Table of content
1. Israel Sousa’s Details
Name | Israel de Sousa Almeida |
Nickname | Rael |
Born | Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil |
Date of Birth | April 25, 1998 |
Weight Division | Peso Pena (70 kg / 154.5 lbs) |
Last Weigh-in | N/A |
Height | N/A |
Disclosed Career Earnings | N/A |
College | N/A |
Rank | Black Belt |
Last Fight | N/A |
Fighting Style | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
Favorite Position | Well Rounded Guard |
Head Coach | Julio Cesar Pereira |
Lineage | Luis França > Oswaldo Fadda > Monir Salomão > Júlio César > Israel Sousa |
Fighting out of | N/A |
Team Association | GF Team Academy |
Current Streak | N/A |
2. Israel Sousa Biography
Israel de Sousa Almeida is a highly competitive BJJ fighter and a black belt under Julio Cesar Pereira, who represents the GF Team in the international sports circuit. Cesar has also worked with Israel’s father, Elinor Batista. Israel Sousa gained fame in the BJJ’s belt rankings, after his marvelous performances in the IBJJF Pan Championships and the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championship. Israel excellently showed his grappling skills and successfully won the gold medals.
2.1. Israel Sousa’s Early Life Stages
Israel de Sousa Almeida was born on April 25, 1998, in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. His father, Elinor Batista, and elder brother were strongly connected with jiu-jitsu. Israel started his jiu-jitsu training at the age of five. Initially, he learned various grappling techniques from his father.
2.2. Signing up for Jiu-Jitsu
During his first year, Israel simply considered jiu-jitsu as a physical activity. But after a year, his father immediately enrolled him in a jiu-jitsu competition that occurred in their own gym. Almedia excellently performed and won the match. At that time, he was super confident after winning that super fight, so he decided to participate in more jiu-jitsu competitions. Unfortunately, he faced losses in the first four rounds of the match. Then he again started his training and worked on himself for one year. His comeback after a year was so flawless that it led him towards the path of victory.
2.3. Initiation of Judo Training
Israel Sousa started judo training at the age of 13. His main concern was to improve his effectiveness and efficiency in BJJ competitions. He trained under the supervision of Sensei Alex Sampaio and learned a lot. He competed in four judo tournaments and won in three of them. He only lost one match due to an arm injury that he sustained during a takedown defense. But for later judo competitions, he decided to compete by employing pre-defined strategies to prevent any future injuries.
2.4. Strong Association with the GF Team
In 2013, Israel’s brother and team member moved to Brazil to get training at the GF Team’s headquarters. During their training period, their bond was developed with this notable academy. This bond became strengthened when the academy's coach, Julio César, and the top BJJ fighters of the team came to Fortaleza for competitions.
2.5. Traveled to GFT Fighter-House
Israel Sousa first traveled to Cachanga, a GFT fighter house located in Rio de Janeiro. As a black belt, he started traveling to multiple places to compete and learn. After getting this first experience, he decided to travel more as he completely embraced the lifestyle of a BJJ competitor. Then he traveled to Ohio and Rio de Janeiro to compete for more.
2.6. Israel Sousa’s Brown & Black Belt Promotion
When Israel was a purple belt, Julio Cesar invited him to California to get full-time training in Orange County. Israel agreed to the offer and went for the training. He eventually received the brown belt on American soil. In the 2019 IBJJF World and Pan championships, Israel Sousa earned winning titles with his commendable performances. Then in 2019, Julio César promoted him to black belt.
2.7. Announced his Move to Atos Jiu-Jitsu Academy
In May 2023, Israel Sousa Almeida announced his move to Atos Jiu-Jitsu Headquarters located in San Diego, California. This announcement was made before his participation in the 2023 IBJJF World Championships in the featherweight division. Previously, Israel was getting training under Andre Galvao. However, according to the IBJJF documents, Israel Sousa has officially announced his switch to Atos. Israel will compete in the 2023 IBJJF World Championship. After getting the titles at the blue belt and brown belt levels, Israel will appear at the IBJJF Worlds for the third time. In this face-off, Israel will compete against his team member Daniel Sathler.
In his announcement, he said:
"The decision to come to Atos was a significant one for me," Israel told FloGrappling in an exclusive interview. "I'd always admired what Professor Andre does here and sought to learn from him. I can say he exceeded my expectations."
Israel Sousa also stated that he is already familiar with the advantages of transitioning to Atos. He said:
"Every day after training, I feel like I've joined a seminar, and the energy here is amazing. I feel at home.”
3. Israel Sousa’s Historic Fights
3.1. Marcio André vs. Israel Sousa
In the 2020 World Pro, Marcio André competed against Israel Sousa. Andre played amazingly well, initially using the spider sweep technique to take control of Israel Sousa. Andre also attempted a foot attack and knee-on-belly position, which earned him points. But in the last 20 seconds, Israel Sousa surprisingly performed the guard pass and scored 3 points. Based on the results, Israel was declared the winner.
Year | Event | Opponent | W/L/D | Method | Stage | Weight Class |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | World Pro | Marcio André | Win | Points | N/A | Featherweight |
3.2. Israel Almeida vs. Meyram Maquiné
In the finals of the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Miami, Israel Sousa faced Meyram Maquine. Both showed their proficient grappling skills; however, based on the referee's decision, Israel Sousa secured the victory.
Year | Event | Opponent | W/L/D | Method | Stage | Weight Class |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Miami | Meyram Maquine | Win | Refree Decision | F | Featherweight |
3.3. Fabricio Andrey Batista Junior vs. Israel Sousa Almeida
In the 2023 IBJJF European Open Championship quarter-final, the featherweight battle was between Fabricio Andrey and Israel Sousa. Both tried to attempt submission techniques, but Andrey scored two points and achieved success with the knee-on-belly position.
Year | Event | Opponent | W/L/D | Method | Stage | Weight Class |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | IBJJF European Open | Fabricio Andrey | Loss | Points | 4F | Featherweight |
4. Israel Sousa’s National and International Accomplishments
Year | Event | Medal/Position | Weight Division |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | Las Vegas Open | Silver | Featherweight |
2019 | Grand Slam LA | Silver | Featherweight |
2019 | Houston FO | Gold | Featherweight |
2019 | Long Beach Open | Gold | Featherweight |
2020 | Grand Slam AD | Silver | Featherweight |
2020 | Grand Slam RJ | Silver | Featherweight |
2021 | Brazil Nat. Pro | Gold | Featherweight |
2021 | Grand Slam AD | Silver | Featherweight |
2021 | WP BR Qualifier | Gold | Featherweight |
2021 | World Pro | Gold | Featherweight |
2021 | BRA Qualifiers | Gold | Featherweight |
2021 | World Pro | Silver | Featherweight |
2022 | Guarapari Pro | Gold | Medium weight |
2022 | Gramado Pro | Gold | Medium weight |
2022 | Porto Pro | Gold | Medium weight |
2022 | Orlando SMO | Silver | Lightweight |
2022 | N. Haven Open | Gold | Lightweight |
2022 | Grand Slam MIA | Gold | Featherweight |
2022 | BJJ Stars | Bronze | Lightweight |
2022 | Fortaleza Open | Gold | Mediumweight |
2022 | Fortaleza Open | Gold | ABS |
2023 | North East BRA | Gold | Mediumweight |
2023 | Fortaleza Open | Gold | Lightweight |
5. Israel Sousa’s Main Achievements
Year | Event | Position | Belt |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro | 1st | Black |
2021+ | AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro | 2nd | Black |
2020 | AJP Grand Slam, AD | 2nd | Black |
2019 | IBJJF Long Beach Open | 1st | Black |
2019 | IBJJF Houston Fall Open | 1st | Black |
2019 | IBJJF Las Vegas Summer Open | 2nd | Black |
2019 | AJP Grand Slam, LA | 2nd | Black |
2019 | AJP Grand Slam, MSK | 3rd | Black |
5.1. Israel Sousa’s Main Achievements (Colored Belts)
Year | Event | Position | Belts |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | IBJJF World Championship | 1st | Brown |
2019 | IBJJF Pan Championship | 1st | Brown |
2016 | IBJJF Pan Championship | 1st | Blue |
2018 | AJP Grand Slam, LA | 1st | Brown |
2018 | IBJJF World Championship | 3rd | Purple |
2017 | CBJJ Brazilian Nationals | 1st | Blue |
2017 | IBJJF Pan Championship | 1st | Blue |
2017 | IBJJF World Championship | 1st | Blue |
2015 | IBJJF World Championship Juvenile | 1st | Blue |
6. Israel Sousa’s Professional Record Breakdown
Matches | 78 Wins | 19 Losses |
---|---|---|
By Points | 35 | 13 |
By Advantage | 1 | 1 |
By Submission | 40 | 1 |
By Decision | 2 | 2 |
By Penalty | 0 | 0 |
By DQ | 0 | 0 |
6.1. Methods of Submission
Methods | 40 Wins | 1 Loss |
---|---|---|
CHOKE FROM BACK | 17 | 0 |
TRIANGLE | 4 | 0 |
AMERICANA | 2 | 0 |
WRISTLOCK | 1 | 0 |
RNC | 1 | 0 |
ARMBAR | 9 | 0 |
CHOKE | 2 | 0 |
SUBMISSION | 2 | 0 |
ARMLOCK | 1 | 0 |
BOW AND ARROW | 1 | 0 |
STRAIGHT ANKLE LOCK | 00 | 01 |
7. Israel Sousa’s Fight History
Opponent | W/L | Method | Competition | Weight | Stage | Year |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A. Mogomadov | W | Pts: 6x0 | Grand Slam MSK | Featherweight | 4F | 2019 |
Victor Matos | W | Pts: 2x0 | Grand Slam MSK | Featherweight | RPC | 2019 |
Diego ‘’Pato’’ Oliveira | L | Referee Decision | Grand Slam MSK | Featherweight | SF | 2019 |
A. Mogomadov | W | Pts: 6x0 | Grand Slam MSK | Featherweight | 3RD | 2019 |
Joao ‘’Bisnaga’’ Mendes | W | Referee Decision | Las Vegas Open | Featherweight | SF | 2019 |
N/A | W | Choke | Las Vegas Open | Featherweight | R1 | 2019 |
Bruno “Little Bruno” Barbosa | W | Choke from back | Las Vegas Open | Featherweight | 4F | 2019 |
Richar Nogueira | L | Pts: 8x6 | Las Vegas Open | Featherweight | F | 2019 |
Jonathan Buren | W | Pts: 15x0 | Grand Slam LA | Featherweight | R1 | 2019 |
Lee Ting | W | Pts: 6x2 | Grand Slam LA | Featherweight | 4F | 2019 |
Thiago Macedo | W | Pts: 0x0, Adv | Grand Slam LA | Featherweight | SF | 2019 |
Thiago Macedo | W | Pts: 2x0 | Houston FO | Featherweight | F | 2019 |
Diego ‘’Pato’’ Oliveira | L | Pts: 4x2 | Grand Slam LA | Featherweight | F | 2019 |
Giovanni Carvalho | W | Armbar | Houston FO | Featherweight | SF | 2019 |
Cameron Graves | W | Armbar | Long Beach Open | Featherweight | SF | 2019 |
Brandon Walensky | W | Armbar | Long Beach Open | Featherweight | F | 2019 |
Thiago Macedo | W | Pts: 5x2 | Grand Slam AD | Featherweight | SF | 2020 |
Ali “The Beast From The Middle East” Monfaradi | W | Pts: 7x6 | Grand Slam AD | Featherweight | R1 | 2020 |
Ariel Tabak | W | Points | Grand Slam AD | Featherweight | 4F | 2020 |
Gabriel Sousa | L | Points | Grand Slam AD | Featherweight | F | 2020 |
Lee Renaut | W | Pts: 8x2 | European Open | Featherweight | R1 | 2020 |
Alex Sodre | L | Referee Decision | European Open | Featherweight | 4F | 2020 |
Davi Oliveira | W | Wristlock | Grand Slam RJ | Featherweight | 4F | 2020 |
Murilo Amaral | W | Pts: 4x2 | Grand Slam RJ | Featherweight | R1 | 2020 |
Luiz Paulo | W | Pts: 3x0 | Grand Slam RJ | Featherweight | 8F | 2020 |
Leo Saggioro | W | Pts: 4x3 | Grand Slam RJ | Featherweight | SF | 2020 |
Gabriel Figueiro | L | Pts: 2x1 | Grand Slam RJ | Featherweight | F | 2020 |
Cristian Polnov | W | Pts: 9x0 | Brazil Nat. Pro | Featherweight | SF | 2021 |
Joao Guilherme | W | Choke from back | Guarapari Pro | Featherweight | 4F | 2021 |
Guilherme Ribeiro | W | Armbar | Guarapari Pro | Featherweight | SF | 2021 |
Alex Sodre | W | Pts: 5x2 | Brazil Nat. Pro | Featherweight | F | 2021 |
Diogo Freitas | W | Choke from back | Grand Slam AD | Featherweight | 4F | 2021 |
Diogo Freitas | W | Pts: 7x3 | WP BR Qualifier | Featherweight | RR | 2021 |
Gabriel Sousa | W | Pts: 12x1 | Grand Slam AD | Featherweight | SF | 2021 |
Leo Saggioro | L | Pts: 3x2 | Grand Slam AD | Featherweight | F | 2021 |
Marcio ‘’Marcinho’’ Andre | W | Pts: 3x1 | WP BR Qualifier | Featherweight | F | 2021 |
Yaroslav Blazhko | W | Pts: 6x2 | World Pro | Featherweight | R1 | 2021 |
Juan Calderon | W | Pts: 13x1 | World Pro | Featherweight | 4F | 2021 |
Lucas Gripp | W | Pts: 17x0 | Rio Winter Open | Featherweight | 4F | 2021 |
Gabriel Sousa | W | Americana | World Pro | Featherweight | SF | 2021 |
Ali Monfaradi | W | Pts: 6x1 | World Pro | Featherweight | F | 2021 |
Ricardo Primo | W | Armbar | Rio Winter Open | Featherweight | SF | 2021 |
Brian Mahecha | L | Pts: 5x4 | Grand Slam MIA | Featherweight | 4F | 2021 |
Christian Mueckay | W | Choke from back | Grand Slam MIA | Featherweight | RPC | 2021 |
Thiago Macedo | W | Pts: 2x0 | BRA Qualifiers | Featherweight | 4F | 2021 |
Lucas “Bad Boy” Pinheiro | W | Armbar | Grand Slam MIA | Featherweight | RPC | 2021 |
Brian Mahecha | W | Armbar | Grand Slam MIA | Featherweight | 3RD | 2021 |
Diego Medeiros | W | Choke from back | BRA Qualifiers | Featherweight | SF | 2021 |
Leo Saggioro | W | Pts: 5x2 | BRA Qualifiers | Featherweight | F | 2021 |
Pablo Lavaselli | L | Pts: 2x0 | World Pro | Featherweight | F | 2021 |
Alejandro Carreras | W | Choke from back | World Pro | Featherweight | R1 | 2021 |
Isa Karasanov | W | Triangle | World Pro | Featherweight | 4F | 2021 |
Fabricio Andrey | W | Pts: 2x0 | World Pro | Featherweight | SF | 2021 |
Robson Silva | W | Choke | Guarapari Pro | Medium weight | 4F | 2022 |
Alan Barcelos | W | Choke from back | Guarapari Pro | Medium weight | SF | 2022 |
Andre Almeida | W | Choke from back | Grand Slam LDN | Medium weight | R1 | 2022 |
Marlus Salgado | W | Choke from back | Guarapari Pro | Medium weight | F | 2022 |
Wallisson Souza | W | Pts: 4x2 | Gramado Pro | Medium weight | SF | 2022 |
Marlus Salgado | W | Pts: 4x0 | Gramado Pro | Medium weight | F | 2022 |
Lucas Protasio | L | Pts: 4x4 | Grand Slam LDN | Medium weight | 4F | 2022 |
Gustavo Gonzalez | W | Triangle | Pan American | Featherweight | R1 | 2022 |
Nick “Tamandua” Salles | W | Pts: 10x8 | World Champ. | Featherweight | R1 | 2022 |
Isaac Doederlein | L | Pts: 4x2 | Pan American | Featherweight | R2 | 2022 |
Luiz Rodrigues | W | Submission | Porto Pro | Medium weight | SF | 2022 |
Omar De Sousa | W | Pts: 2x0 | Porto Pro | Medium weight | F | 2022 |
Isaac Doederlein | L | Straight ankle lock | World Champ. | Featherweight | 8F | 2022 |
Nian Booth | W | Armbar | American Nat. | Lightweight | R1 | 2022 |
Michael Liera | L | Pts: 6x4 | American Nat. | Light weight | 4F | 2022 |
Chris Mueckay | W | N/A | Orlando SMO | Light weight | SF | 2022 |
Daniel Maira | W | Armlock | N. Haven Open | Lightweight | F | 2022 |
Elijah “Big Breakfast” Dorsey | L | Referee Decision | Orlando SMO | Lightweight | F | 2022 |
Italo Moura | L | Points | Orlando SMO | ABS | 8F | 2022 |
Pedro Fernandes | W | Points | N. Haven Open | Lightweight | SF | 2022 |
Thiago Macedo | W | Choke from back | Grand Slam MIA | Featherweight | 4F | 2022 |
Pablo Lavaselli | W | Pts: 2x0 | Grand Slam MIA | Featherweight | SF | 2022 |
Nixon Belo | W | Choke from back | Fortaleza Open | Medium weight | F | 2022 |
Meyram Maquine | W | Referee Decision | Grand Slam MIA | Featherweight | F | 2022 |
Darlan Casaca | W | Pts: 7x0 | BJJ Stars | Lightweight | 4F | 2022 |
Matheus Gabriel | L | Pts: 4x2 | BJJ Stars | Lightweight | SF | 2022 |
Italo Aprigio | W | Armbar | Fortaleza Open | Medium weight | SF | 2022 |
Joao Aleksander | W | Choke from back | Fortaleza Open | ABS | 4F | 2022 |
Jonas Campos | W | RNC | Fortaleza Open | ABS | SF | 2022 |
Herico Hesley | W | Triangle | Fortaleza Open | ABS | F | 2022 |
Higor Lima | W | Pts: 15x0 | North East BRA | Medium weight | F | 2023 |
Lucas Silva | W | Submission | North East BRA | Medium weight | 4F | 2023 |
Valerio Cunha | W | Pts: 17x1 | North East BRA | Medium weight | SF | 2023 |
Michael Mehl | W | Choke from back | European Open | Featherweight | R1 | 2023 |
Fabricio Andrey | L | Pts: 2x0 | European Open | Featherweight | 4F | 2023 |
Samuel Nagai | W | Choke from back | Pan American | Featherweight | 8F | 2023 |
Valerio Eduardo | W | Americana | Fortaleza Open | Lightweight | SF | 2023 |
Marcio ‘’Marcinho’’ Andre | L | Pts: 2x2, Adv | Pan American | Featherweight | 4F | 2023 |
Daniel Sathler | L | Referee Decision | World Champ. | Featherweight | R1 | 2023 |
Alexis Stangen | W | Choke from back | Fortaleza Open | Lightweight | 4F | 2023 |
Margus Salgado | W | Choke from back | Fortaleza Open | Lightweight | F | 2023 |
Gabriel Cardoso | W | Bow and arrow | ADGS Miami | Featherweight | 8F | 2023 |
Ademir Barreto | W | Choke from back | ADGS Miami | Featherweight | SF | 2023 |
Artur Oliveira | W | Triangle | ADGS Miami | Featherweight | 4F | 2023 |
8. Israel Sousa Top Fight Links
Marcio André vs. Israel Sousa ● World Pro 2020
Alex Sodre VS Israel Almeida / European Championship 2020
Leave a comment
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.