Table of content
1. Rafael Mendes Details
Name | Rafael Mendes |
Pro BJJ Record | 88-7-1 (Win-Loss-Draw) |
Nickname | Rafa |
Date of Birth | 20 June 1989 |
Age | 34 years old |
Height | 5′ 9″ |
Weight | 154 Ib / 70 Kg |
Born | Rio Claro, Brazil |
Nationality | Brazilian |
Last fight | 2012 |
Weight Division | (70 kg / 154.5 lbs) |
Career Disclosed Earning | N/A |
Fought out of | Brazil |
College/university | N/A |
Foundation Style | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
Belt Rank | 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
Lineage | Carlos Gracie -> Carlson Gracie -> Andre Pederneiras -> Ramon Lemos -> Rafael Mendes |
Team Association | Art of Jiu-Jitsu (AOJ). |
Favorite Position/ Technique | RNC, Leg-Drag Guard Pass, Berimbolo & 50-50 Guard |
2. Rafael Mendes Biography
2.1. Who is Rafael Mendes?
Rafael Mendes, famously known as Rafa Mendes, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt World Champion. Rafael, the king of grappling, became famous because of the perfect execution of the 50/50 guard and berimbolo position. Rafael is also the brother of another Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Guilherme Mendes.
Rafael started BJJ training with his brother Guilherme and under the supervision of his older cousin Thiago Mendes. (Purple Belt under Leonardo Santos at that time) After training for a few months, Thiago realized Rafael’s quick learning pace and decided to create a mutual space to train them with Leonardo Santos at Academy Headquarters.
2.2. Rafael Mendes Amature Fights And BJJ Career
At the Age of 13, Rafael Mendes received his Yellow Belt. At 15, Rafel won more titles and Gold Medals. He fought in the colored belt categories and won many competitions.
2.3. Rafael Mendes Mature Fights And Journey To Black Belt
At 17, he moved to the featherweight category and won the World Championship at the Brown Belt level. At the Age of 18, Rafael was promoted to Black Belt by coach Ramon Lemos. Rafael became the first youngest fighter to become the champion at ADDC at the age of nineteen. Rafael also won his first World Championship in the Black Belt at the age of nineteen.
2.4. Rafael Winning The Second Black Belt Title As A Worldwide Fighter
At 21, Rafael won his second World Title as a Black Belt and became the youngest man to win two consecutive ADCC Titles. At the age of twenty-two, he won his third World Title in the Black Belt division. At the age of 24, Rafael won his fourth World Title and his fifth World title at the age of twenty-five.
2.5. Losing a Fight against Bruno Frazatto
Although he has never competed without BJJ Gi before he was enlisted by Ramon Lemos in ADCC Brazilian Trails, At the age of 17, which proved a very difficult trail for him, and resultantly he had to accept defeat against Bruno Frazatto( who became his friend at Atos)
2.6. Competition in Abu Dhabi
Rafael also won the Jiu-Jitsu World Pro-Abu Dhabi Cup in 2008. For Rafael, it was the world's toughest competition. He was successful in winning the Gold Medal in the ADCC finals. The competition was against Rubens Charles Maciel (the person who was considered the best fighter of 2009 by the Brazilian Press)
2.7. Rafael’s Retirement
He had a remarkable career, he maintained his winning streak. He was considered the best grappler of his generation. Rafael Mendes, at the age of 26, decided to spend time with his family and his work as a coach at his own academy “Art of Jiu-Jitsu” in Costa Mesa, California.
2.8. Rafael Founded His Own Academy “Art of Jiu Jitsu”
He conducted many seminars, Rafael and his brother, Guilherme Mendes who is also a world champion, decided to have a traditional BJJ school to teach. In July 2012, Rafael Mendes and his fellow champion and brother decided to open the academy under the name of “Art of Jai Jitsu” with the help of a long-term sponsor and RVCA founder Pat Tenore.
2.9. Rafael Mendes Family And Personal Life
Rafael Mendes is married to (Samira Mendes) and a father of two kids(a daughter and a son).
3. Rafael Mendes Historic Fights
3.1. Rafael Mendes Vs Rubens Cobrinha
Rafael had an amazing fight with the legendary Rubens Cobrinha. Both fighters toiled to win. Rafael tried an arm-triangle choke, which was very difficult to survive, Cabrinha tried to free himself but Rafael strangled him firmly. Cobrinha had no chance to free himself except tap for submission.
Year | Event | Opponent | W/L/D | Method | Stage | Weight Class |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | Pan Ams 2012 | Rubens Cobrinha | Win | Submission by Armbar | N/A | Lightweight |
3.2. Rafael Mendes vs Justin Rader
This is Rafael’s amazing fight with Justin Rader. Rafael tried his favorite armbar but Justin survived it. Finally, Rafael tried Triangle Choke and Justin tapped out.
Year | Event | Opponent | W/L/D | Method | Stage | Weight Class |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | Pan Ams 2012 | Justin Rader | Win | Triangle Choke | F | Lightweight |
4. Rafael’s Record/ Medals
ADCC World Championship
Year | Medals |
---|---|
2009 | Gold |
2011 | Gold |
2013 | Silver |
ADCC South American Championship
Year | Medals |
---|---|
2009 | Gold |
World Championship
Year | Medals |
---|---|
2009 | Bronze |
2010 | Gold |
2011 | Gold |
2012 | Gold |
2013 | Silver |
2014 | Gold |
2015 | Gold |
2016 | Gold |
Pan American Championship
Year | Medals |
---|---|
2012 | Gold |
2013 | Gold |
Brazilian National Championship
Year | Medals |
---|---|
2010 | Gold |
World Cup Abu Dhabi
Year | Medals |
---|---|
2009 | Gold |
2010 | Gold |
2011 | Silver |
No-Gi World Cup
Year | Medals |
---|---|
2011 | Gold |
2011 | Silver |
San Francisco International Open
Year | Medals |
---|---|
2013 | Gold |
5. Rafael’s Main Achievements (Belt)
5.1. Achievement as a Black Belt
Year | Position | Event |
---|---|---|
2010 | 1st place | IBJJF World Championship |
2011 | 1st place | IBJJF World Championship |
2012 | 1st place | IBJJF World Championship |
2014 | 1st place | IBJJF World Championship |
2015 | 1st place | IBJJF World Championship |
2016 | 1st place | IBJJF World Championship |
2009 | 1st place | ADCC world Championship |
2011 | 1st place | ADCC world Championship |
2012 | 1st place | IBJJF pans Championship |
2011 | 1st place | IBJJF pans Championship |
2009 | 1st place | IBJJF European Open |
2010 | 1st place | IBJJF European Open |
2014 | 1st place | IBJJF European Open |
2009 | Ist place | Abu Dhabi Pro |
2010 | Ist place | Abu Dhabi Pro |
2010 | 1st place | CBJJ Brazilian Nationals |
2013 | 2nd place | IBJJF World Championship |
2013 | 2nd place | ADCC World Championship |
2011 | 2nd place | Abu Dhabi Pro |
5.2. Rafael’s Colored Belt Main Achievements
Year | Belts | Event | Position |
---|---|---|---|
2006 | IBJJF World Championship | Blue | 1st |
2007 | IBJJF World Championship | Purple | 1st |
2008 | IBJJF World Championship | Brown | 1st |
2006 | CBJJ Brazilian Nationals | Blue | 1st |
2007 | CBJJ Brazilian Nationals | Purple | 1st |
6. Rafael Mendes Achievements By Weight Class
Year | Weight Class |
---|---|
2009, 2011, 2013 | -66 kg |
ADCC South American Championship
Year | Weight Class |
---|---|
2009 | -66kg |
World Championship
Year | Weight Class |
---|---|
2009 to 2016 | -70 kg |
Pan American Championship
Year | Weight Class |
---|---|
2012, 2013 | -70 kg |
Brazilian National Championship
Year | Weight Class |
---|---|
2010 | 70 kg |
World Cup
Year | Weight Class |
---|---|
2009, 2010, 2011 | -65 kg |
No-Gi World Cup
Year | Weight Class |
---|---|
2011 | -65 kg |
2011 | Absolute |
San Francisco International Open
Year | Weight Class |
---|---|
2013 | -70 kg |
7. Rafael Mendes Grappling Record Breakdown
100 Matches | 93 Wins | 7 Losses |
---|---|---|
By points | 26 | 1 |
By Advantage | 5 | 1 |
By Submission | 59 | 0 |
By Decision | 2 | 4 |
By Penalties | 1 | 0 |
By DQ | 0 | 1 |
7.1 Guilherme Mendes Submission Record Breakdown
Submission Method | 59 Wins | 0 Loss |
---|---|---|
Armbar | 19 | 0 |
RNC Choke | 4 | 0 |
Choke | 3 | 0 |
Brabo Choke | 3 | 0 |
Kimura | 2 | 0 |
Anaconda Choke | 1 | 0 |
Cross Choke | 1 | 0 |
Choke from Back | 13 | 0 |
Wrist Lock | 4 | 0 |
Triangle | 3 | 0 |
Triangle Armbar | 3 | 0 |
Bow and Arrow | 2 | 0 |
Inverted Triangle | 1 | 0 |
8. Rafael Mendes Submission/Grappling Match History
Year | Event | Opponent | W/L/D | Method | Stage | Weight Class |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2008 | Capital Challenge | Michael Reyna | W | Choke | 4F | 70KG |
2008 | Capital Challenge | Mario Reis | W | Points | SF | 70KG |
2008 | Capital Challenge | Rubens Charles | L | Points | F | 70KG |
2009 | Deep X III | Katsuya Toida | W | RNC | SPF | NA |
2009 | World Pro | Van Baardewijk | W | Triangle | R1 | 65KG |
2009 | World Pro | Robson Moura | W | Points | 4F | 65KG |
2009 | World Pro | Renato Tavares | W | Pts:6x0 | SF | 65KG |
2009 | World Pro | Rubens Charles | W | points | F | 65KG |
2009 | Pan American | Rodrigo Ranieri | W | Pts: 14x6 | 4F | 70kG |
2009 | Pan American | Rubens Charles | L | DQ | SF | 70kG |
2009 | ADCC | Jayson Patino | W | Triangle | R1 | 66KG |
2009 | ADCC | Justin Rader | W | Anaconda | 4F | 66KG |
2009 | ADCC | Leonardo Vieira | W | RNC | SF | 66KG |
2009 | ADCC | Rubens Charles | W | ADDC | SF | 66KG |
2009 | World Champion | Carlos Lemos | W | Pts: 4x0 | 4F | 70kg |
2009 | World Champion | Rubens Charles | L | Referee Decision | SF | 70kg |
2009 | European | Wellington Dias | W | Armbar | SF | 70kg |
2009 | European | Renan Borges | W | Pts:2x0 | F | 70kg |
2010 | WPC SD Trails | Denilson Pimenta | W | Pts:2x0 | SF | 70 KG |
2010 | WPC trails | Denilson Pimenta | W | RNC | SF | 65 KG |
2010 | WPC Trails | Theodoro Canal | W | Pts:4x2 | F | 65KG |
2010 | World Pro | Guilherme Mendes | W | 4x2 | F | 65KG |
2010 | Brasileiro | Rubens Charles | W | Pts:4x2 | F | 70 KG |
2010 | World Champion | Ryan Hall | W | Pts:5x2 | R1 | 70 KG |
2010 | World Champion | Gustavo Caprio | W | RNC | R2 | 70 KG |
2010 | World Champion | Daisuke Nakamura | W | Armbar | 4F | 70 KG |
2010 | World Champion | Denilson Pimenta | W | RNC | SF | 70 KG |
2010 | World Champion | Rubens Charles | W | Pts:4x4, Adv | F | 70KG |
2011 | World Pro | Marcelino Freitas | W | Brabo Choke | R1 | 65KG |
2011 | World Pro | Gustavo Falciroli | W | RNC | 4F | 65 KG |
2011 | World Pro | Bruno Malfacine | W | Pts:7x0 | SF | 65 KG |
2011 | World Pro | Augusto Mendes | L | Referee Decision | F | 65 KG |
2011 | World Pro No-Gi | Glimar Oliveira | W | Points | 4F | ABS |
2011 | World P. No-Gi | Rodolfo Vieira | W | Referee | F | ABS |
2011 | World Champ. | Daisuke Nakamura | W | Choke | RDS | 70 KG |
2011 | World Champ. | Justin Rader | W | Choke | RDS | 70 KG |
2011 | World Champ. | Leo Saggioro | W | Inverted Triangle | 4F | 70 KG |
2011 | World Champ. | Mario Reis | W | Pts:4x2 | SF | 70 KG |
2011 | World Champ. | Augusto Mendes | W | Pts 4x4, Adv | F | 70 KG |
2011 | World Champ. | Augusto Mendes | W | Pts4x4, Adv | F | 70 KG |
2011 | ADCC | Bruno Frazatto | W | Pts: 6x0 | R1 | 70 KG |
2011 | ADCC | Justin Rader | W | RNC | 4F | 66KG |
2011 | ADCC | Rubens Moura | W | Points | SF | 66KG |
2011 | Pan American | Andre Monteiro | W | Armbar | 4F | 70 kg |
2011 | Pan American | Justin Rader | W | Triangle | 4F | 70KG |
2011 | Pan American | Mario Reis | W | Wrist Lock | SF | 70 KG |
2012 | Pan American | Rubens Charles | W | Armbar | F | 70 KG |
2012 | World Champion | Sandro Batata | W | Brabo choke | R2 | 70 KG |
2012 | World Champion | Cristiano Renato | W | Kimura | R3 | 70 KG |
2012 | World Champ | Takayuki Koyama | W | RNC | 4F | 70 KG |
2012 | World Champ | Mario Reis | W | Pts;2x0 | SF | 70 KG |
2012 | World Champ. | Rubens Charles | W | Referee Decision | F | 70 kG |
2012 | Houston Open | Andre Monteiro | W | Brabo Choke | F | 70 KG |
2013 | Pan American | Renato Vieira | W | ArmBar | 4F | 70 KG |
2013 | Pan America | Mario Reis | W | PTS;2x0 | SF | 70 KG |
2013 | Pan America | Rubens Charles | W | Armbar | F | 70 KG |
2013 | World Champ | Mayko Borges | W | Armbar | 4F | 70 KG |
2013 | World Champ | Mario Reis | W | Adv | SF | 70 KG |
2013 | World Champion | Augusto Mendes | L | Pts:2x2, Adv | F | 70 KG |
2013 | ADDC | Y. Takahito | W | Kimura | R1 | 70 KG |
2013 | ADCC | Tesu Suzuki | W | Armbar | 4F | 66 KG |
2013 | ADCC | Joao Miyao | W | Pts 2x0 | SF | 66 KG |
2013 | ADCC | Rubens Charles | L | Referee Decision | F | 66 KG |
2013 | SF Open | Geoffrey Villareal | W | Armbar | SF | 70 KG |
2013 | Houston Open | Gustavo Carpio | W | Wrist Lock | SF | 70 KG |
2013 | Rickson Cup | Unknown | W | Triangle Armbar | 4F | 70 KG |
2013 | Rickson Cup | Unknown | W | Armbar | SF | 70 Kg |
2013 | Rickson Cup | Unknown | W | Armbar | SF | 70 KG |
2014 | European | Gianni Grippo | W | Pts:5x0 | F | 70 Kg |
2014 | European | Paulo Miyao | W | Pts:3x0 | F | 70 Kg |
2014 | Metamoris | Clark Gracie | D | N/A | SPF | ABS |
2014 | World Champ | Tumas Kristen | W | RNC | RDS | 70 KG |
2014 | World Champ. | Nicholas Araujo | W | RNC | RDS | 70 KG |
2014 | World Champ | Gianni Grippo | W | RNC | 4F | 70 KG |
2014 | World Champion | Mario Reis | W | RNC | SF | 70 KG |
2014 | World Champion | Rubens Charles | W | Pts; 10x8 | F | 70 KG |
2014 | Rickson Cup | Yagi Vicente | W | Triangle Armbar | R1 | 70 KG |
2014 | Rickson Cup | Tsukada Ichitaro | W | WristLock | R2 | 70 KG |
2014 | Rickson Cup | Hirao Yuto | W | Cross Choke | 4F | 70 KG |
2014 | Rickson Cup | Okamoto Yuji | W | Armbar | SF | 70 KG |
2014 | Rickson Cup | Charles Gaspar | W | Bow and Arrow | SF | ABS |
2015 | Rickson Cup | Osvaldo Moizinho | W | Choke from Back | SF | ABS |
2015 | Berkut Open | Osvaldo Moizinho | W | Berkut Open NoGi | SPF | ABS |
2015 | World Champ. | Philipe D. Monica | W | Choke from back | 4F | 70 KG |
2015 | World Champ. | Mario Reis | W | Wrist Lock | SF | 70 KG |
2015 | World Champ. | Rubens Charles | W | Pts:6x4 | F | 70 KG |
2015 | Bull Terrier Cup | Unknown | W | Armbar | 4F | 70 Kg |
2015 | Bull Terrier Cup | Unknown | W | Armbar | SF | 70 KG |
2015 | Bull Terrier Cup | Unknown | W | Armbar | F | 70 KG |
2015 | Bull Terrier Cup | Unknown | W | Armbar | 4F | 70 KG |
2016 | San Antonio Open | Brian Stuebner | W | Armbar | 4F | 70 KG |
2016 | San Antonio Open | Isaac Doederlein | W | Pts:0x0, Adv | SF | 70 KG |
2016 | Las Vegas Open | Gabriel Marangoni | W | Armbar | F | 70 KG |
2016 | Las Vegas Open | Vito Paschoal | W | Armbar | SF | 70 KG |
2016 | Las Vegas Open | Samir Chantre | W | Armbar | F | 70 KG |
2016 | World Champ. | Ichitaro Tsukada | W | Choke from back | R2 | 70 KG |
2016 | World Champ. | Leo Saggioro | W | Pts:6x0 | 4F | 70 KG |
2016 | World Champ. | Osvaldo Moizinho | W | Triangle Armbar | SF | 70 KG |
2016 | World Champ. | Marcio Moizinho | W | Pts: 10x10, Adv | F | 70 KG |
9. Rafael Mendes Historic Fight Links
Rafael Mendes vs Rubens Cobrinha | Pan Ams 2012
Rafael Mendes vs Justin Rader | Pan Ams 2012
Rafael Mendes vs Gustavo Falciroli | WP 2011
Rafael Mendes: Berimbolo Evolution
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