BJJ

Gabriel Almeida- A High Profile BJJ Competitor

Gabriel Almeida- A High Profile BJJ Competitor

1. Gabriel Almeida’s Details

Gabriel Almeida’s Details
Name Gabriel Salles Muniz Almeida
Pro MMA Record 68-41-0 (Win-Loss-Draw)
Nickname Todd
Date of Birth 04-06-1992
Age 29
Height 5’10”
Weight 88 kg
Born Niteroi, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Nationality Brazilian
Last Fight Dec 11, 2021, at World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Weight Division Absolute / Heavyweight Division
Career Disclosed Earning Over One Million Dollars
Fought out of N/A
Foundation Style BJJ
Lineage Carlos Gracie –> Helio Gracie –> Rolls Gracie –> Romero Cavalcanti -> Rico Vieira –> Gabriel Almeida
Team Association Checkmat
Favorite Position/Technique Single Leg X
Instagram Logo

2. Gabriel Almeida’s Biography

Gabriel Almeida (known by the nickname Todd) is a renowned BJJ practitioner, an ADCC veteran, and the 2020 IBJJF American Nationals No-Gi Champion.

Almeida is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ricardo and Leondro Vieira and a representative of the Checkmat Team. He has also worked with Eduardo Flexa while representing the Checkmat team on the international circuit.

Gabriel became famous in the grappling world with his tenacious and aggressive competitive jiu-jitsu style. Almeida established himself as one of the best competitors of his generation by winning many World Championship and Abu Dhabi Pro competitions as a colored belt as well as the ADCC Trials, No-Gi American Nationals, IBJJF, SJJIF World Championship, and UAEJJF Grand Slam as a black belt.

2.1. Gabriel Almeida’s Early Life and Amateur Fighting


Gabriel Almeida was born on June 4, 1992, in Niteroi, a well-known city in southeast Brazil.

When he was a teenager, Almeida’s interest in jiu-jitsu prompted him to join a small grappling gym to start his BJJ training under his first instructor Eduardo Flexa, the guy who also awarded Gabriel his blue belt.

Almeida was a brilliant student from the very beginning and Eduardo knew that his gym was not suited to fully explore Almeida’s talents as an athlete. Recognizing Almeida’s immense potential for grappling, Coach Eduardo Flexa assisted him in finding a more suitable training establishment i.e. the Checkmat Academy in Rio de Janeiro. Here, Gabriel met Thiago Sa, and Ricardo and Leonardo Vieira.

2.2. Gabriel Almeida’s Pro BJJ Career

The three world-class black belts, Leonardo, Thiago, and Ricardo, mentored Almeida at Checkmat and guided him towards greatness.

Almeida’s journey to success began when he won gold medals in the two most prestigious competitions in this sport: the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and the United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF).

Gabriel Almeida as a Blue Belt


Winning Golds at IBJJF & UAEJJF

  • As a blue belt at Checkmat, Almeida won the IBJJF World Championship and UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro in 2014.

IBJJF Pan Championship

  • Almeida also secured second and third position in his own weight class and in the absolute division respectively at the 2014 IBJJF Pans Championships.

Gabriel Almeida as a Brown Belt

Almeida quickly got promoted in the ranks of BJJ and earned his brown belt in 2017. He went on to compete and win multiple competitions as a brown belt in 2017 and 2018.

  • He won the ACBBJ European Open and IBJJF American Nationals along with the AC BJJ European Open No-Gi and CBJJ No-Gi Brazilian Nationals.

Rising Star BJJ Scholarship

Due to his remarkable competitive achievements, Gabriel was awarded the Rising Stars BJJ Scholarship in May 2018 by his coaches.

The aim of the scholarship was to assist five BJJ rising stars in the colored belt divisions by providing them with high-level instruction, food, a place to live, and the opportunity to compete for a job. Almeida was chosen from a pool of over 1000 applicants and quickly became one of the show's most recognizable faces.

Gabriel Almeida as a Black Belt

Gabriel Almeida was promoted to black belt by his long-time trainers Rico and Leo Vieira on October 13, 2018.

  • As a black belt in 2019, Gabriel won both the SJJIF World Championships and ADCC Sao Paulo Trials .

Gabriel’s best event as a black belt was the 2019 ADCC Sao Paulo Trials where he made a historic win by defeating all of his opponents in a row.

Almeida secured four heel hooks in his first four battles against high-caliber opponents such as Alexandre Jesus, Anderson Ferreira, and Absolao Perez.

Gabriel defeated Elias Silverio (6 - 0) in the semifinals to get to the finals against Valdir Araujo. At the bell, Gabriel Almeida was granted the decision victory over Valdir Araujo in a tense contest where nothing could separate them.

  • In 2020, he won double gold medals at the IBJJF American Nationals for the second time and also won UAEJJF Grand Slam in Miami in both his own weight class and the absolute weight division.
  • In 2021, Almeida won the IBJJF World No-Gi Championship and Nashville International Opens.
  • The champion did not stop there and entered the IBJJF New Orleans Open Championship in 2022, winning three gold medals in the No-Gi Ultra Heavyweight division, No-Gi Absolute division, and Gi Heavyweight divisions.

2.3. Gabriel Almeida as BJJ Coach

Apart from competing in tournaments, Almeida also built his reputation as a world-class BJJ coach by teaching at Checkmat Academy and hosting various seminars.

Gabriel Almeida’s Instructional Videos

The young BJJ champion has created multiple instructional videos, explaining his techniques and the art of grappling for the next generation. These series are available online on the platform, BJJ Fanatics.

Some of the titles include:

  • No-Gi Choke Mastery
  • Lasso Guard Attacks and Omoplata Mastery
  • Bullet Proof Back Escapes: The Deep Turtle Position

2.4. Gabriel Almeida’s Future Plans

Gabriel Almeida, who is 29 years old, is at the peak of his career and is aiming for more World Championships in the future. Gabriel is a powerful competitor with a strong mindset who will continue to light up the world stage for many years to come.

2.5. Gabriel Almeida’s Historic Fights

Gabriel Almeida Vs Rafael Paganini (2019 World No-Gi Championship)


Gabriel Almeida faced Rafael Paganini (a BJJ Black Belt) at the 2019 IBJJF World No-Gi Championship and achieved a historic win via points.

Rafael dominated the match in the beginning and managed to pin Almeida to the ground. But Almeida was able to hold Paganini in a closed guard, making it difficult for him to escape and stand.

Paganini tried to free himself, but Almeida quickly attacked him with a heel hook followed by a guillotine choke. At last, Almeida got on top and successfully defeated Paganini.

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Stage Weight Class
2019 World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship Rafael Paganini W Points SF Medium Heavyweight

Gabriel Almeida Vs Andrew Wiltse (WNO 2020)


Gabriel Almeida competed against Andrew Wiltse (Ranked 7 in Middleweight) at the 2021 WNO Tournament. Previously, both fighters had a record of 1-1 against each other, making this match a tie-breaker.

Gabriel had a strong start by attacking with a guillotine choke, but Andrew quickly escaped his hold. Almeida kept on trying for leg control, but Andrew was able to defend himself and finally won the match via decision in the end.

Although Gabriel lost the match, he displayed one of the most remarkable performances of his career, showcasing his spectacular defense skills till the end.

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Stage Weight Class
2021 WNO: Craig Jones vs Tye Ruotolo Andrew Wiltse L Decision SPF 83Kg

Gabriel Vs DomBell (F2W 2021)

Gabriel competed against Dominique Bell at the F2W 183 2021. The match was tough but Gabriel managed to take over Dom Bell in the end and won by a split decision.

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Stage Weight Class
2021 Fight to Win 183 Dominique Bell W Split Decision SPF 83Kg

2.6. Gabriel Almeida’s Championships and Accomplishments

Gabriel Almeida’s Championships and Accomplishments
Events Year Medal
IBJJF World Championships 2014 1 Gold Medal
UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro 2014 1 Gold Medal
SJJIF World Championship 2019 1 Gold Medal
ADCC Sao Paulo Trails 2019 1 Gold Medal
IBJJF American Nationals 2018, 2020 2 Gold Medals
UAEJJF Grand Slam, MIA 2020 2 Gold Medals
IBJJF World No-Gi Championship 2021 1 Gold Medal
Nashville International Opens 2021 1 Gold Medal
IBJJF New Orleans Open 2022 3 Gold Medals

3. Gabriel Almeida’s Main Achievements

Position Events Years
3rd IBJJF World Championship 2021
1st IBJJF American Nationals (No-Gi) 2020
1st UAEJJF Grand Slam, MIA 2020
2ND IBJJF American Nationals 2020
3rd IBJJF Pan Championship 2020
1st ADCC Sao Paulo Trails 2019
1st ADCC Sao Paulo Trails 2019
1st SJJIF World Championship 2019
2ND IBJJF European Open 2019
2ND SJJIF World Championship 2018
Black Blets
Position Belt Events Years
3rd Black IBJJF No Gi World Championship 2021
1st Black IBJJF American Nationals No-Gi 2020
1st Black UAEJJF Miami Grand Slam 2020
1st Black IBJJF American Nationals (Gi & Absolute) 2020
3rd Black IBJJF Pan Championship 2020
1st Black Nashville No Gi Open 2021
Runner Up Black IBJJF American Nationals 2021
1st Black ADCC Sao Paulo Trials 2021
1st Black SJJIF World Champion 2019
1st Black WAR SKC 2 Absolute Champion 2019
1st Black Long Beach Open 2019
1st Black NYC Fall No Gi Open 2019
Runner Up Black IBJJF European Open 2019
1st Black New York Fall Open 2018
Runner Up Black SJJF World Championship 2018
Coloured Belts
Position Belt Events Years
1st Place Blue IBJJF World Championship 2014
1st Place Blue UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro 2014
1st Place Purple CBJJ Brazilian No-Gi Nationals 2014
2nd Place Blue IBJJF Pan Championship 2014
3rd Place Blue IBJJF Pan Championship 2014
3rd Place Purple CBJJ Brazilian Nationals 2015
1st Place Purple CBJJ Brazilian No-Gi Nationals 2016
2nd Place Purple IBJJF Pan Championship 2016
1st Place Brown CBJJ Brazilian No-Gi Nationals 2017
1st Place Brown IBJJF European No-Gi Open 2017
2nd Place Brown CBJJ Brazilian Nationals 2017
2nd Place Brown CBJJ Brazilian No-Gi Nationals 2017
3rd Place Brown IBJJF World Championship 2017
3rd Place Brown UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro 2017
1st Place Brown ACBJJ World Championship 2018
1st Place Brown UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro 2018
1st Place Brown ACBJJ European Open 2018
1st Place Brown IBJJF American Nationals 2018
2nd Place Brown IBJJF European Open 2018
2nd Place Brown IBJJF American Nationals 2018
2nd Place Brown IBJJF Pans No-Gi Championship 2018
3rd Place Brown IBJJF World Championship 2018
3rd Place Brown IBJJF American Nationals 2018

5. Gabriel Almeida’s Professional Record Breakdown

Professional Record Breakdown
109 Matches 68 Wins 41 Losses
By Submission 32 13
By Decision 10 10
By points 10 12
Split Decision 2 0
Advantage 4 1
OT 1 1
Other 7 3
DQ 0 1
Golden Score 1 0
Submission Methods W/L
Methods 32 Wins 13 Losses
Armbar 3 2
Triangle 0 1
Knee Bar 3 0
Katagatame 3 1
Heel Hook 3 1
Choke 2 0
Toehold 2 0
Inside Heel Hook 1 1
Foot Lock 1 0
Estima Lock 1 0
Darce Choke 1 0
Omoplata 1 0
Choke from the Back 1 0
Triangle Arm Bar 1 0
Reverse Triangle 1 0
Anaconda Choke 1 0
RNC 1 0
Guillotine 1 1
Anke Lock 0 2
Kimura 0 1

6. Gabriel Almeida’s Fight History

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Stage Weight Class
2021 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Fabio  Alano L DQ R1 Medium Heavyweight
2021  IBJJF Nashville Open - No-Gi Clay Mayfield W Other SF Absolute Division
  IBJJF Nashville Open - No-Gi Charles McGuire L Other R1 Heavyweight
2021 IBJJF Nashville Open - No-Gi Joseph Watson W Other F Absolute Division
  World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship Charles McGuire W Choke R1 Absolute Division
2021 World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship Andre Porfirio W Inside Heel Hook 4F Absolute Division
  World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship Mateusz Flaga W Estima Lock 8F Absolute Division
2021 World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship Roberto Abreu L Points SF Absolute Division
   World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship R. Martins L Decision NA Medium Heavyweight
2021 Fight to Win 183 Dominique Bell W Split Decision SPF 83 kg
2021  Pan Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Pedro Marinho L Decision 4F Medium Heavyweight
2021 Fight to Win 180 Xavier Silva W Decision SPF 83 kg
2021 Fight to Win 179 Bruce Xavier W Decision SPF 83 kg
2021 WNO: Craig Jones vs Tye Ruotolo Andrew Wiltse L Decision SPF 83 kg
2021 FloGrappling WNO: Craig Jones vs Luiz Panza Nicky Ryan L Decision SPF 84 kg
2021  Subversiv 5 Lucas Barbosa L Decision F 81 kg
2021  Subversiv 5 Oliver Taza L Decision 4F 81 kg
2021 Fight to Win 169 Oliver Taza W Decision SPF 83 kg
2021 Fight to Win 166 R. Jr. L Kimura SPF Absolute Division
2021 Fight to Win 160 Pedro Marinho L Decision SPF Absolute Division
2020  American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Kevin Casey W Footlock R1 Absolute Division
2020 American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship David Garmo W Omoplata F Absolute Division
2020  American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship R. Martins W Knee Bar NA Heavyweight
2020  American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Rida Haisam W Decision SF Absolute Division
2020  American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Jose Torres W Armbar 4F Absolute Division
2020 American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Joao Rocha L Armbar F Absolute Division
2020  American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Jake Watson L Points SF Medium Heavyweight
2020  American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Vinicius Wong W Armbar 4F Medium Heavyweight
2020  American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Guilherme Cordiviola W Advantage 4F Absolute Division
2020 American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Guilherme Cordiviola W Toehold SF Absolute Division
2020 American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Estevan Martinez W Points 8F Absolute Division
2020 American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Nathan Barreto W Katagatame SF Heavyweight
2020 Fight to Win 157 Vagner Rocha L Inside Heel Hook SPF 83 kg
2020  Subversiv 4 Rob LeMasney W Darce Choke R1 180lbs
2020  Pan Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Matheus Oliveira W Katagatame R1 Medium Heavyweight
2020  Pan Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Otavio Sousa L Points SF Medium Heavyweight
2020  Pan Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Henrique Silva W Toehold 4F Medium Heavyweight
2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Miami Andre Gois L Points 4F Middleweight
2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Miami Felipe Silva W Other RPC Middleweight
2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Miami Carlous Souza W Points RPC Middleweight
2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Miami Matheus Oliveira W Other 3RD Middleweight
2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Miami Trey Pace W Other R1 Middleweight
2020 Fight to Win 152 Romulo Barral W Decision SPF 200lbs
2020  Third Coast Grappling: KUMITE VI Roberto Jimenez L Ankle Lock SF Absolute Division
2020  Third Coast Grappling: KUMITE VI Felipe Trovo W Golden Score 4F Absolute Division
2020 Subversiv 3 Felipe Trovo W Split Decision SF Absolute Division
2020  Subversiv 3 Ramiro Leon W Triangle Arm Bar R1 Absolute Division
2020  Subversiv 3 Felipe Andrew L Ankle Lock 3RD Absolute Division
2020 Fight to Win 149 M. Filho W Decision NA 205lbs
2020 Third Coast Grappling: KUMITE IV Felipe Andrew L Heel Hook SF Heavyweight
2020  Third Coast Grappling: KUMITE IV Guilherme Augusto W Decision 4F Heavyweight
2020 Fight to Win 145 Alexandre Ribeiro L Armbar SPF 200lbs
2020 Fight to Win 140 Roberto Jimenez W Decision SPF 185lbs
2020  European Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Bruno Lima L Points 4F Medium Heavyweight
2020  European Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Sean Coates W Choke From the Back R1 Medium Heavyweight
2019 World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship M. Filho L Points SF Medium Heavyweight
2019 World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship Jake Watson W Other R1 Medium Heavyweight
2019  World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship Rafael Paganini W Points SF Medium Heavyweight
2019 IBJJF New York Fall No-Gi Open Devhonte Johnson L Points 4F Absolute Division
2019  IBJJF New York Fall No-Gi Open Benjamin Silva W Points R1 Absolute Division
2019  IBJJF New York Fall No-Gi Open Todd Mueckenheim W Advantage F Heavyweight
2019  IBJJF New York Fall No-Gi Open Lucas Mattos W Points SF Heavyweight
2019  SJJIF World Championships Mateo Tenzera W Armbar SF Medium Heavyweight
2019  SJJIF World Championships R. Junior W Points F Medium Heavyweight
2019 SJJIF World Championships Rafael Vasconcelos W Points F Medium Heavyweight
2019 IBJJF Long Beach International Open G. Andrade W Reverse Triangle NA Heavyweight
2019  IBJJF Long Beach International Open Rafael Vasconcelos L Decision F Absolute Division
2019 IBJJF Long Beach International Open Johnny Tama W Decision 4F Absolute Division
2019 2019 IBJJF Long Beach International Open Samir Abdolkader W Knee Bar SF Heavyweight
2019  ADCC World Championships Josh Hinger L Other R1 88kgs
2019 Subversiv 2 Kyle Boehm L OT SPF Heavyweight
2019 Fight 2 Win 115 M. Filho L Decision NA Absolute Division
2019  World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Nisar Loynab L Other R2 Medium Heavyweight
2019  Abu Dhabi World Pro Brazil Qualifier Igor Sousa L Points 4F 85kgs
2019  ADCC South American Trials Elias Silverio W Points SF Medium Heavyweight
2019  ADCC South American Trials Anderson Ferreira W Heel Hook R2 Medium Heavyweight
2019  ADCC South American Trials Absolao Perez W Heel Hook R3 Medium Heavyweight
2019  ADCC South American Trials Valdir Araujo W Decision F Medium Heavyweight
2019  ADCC South American Trials Alexandre Jesus W Heel Hook R1 Medium Heavyweight
2019  Elite Grappling Championships 3 V. Gazola L Points NA Absolute Division
2019  WAR SKC2 Raoul Audhoe W Katagatame R1 Absolute Division
2019  WAR SKC2 Ville Heikkonen W Anaconda Choke SF Absolute Division
2019  WAR SKC2 Jack Tyley W RNC 4F Absolute Division
2019 WAR SKC2 Hygor Brito W OT F Absolute Division
2019  European Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Rudson Mateus L Other F Medium Heavyweight
2019  European Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Lucas Barbosa W Other 4F Medium Heavyweight
2019  European Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Daniel Hampton W Other R1 Medium Heavyweight
2019  European Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Henrique Cardoso W Other SF Medium Heavyweight
2018  World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship Victor Rodrigues W Guillotine R1 Medium Heavyweight
2018 World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship Murilo Santana L Triangle R2 Medium Heavyweight
2018  IBJJF New York Fall No-Gi Open Gilvan Costa W Other 4F Absolute Division
2018 IBJJF New York Fall No-Gi Open Devhonte Johnson L Advantage SF Absolute Division
2018  IBJJF New York Fall Open Nisar Loynab W Points 4F Absolute Division
2018  IBJJF New York Fall Open Michael Zanini W N/A - Draw SF Medium Heavyweight
2018 IBJJF New York Fall Open Diogo Sampaio W Advantage F Medium Heavyweight
2018  IBJJF New York Fall Open Felipe Silva L Points NA Absolute Division
2018  IBJJF Long Beach International Open Gianno Criello W Points SF Medium Heavyweight
2018  IBJJF Long Beach International Open Daniel Hampton W Knee Bar 4F Medium Heavyweight
2018  IBJJF Long Beach International Open Josh Hinger L Guillotine F Absolute Division
2018 IBJJF Long Beach International Open Josh Hinger L Katagatame SF Medium Heavyweight
2018 SJJIF World Championships M. Filho L Points NA Medium Heavyweight
2018  SJJIF World Championships Vinny Moraes W Choke SF Medium Heavyweight
2018  Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Los Angeles J. Gracie L Points  NA 85kgs
2018  Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Los Angeles Jake Watson L Other  NA 85kgs
2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Los Angeles S. Kim W Other  NA 85kgs
2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Los Angeles Roberti Jimenez W Other  NA 85kgs
2018  Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Abu Dhabi K. Duarte L Other  NA 94kgs
2018  Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Abu Dhabi Z. Alkaabi W Advantage  NA 94kgs
2017 Royal Invitational 2017 L. Azevedo L Decision NA Heavyweight

7. Gabriel Almeida’s Top Fight Links

Gabriel Almeida VS Andrew Wiltse

Gabriel Almeida VS Rafael Paganini

Gabriel Almeida VS Estevan Martinez

Andrew Wiltse vs. Gabriel Almeida

Photo credit: @tapology , @gabrielalmeidabjj

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