Top BJJ Fighters in ADCC

If you want to see a demonstration of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) techniques in the world, then you must attend an event like the Abu Dhabi Combat Club or ADCC. The ADCC is one of the most prominent fighting competitions in the world, taking place every two years in Japan. This year's tournament will be held in São Paulo, Brazil, bringing together some of the best BJJ fighters on the planet. This article will discuss the best BJJ fighters who participated in the ADCC.

1. What is the ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship?

The ADCC Submission Fighting Globe Championship is one of the most prominent and prestigious mixed martial arts events in the world. This event brings together some of the best BJJ fighters in the world to compete in s this submission-only tournament.

2. Rafael Lovato Jr.

Rafael Lovato Jr. is one of the most decorated grapplers in BJJ history, being considered one of the best BJJ practitioners in the modern world. He has won several titles, including the black belt and absolute championships in the IBJJF and a two-time world champion in 2011 and 2013 respectively. Known for his explosive submissions, Lovato Jr. will surely be a force to be reckoned with at the ADCC this year.

3. Braulio Estima

Braulio Estima is a well-respected and well-known BJJ fighter. He has competed in many important tournaments, including the ADCC World Championships where he has won both silver and gold medals. Estima has a versatile skillset, taking opponents down using wrestling and judo moves combined with technical BJJ skills.

4. Garry Tonon

The renowned Marcelo Garcia taught and promoted Garry Tonon to the rank of the brown belt. He has competed in ADCC since 2009 and earned a medal in the last six competitions. Tonon is widely regarded as one of the top grapplers in the world, particularly in no-gi competitions, his area of expertise. He has won gold medals in IBJJF World Championships, European Championship, Pan American Championship, Brazilian Nationals, and North American Championships. In 2016, Tonon was asked to join the UFC's Bantamweight Division.

5. Keenan Cornelius

Keenan Cornelius is a BJJ black belt taught by Alexandre Babalu who is considered one of the most decorated athletes in the sport. Cornelius has taken part in the ADCC six times, winning a silver and gold meal in 2014 and 2017 respectively.

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, Keenan began his BJJ training at 10 years old with his older brother. After several years of training and competing, Cornelius won his first world championship gold medal as a purple belt at the 2013 Pan American Championships. He went on to win a silver medal at the 2014 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship and another gold medal at the 2017 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship.

Outside of BJJ, Keenan is also an entrepreneur, owning and operating two businesses: Keystone Martial Arts Academy, a mixed martial arts gym, and Millbrook Vineyards, a family winery.

6. Roger Gracie

Roger Gracie is a BJJ black belt and ADCC veteran who has competed in numerous tournaments. He first made a name for himself as a grappling champion, winning gold medals at the Mundials and Pan-American Championships. Roger is one of the most decorated athletes in BJJ history and remains one of the top competitors in the world.

7. Royler Gracie

A legendary BJJ fighter and ADCC champion, Royler Gracie has an unrivaled legacy. At just 11 years old, he was already a world-renowned instructor and competitor. In 1988, he won his first ADCC championship and went on to win seven more throughout his career. He is also one of only two individuals to ever win titles in both the black belt and no-gi divisions at ADCC.

Gracie's most impressive feat came in 2000 when he became the first person ever to defend his title at the ADCC. He was also responsible for innovating the use of guard passes in BJJ. This technique allowed fighters to bypass their opponents' guards and finish them off with submissions.

Today, Gracie continues to instruct students worldwide and compete in tournaments. He is also the founder of the Alliance Academy which helps impoverished youth in Brazil achieve their goals through martial arts training.

8. Kyra Gracie and Gabi Garcia

Kyra Gracie and Gabi Garcia are a pair of well-known BJJ fighters. Kyra is a three-time world champion and two-time ADCC champion, while Gabi has won a world championship and two ADCC championships. Kyra and Gabi are considered some of the best submission fighters in the sport, making them formidable opponents at any belt level.

9. Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles

Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles is a decorated BJJ athlete, earning titles such as the ADCC Champion (2007), IBJJF World Champion (2010), and Pan American Champion (2015). He has also been a finalist in five Mundials, three of them he participated as a black belt. Charles has helped spread BJJ’s popularity around the world with many fans falling in love with his unique grappling style.

10. Rickson Gracie

A legendary BJJ black belt, Rickson Gracie is widely considered one of the best grapplers of all time. He competed in the first ADCC in 1993 and has since become a regular competitor despite being over 70 years old.

11. Joao Carvalho

Joao Carvalho is a black belt under Rubens Barrichello and one of the top BJJ competitors in the world. Carvalho has won many tournaments, including the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship (2005, 2007). In 2006, he also took first place in the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

12. Gordon Ryan

He has been taking part in athletic competition for more than 10 years. He has won numerous medals, including a gold medal in the super heavyweight division at the 2013 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

13. Saulo Ribeiro

Saulo Ribeiro is undoubtedly one of BJJ’s most famous athletes.

He has been training in BJJ since he was seven years old, quickly becoming a skilled fighter. In 1995, when he was 19 years old, Ribeiro won his first world championship. He proceeded to win three additional ournaments before retiring from the sport in 2006. However, Ribeiro continues to teach and coach BJJ around the world.

In 2007, Ribeiro entered the ADCC Tournament as a rookie and emerged as champion. He became champion in 2010 and 2012, becoming the only other fighter besides Royler Gracie to win two ADCC titles. In 2015, he was once again crowned ADCC Champion after defeating.

14. Dean "The Boogeyman" Lister

Dean Lister is a BJJ black belt and ADCC veteran who has been competing in grappling tournaments for over 15 years. He is considered one of the top BJJ fighters in the world and has won many championships. Lister was also a finalist at the 2012 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship.

15. Conclusion

BJJ is known for its emphasis on grappling and ground fighting. While it may not be the most popular combat sport, some incredibly skilled BJJ fighters compete in the ADCC. These athletes are some of the best which is reflected in their techniques.

If you're interested in learning more about BJJ and how to improve your skills, be sure to check out some of these top performers' blogs. They'll give you excellent tips on how to develop your technique and offer valuable advice on how to defeat an opponents in a real fight.