Sofia Amarante - IBJJF NoGi World Champion

1. Sofia Amarante Details

2. Sofia Amarante’s Biography

Sofia Amarante was born on November 7, 1980, in Houston, Texas, USA, and grew up in Florida. She maintained a high level of physical activity throughout her childhood and adulthood. She was introduced to sports from a young age and participated in swimming and tennis.

2.1. Introduction to Martial Arts

Sofia’s martial arts journey began when she met her husband, Felipe, who was already practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and he introduced her to the discipline. At 23, Sofia started working as a Deputy Sheriff at Broward Prison. Her job was rough, so she needed to learn to defend herself, and BJJ solved the problem.

2.2. Started Her BJJ Journey with Armando Condone

Sofia began her journey in jiu-jitsu with Armando Conde. He is the first known European grappler to earn a black belt in BJJ and guided Sofia to become the first-class fighter she is today. Conde played a crucial part in Sofia’s early development as a first coach and awarded her the blue belt.

2.3. Opened Their Jiu-jitsu Academy

At last, Conde had to move back to his country Portugal, and Felipe and Sofia began training with other instructors who were also top in the following league. These instructors include Josh Manso, Saul Alencarm, and Daniel Valverde. They continued their training and, meanwhile, opened a jiu-jitsu academy.

2.4. Joining Fight Sports

After a while, Sofia sought a deeper connection with a team, and then her path crossed with Roberto Abreu, also known as “Cyborg.” She was instantly drawn to his positive energy and leadership skills and decided to join “Fight Sports”, his renowned team. The new affiliation with a group and supporting training environment gave Amarante a sense of belonging.

2.5. Achievements and Challenges

Amarante’s skills flourished while training with Fight Sports, and she became one of the top athletes in the light-featherweight division worldwide. However, her journey was far more challenging than it sounds.

Balancing a full-time job as a Deputy in jail, which required at least one hour of commute, she was also responsible for raising her child. Despite her challenging life, she achieved unprecedented success by winning significant titles with the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) as a purple and brown belt.

2.6. Reaching the Pinnacle: Black Belt

Sofia’s determination, accomplishments, and dedication to the BJJ led her to achieve her ultimate goal of a black belt in December 2010. Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu led the ceremony, which made Sofia the first female back belt under his guidance.

This milestone for Sofia left a significant mark of achievement in her martial arts journey. It solidified her position as a respected and accomplished fighter in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

3. Sofia Amarante’s Historic Fights

3.1. Sofia Amarante Vs. Mayssa Bastos - 2021 World No-Gi

Mayssa Bastos and Sofia Amarante faced an epic battle at the World NoGi Championship in 2021. Both highly skilled Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners brought their A-game to the mats.

The match displayed technical prowess and relentless determination from both competitors. Mayssa and Sofia demonstrated incredible athleticism, strategy, and a deep understanding of the art of BJJ.

In the end, the match was a testament to the high level of skill possessed by both athletes. While Mayssa Bastos emerged as the victor, Sofia Amarante showcased her immense talent and left a lasting impression on the BJJ community.

Their showdown will be remembered as a thrilling clash between two elite competitors in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

3.2. Sofia Amarante Vs. Claudia Kvenbo - Pan Championship 2012

Facing off against an experienced opponent in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including a memorable match against Claudia Kvenbo at the Pan Championship in 2012, Sofia demonstrated her technical prowess and strategic mindset.

She displayed impeccable takedowns, fluid transitions, and a relentless offensive game throughout the match. Her years of dedicated training and relentless pursuit of excellence were evident in her move.

Sofia demonstrated her agility and resilience in the face of Claudia’s tough defense, continually seeking ways to strengthen her position and win submissions. Both competitors pushed themselves to the edge during the back-and-forth encounter.

Sofia Amarante emerged victorious, securing a well-deserved victory at the Pan Championship. Her performance in this match highlighted her exceptional skills and determination, cementing her status as a formidable competitor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

3.3. Sofia Amarante vs Gezary Matuda - 2013 Pan Championship

Sofia Amarante faced Gezary Matuda in the 2013 Pan Championship semi-final, light featherweight division. As the fight started, Matuda tried to take down Amarante twice but failed. However, she maintained a strong grip on Amarante’s Gi lapel, trying to pull Amarante in a closed guard. Amarante managed to escape all such attempts and tried to secure the dominant position, but couldn’t. The struggle continued for a few seconds, and the referee was then instructed to restart the match. Matuda again started by pulling Amarante in a guard, while Amarante trapped her opponent’s foot. Unfortunately, she couldn’t secure the submission via heel hook as Matuda managed to escape in time. Amarante flipped on her back in the final attempt, pulling Matuda on top of her. Both fighters struggled to gain the dominant position. Eventually, Amarante trapped Matuda’s neck in between her ankles for a choke. After a tough fight that lasted for a quick three minutes, Amarante submitted Matuda and stood victorious.

4. Sofia Amarante’s BJJ Combats

Sofia Amarante’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) career has been marked by numerous memorable combats, showcasing her skills, tenacity, and competitive spirit. Here are some noteworthy highlights from her BJJ journey:

4.1. Pan Championship 2012

In 2012’s Pan Championship, Sofia displayed her technical prowess and determination against Claudia Kvenbo and secured a well-deserved victory.

4.2. World Championship 2014

While competing in the biggest stage of BBJ, Sofia encountered opponents way above her league and showcased her exceptional abilities. Her performances at this top event secured her reputation as a formidable competitor.

4.3. IBJJF American National 2016

Amarante proved her ability in the light-featherweight division by securing a gold medal in demanding and challenging matches. Her strategic approach in the matches of this tournament was on full display.

4.4. UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro 2017

Sofia demonstrated her worldwide competitiveness in a fiercely brutal international competition by placing her on the podium and being known as the best athlete in her weight class.

4.5. Fight To Win Pro

She competed in multiple Fight To Win Pro events, displaying her abilities in prominent competitions against other skilled BJJ practitioners. Sophia gained valuable experience from these matches, which helped boost her reputation.

4.6. Grappling Industries

Sofia has participated in Grappling Industries competitions, where she has regularly displayed her technical proficiency and competitive spirit. She was able to test her abilities in these situations against different opponents and playing strategies.

4.7. Superfights

Amarante has been invited to participate in super-fight competitions against other skilled BJJ practitioners throughout her career. In these matches, she put herself up against the top competitors, which also helped her acquire more recognition from the BJJ community.

4.8. Open Mat Sessions

Sofia has participated in open mat sessions with multiple accomplished practitioners, sharing tips and honing her abilities. These lessons have played a crucial role in her development as a martial artist.

5. Sofia AMarante’s Achievements

5.1. Main Achievements

Year	Event	Position
2012	IBJJF World Championship NoGi	1st Place
2012	IBJJF Pan Championship NoGi	1st Place
2012	Place IBJJF Pan Championship	1st Place
2012	IBJJF World Championship	3rd Place
2013	Place IBJJF Pan Championship	2nd Place
2016	IBJJF World Championship	3rd Place
2016	IBJJF World Championship NoGi	3rd Place
2017	IBJJF World Championship NoGi	3rd Place
2017	IBJJF European Open	3rd Place
2017	IBJJF Pan Championship	3rd Place
2018	IBJJF World Championship NoGi	3rd Place
2018	IBJJF Pan Championship	3rd Place
2018	IBJJF Pan Championship NoGi	3rd Place
2019	IBJJF Pan Championship NoGi	1st Place
2021	IBJJF Pan Championship NoGi	1st Place
2021	IBJJF Pan Championship NoGi	2nd Place

5.2. Main Achievements (Masters)

Year	Event	Position
2016	IBJJF Masters World Championship	1st Place
2018	IBJJF Masters World Championship	1st Place
2019	IBJJF Masters World Championship	1st Place
2019	CBJJ Brazilian Nationals	1st Place
2019	CBJJ Brazilian Nationals	3rd Place
2020	IBJJF European Open	3rd Place

5.3. Main Achievements (Colored Belts)

Year	Event	Position	Belts
2009	IBJJF World Championship	1st Place	Purple Belt
2009	IBJJF World Championship NoGi	1st Place	Brown Belt + Black Belt
2010	IBJJF Pan Championship NoGi	1st Place	Brown Belt + Black Belt
2010	IBJJF World Championship	2nd Place	Brown Belt + Black Belt
2010	IBJJF World Championship NoGi	2nd Place	Brown Belt + Black Belt

6. Sofia Amarante BJJ Professional Record Breakdown

Matches 20	Wins  08	Losses 12
By Submission	01	06
By Points	01	02
By Decision	01	00
By Advantage	00	01
Other	05	02

6.1. Submission Methods W/L

Submission Methods	Win	Losses
Choke from the Back	0	1
Armbar	0	3
Choke	0	2
Other	1	1

7. Sofia Amarante BJJ Fight History

Year	Event	Opponent	W/L/D	Method	Weight Class
2009	IBJJF World No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Championship	L. Santos	W	Other	Featherweight
2010	IBJJF World No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Championship	L. Santos	L	Other	Featherweight
2012	Pan No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Championship	J. Petrina	W	Other	Featherweight
2012	IBJJF World No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Championship	O. Talvard	W	Other	Light Featherweight
2014	IBJJF Pan Jiu Jitsu Championship	R. Yuasa	L	Choke	125 lbs.
2018	Abu Dhabi Professional World Jiu Jitsu Championship	M. Bastos	L	Other	49 kg
2018	Abu Dhabi Professional World Jiu Jitsu Championship	C. Lacerda	W	Other	49 kg
2018	Abu Dhabi Professional World Jiu Jitsu Championship	S. Gabrielli	L	Advantage	49 kg
2018	IBJJF World No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Championship	M. Bastos	L	Choke	49 kg
2019	Kasai Super Series Orlando	T. Alencar	L	Armbar	115 lbs.
2019	IBJJF Pan No-Gi Championship	F. Watson	L	Other	Light Featherweight
2019	IBJJF Pan No-Gi Championship	M. Fuschetto	W	Other	Light Featherweight
2021	Fight to Win 162	J. Rodriguez	W	Decision	N/A
2021	IBJJF Pan No-Gi Championship	M. Bastos	L	Points	Light Featherweight
2021	IBJJF Pan No-Gi Championship	P. Fontes	W	Other	Light Featherweight
2021	IBJJF World No-GI Jiu Jitsu Championship	P. Fontes	W	Points	Light Featherweight
2021	IBJJF World No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Championship	M. Bastos	L	Points	Light Featherweight
2022	IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship	A.Rodriguez	L	Choke from the Back	Light Featherweight
2022	IBJJF Pan Jiu Jitsu Championship	J.Khan	L	Armbar	Light Featherweight
2022	IBJJF Pan Jiu Jitsu Championship	J.Khan	L	Armbar	Light Featherweight

8. Sofia Amarante Top Fights Link

Photo Credit: @sofia_amarante