Team	Rickson Gracie

Kron Gracie is Grandmaster Rickson Gracie's son and Grandmaster Helio Gracie's grandson. Kron began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a very early age, making him so good in BJJ that he earned a juvenile yellow belt when he was only nine.

He has become one of the most decorated grapplers among contemporary BJJ fighters, winning multiple world championships in the Gi and No-Gi divisions. Kron is also a successful MMA fighter, with a record of 4-0.

Standing at 5'9'', Kron possesses a lean and muscular frame that belies his incredible strength and athleticism. While Kron's grappling pedigree is undeniable, his impressive physicality sets him apart from other top BJJ fighters. His participation details for various competitions are as follows:

Year	Event
2013	Metamoris 2 (ABS)
2013	ADCC World Championship (77 kg)
2013	ADCC World Championship (77 kg)
2012	Pan American Championship(ABS)
2012	Pan American Championship (82 kg)
2012	Pan American Championship (82 kg)

1.8 Romulo Barral

Photo credit: @romulobarral

Main Details

Name	Rômulo Claudio Barral
Belt Lineage	Carlos Gracie -> Helio Gracie -> Carlos Gracie Junior -> Vinicius Magalhães -> Romulo Barral
Grappling Record	Matches 148 Wins 107 Losses 41
Weight Class	Medium Heavyweight
Associated Gym/Team	Gracie-Barra

Romulo Barral is known for his chiselled features and exceptional muscular build resulting from years of hard work and dedication to the martial art. He has relocated to the United States, where he continues competing at the highest BJJ levels. Barral is one of the best BJJ fighters in the Meio Pesado weight division.

Barral is a true champion with an impressive physique that includes wins at the World Championships, Pan American Games, and more. His passion for BJJ is evident in every match he competes in, and his fans can always count on him due to his stronger and well-curated muscular body.

Barral's physique has placed him among some of the most elite grapplers ever seen on the mats. His combination of low body fat, balanced muscle mass and strength gives him an advantage in grappling techniques like takedowns, guard passes, and submission holds.

He knows how to use his body to control his opponents while also using it to protect himself from strikes or submissions. His competition details are as follows:

Year	Event
2020	Fight To Win F2W (100kg)
2020	Fight To Win F2W (91kg)
2018	ACBJJ World Open Championship (85 kg)
2017	Pan American Championship(82kg)
2017	World Jiu-Jitsu Championship (88 kg)
2017	ADCC World Championship (88 kg)

1.9. Pablo Popovitch

Photo credit: @therealpablopopovitch

Main Details

Name	Pablo Popovitch
Belt Lineage	Mitsuyo Maeda -> Carlos Gracie -> Crolin Gracie -> Jorge Popovitch -> Pablo Popovitch
Grappling Record	Matches 53 Wins 41 Losses 12
Weight Class	N.A
Associated Gym/Team	Team Popovitch/ The Avengers

Pablo has the best decorated BJJ body. His muscles are so big and defined that they often intimidate his opponents. But looks can be deceiving, as Pablo is also one of the sport's most technical and skilled fighters.

He started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when he was only 4 years old. Pablo has won numerous championships and is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

There are many achievements in his successful career journey. He won the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship in 2009. His stronger body also has a compelling appearance which accentuates his macho looks.

Popovitch's unique physique combines strength, flexibility, and agility. His body is lean and defined, with great musculature over his frame. He has an impressive chest, muscular and defined arms and legs, and a powerful core that helps him withstand heavy throws during matches. Here are the details of his fights in BJJ competitions:

Year	Event
2017	Abu Dhabi Grand Slam (ADGS) No-gi (92kg)
2017	European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship (92 kg)
2015	ADCC World Championship (88 kg)
2013	ADCC World Championship (88 kg)
2012	World Nogi Championship (-85.5 kg)
2011	ADCC World Championship (88 kg)

1.10. Mackenzie Dern

Photo credit: @mackenziedern

Main Details

Name	Mackenzie Lynne Dern
Belt Lineage	Carlos Gracie -> Helio Gracie ->Royler Gracie -> Wellington Dias -> Mackenzie Dern
Grappling Record	Matches 100 Wins 75 Losses 27
Weight Class	Strawweight
Associated Gym/Team	Gracie Humaitá

Mackenzie Dern is among the best female decorated BJJ fighters. She is a multiple-time world champion in both Gi and No-Gi tournaments and a two-time Pan American Gold medalist.

She is the daughter of the known BJJ black belt, Wellington Dias. Dern started learning martial arts at the age of 3. This early learning helped her to be the best decorated BJJ fighter at a very young age.

Mackenzie is one of the BJJ fighters who have defeated Gabi Gracie and proved her outstanding skills in BJJ arsenals. She began her professional victories in 2014 when she won her first professional fight. At only 28 years old, she has become one of the most recognizable female fighters in BJJ and MMA.

Mackenzie's ideal physique makes her a formidable opponent inside the cage. Weighing only 115 pounds and standing at 5'4", Mackenzie Dern is a powerhouse with an impressive athletic build. Her frame consists mainly of lean muscle, which allows her to move quickly on the ground while still having enough strength for submission attacks.

Her upper body features broad shoulders, a defined chest, and well-developed arms that are not overly bulky but strong enough to apply pressure when needed. Mackenzie's lower body is filled with toned abs and legs that demonstrate agility and flexibility when competing against larger opponents.

2. How To Get The Ideal Decorated Physique For BJJ Fights?

As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter, you know that having a decorated physique can give you an edge over your opponents. But what is the best physique for BJJ?

• A few things to consider when determining the best physique for BJJ.
• First, you have to be strong enough to control your opponents.
• Second, you must have good endurance to grapple without getting tired.
• Third, try to be flexible so you can execute techniques properly.
• Finally, you must have an excellent balance and invincible techniques to maintain control and strangle your opponent when you get a chance.

So how do you achieve the best physique for BJJ? The answer is different for everyone because we all have different body types. However, everyone should do some general things to build the ideal physique for BJJ.

3. FAQs

3.1. How Much Time Does It Take To Become An MMA Fighter?

It depends on your starting point and what you hope to achieve in the sport. If you have yet to gain experience in any combat sport or martial art, it will probably take longer to become an MMA fighter than someone who already has some experience.

If you're starting, focus on learning each discipline's basics and balance training volume and intensity. Developing a muscular physique that can withstand the rigours of training and competition is also essential.

3.2 Can You Become A Good MMA Fighter without Learning Jiu-Jitsu?

Yes and no! Learning Jiu-Jitsu can make you a better MMA fighter. But learning BJJ for MMA is a prerequisite because almost every MMA fighter knows the grappling moves of BJJ.

4. Takeaways

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an art form that requires dedication, physicality, and technique. The athletes on this list are some of the best decorated BJJ fighters in the world and serve as an inspiration to practitioners of martial art.

They have achieved success through hard work, discipline and passion for their craft. These individuals demonstrate how powerful proper training and skill can be in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. So, what clicks you the most among these decorated BJJ fighters?