Andy Varela - 10th Planet BJJ Black Belt

Andy Varela grew up in Texas. Since his childhood, he has been interested in physical activities. Varela is a 10th planet Jiu-Jitsu Black-Belt under Casey Halstead. After his performance at the 2022 ADCC West Coast Trials, he became famous as the top lightweight Jiu-Jitsu competitor. Varela being a grappler, first made waves in the grappling while also competing in the submission ground, led by UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen.

Born on March 20th,1992. And was raised in Texas, in El Paso. Andy Varela has been fond of physical activities since his childhood, he was used to playing multiple sports but the sport that grasped his interest was basketball. As soon as he finished his high school he officially started his career as a Jiu-Jitsu.

Varela was first introduced to Jiu-Jitsu by his father, being a mixed martial artist himself he used to train Varela, until high school, being an active sports child Varela learned and started Jiu-Jitsu very early. With his father being his first-ever coach.

Andy Varela started his career as a grappler under Cristobal Davila. He earned all his belts up to brown from a very well-known 10P family member, Mr. Victor Davila.

Andy Varela moved to Las Vegas, and there he joined Vegas’ 10th Planet affiliate. He became a very well-known 10th Planet gym representative in Las Vegas, and in 2019, on November 24 he was promoted to Black Belt under coach Casey Halstead.

Varela is known for his different style in grappling when asked he explained that:

On July 14th, 2022 Varela fought against Jansen Gomes. It was a good start by both players as both tried to defend themselves, Varela then held Gomes from his head, and Gomes very efficiently escaped himself.

Gomes was playing very strategically, by efficiently dropping Varela to the ground, and showed a marvelous move.

Gomes played defensively throughout the game and defeated him within a few minutes by submitting Varela with an armlock.

In 2021, under absolute weight using the RNC method on the submission ground’23 Andy Varela won the match against Rafael Domingos

Andy Varela started the game very smartly and used a double leg strategy, after two minutes he attempted Guillotine, Kody was also doing well by staying on his back while being composed.

Kody tries to loosen the grip of Varela by pushing his elbow. Varela then submits Kody and gets the advantage.

Then Steele very sharply changed his strategy within the game and came to a body triangle. Varela tried to choke Steele but he escaped and Steele won the match.

Andy Varela is a BJJ Black-Belt and one of the 16 lucky contestants who has been streamed on the Who’s Next: Submission Fighter Challenge presented by Tezos reality TV show.

Jansen Gomes vs. Andy Varela | Who's Next (Season 1, Round 1)

Rafael Domingos vs Andy Varela

Kody Steele vs Andy Varela

Photo credit: @ninja.andyvarela