Rodolfo Vieira

Rodolfo Vieira
Born September 25, 1989
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Other names The Black Belt Hunter
Residence Orlando, Florida, United States
Height 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Division Middleweight
Reach 73 in (185 cm)
Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Fighting out of Orlando, Florida, United States
Team Fusion X-Cel
Rank BJJ black belt (under Julio César Pereira)
Years active 2017–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total 11
Wins 9
By knockout 1
By submission 8
Losses 2
By submission 1
By decision 1
Notable relatives Ana Carolina Vieira (sister)
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Representing Brazil
Submission grappling
ADCC World Championship
Gold medal – first place 2015 São Paulo -99kg
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
World Championship
Gold medal – first place 2011 California, USA -94kg
Gold medal – first place 2011 California, USA Absolute
Gold medal – first place 2012 California, USA -94kg
Gold medal – first place 2013 California, USA -94kg
Silver medal – second place 2013 California, USA Absolute
Gold medal – first place 2014 California, USA -100kg
Silver medal – second place 2014 California, USA Absolute
Pan American Championship
Gold medal – first place 2011 California, USA -94kg
Gold medal – first place 2011 California, USA Absolute
European Championship
Gold medal – first place 2012 Lisbon, Portugal -94kg
Gold medal – first place 2012 Lisbon, Portugal Absolute
AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro
Gold medal – first place 2009 Abu Dhabi, UAE -92kg
Gold medal – first place 2011 Abu Dhabi, UAE -92kg
Gold medal – first place 2011 Abu Dhabi, UAE Absolute
Gold medal – first place 2012 Abu Dhabi, UAE -94kg
Gold medal – first place 2012 Abu Dhabi, UAE Absolute
Gold medal – first place 2013 Abu Dhabi, UAE -94kg
Silver medal – second place 2013 Abu Dhabi, UAE Absolute
Gold medal – first place 2014 Abu Dhabi, UAE -100kg
Silver medal – second place 2014 Abu Dhabi, UAE Absolute

Rodolfo Vieira (born September 25, 1989) is a Brazilian submission grappler, mixed martial artist and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner.

A four-time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion, seven-time Abu Dhabi World Pro champion, two-time Pan American and European Champion as well as ADCC Submission Grappling World Champion, Vieira is regarded as one of the best heavyweight BJJ competitors of his generation. His sister is 4 x BJJ World champion Ana Carolina Vieira.

Having transitioned to MMA in 2015, Vieira joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2019 where he competes in the middleweight division.

Background

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Vieira started training under Arlans Maia when he was 13. A few years later as a purple belt he joined Gama Filho team (now Grappling Fight Team) under Julio Cesar Pereira.

Grappling career

Vieira won the 2009 Abu Dhabi World Cup Brazilian north trials as a brown belt (in a mixed brown and black belt division). He won his division at the Abu Dhabi World Cup with a victory over two-time world champion Braulio Estima, whilst still a brown belt, this earned him the nickname "black belt hunter". After being promoted to black belt, injury sidelined him throughout most of 2010. He returned in 2011 winning his division and the absolute at the Pan American Championships also winning double gold at the Abu Dhabi World Cup and the IBJJF World Championships, facing Bernardo Faria in five out of the six finals. Vieira competed at the 2011 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship where he defeated Joseph Lee Blaize and Antonio Peinado but lost to Dean Lister, in the semi-finals (by heel hook).

In 2012 after winning double gold at the European Championships and the World Cup, he suffered a defeat to Marcus Almeida in the absolute quarter-finals of the IBJJF World Championship, Vieira won his weight class for a second time after defeating Xande Ribeiro. In 2013 he competed at the Copa Podio in Brazil, where he won his weight division and the absolute. He then competed at the Abu Dhabi World Cup, where he won his weight division but came second in the absolute after losing to Marcus Almeida.

At the 2013 IBJJF World Championship, Vieira retained his title in the −94 kg weight class but lost to Almeida in the final of the absolute. In 2014 in an effort to defeat Marcus Almeida Vieira put on more weight and moved up to the −100 kg weight class, at the 2014 Abu Dhabi World Cup he won his weight class defeating Luiz Panza in the final, but again was defeated by Marcus Almeida in the absolute final.

On December 11, 2020, Vieira returned to grappling competition to headline a Who's Number One event against Kaynan Duarte. Vieira was submitted with a rear-naked choke at 2:28.

Grappling style

Vieira's Jiu-Jitsu style displays a very diverse set of skills, allied with a fast pace guard passing style, great cardio and huge physical prowess, making him the most dominant heavyweight in Jiu-Jitsu's recent years by completely dominating most of his fights. His recurrent matches with Marcus Almeida are among Jiu-Jitsu's most famous rivalries.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Vieira made his professional debut, as a light heavyweight, against Daniyar Zarylbekov at Arzalet Fighting Globe Championship 1 on February 10, 2017. He won the fight by a first-round rear-naked choke submission.

Vieira was scheduled to face Fagner Rakchal at Shooto Brazil 74 on August 27, 2017. He won the fight by a third-round submission.

Absolute Championship Berkut

Vieria made his ACB and middleweight debuts against Alexander Neufang at ACB 82 on March 9, 2018. Vieria won the fight by a first-round technical knockout.

Vieria made his second appearance with the promotion against Jacob Holyman-Tague at ACB 88 on June 16, 2018. He won the fight by a first-round submission.

Vieria was scheduled to face Vitaliy Nemchinov at ACA 96 on June 8, 2019. Vieria won the fight by a first-round submission.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Vieira was signed by UFC in June 2019.

Vieira made his debut at UFC, facing Oskar Piechota, at UFC on ESPN+ 14 on August 10, 2019. He won the fight via an arm-triangle submission in round two.

Vieira faced Saparbek Safarov on March 7, 2020 at UFC 248. He again won the fight via an arm-triangle submission in the first round.

Vieira was scheduled to face Markus Perez on October 11, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 179. However, on September 21, Vieira pulled out due to rib injury that was sustained in training, forcing him to rest and not be able to prepare for the fight.

Vieira was scheduled to face Anthony Hernandez on January 16, 2021 at UFC on ABC 1. However, Hernandez pulled out due to a positive COVID-19 test and they were rescheduled for UFC 258 on February 13, 2021. After a competitive first round Vieira became fatigued and was submitted via guillotine choke in round two. After the loss, Vieira vowed to fix his cardio issues.

Vieira faced Dustin Stoltzfus on July 17, 2021 at UFC on ESPN 26. He won the fight via rear-naked choke submission in round three. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award. Shortly after the fight, Vieira began working with Mano Santana, Lyoto Machida's Karate coach, to improve his striking.

Vieira was scheduled to face Wellington Turman on January 22, 2022 at UFC 270. However after Vieira was forced to withdraw due to medical reasons, the bout was cancelled. It was revealed after his withdrawal that Vieira had to undergo a cerebral angiography to determine if he would be able to continue fighting professionally, and he was cleared to continue.

Vieira faced Chris Curtis on June 25, 2022 at UFC on ESPN 38. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Vieira was scheduled to face Cody Brundage on November 19, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 215. However, Vieira pull out from the event due to undisclosed reason and the bout was scrapped.

Vieira faced Cody Brundage at UFC on ESPN: Song vs. Simón on April 29, 2023. He won the fight via submission in round two. This win earned him his the Performance of the Night bonus award.

Vieira was expected to face Armen Petrosyan at UFC Fight Night 231 on November 4, 2023. However the bout was scrapped after Petrosyan fell ill backstage during the event.T he pair was rebooked for UFC Fight Night 236 on February 10, 2024.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Grappling

  • IBJJF
    • IBJJF World Champion (weight and absolute weight classes) (2014/2013/2012/2011).
    • IBJJF Pans Champion (weight and absolute weight classes) Champion (2011)
    • IBJJF European Open Champion (weight and absolute weight classes) (2012)
    • IBJJF World Championship Runner-up (absolute weight class) (2014/2013/2012)
  • ADCC
    • ADCC Champion (2015)
    • Copa Pódio
    • Copa Pódio Champion (2014/2013)
    • IBJJF Europea
    • IBJJF European Open Champion (weight and absolute weight classes)(2012)
    • UAEJJF Abu Dhabi
    • UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion (absolute weight class)(2014)
    • UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion (weight and absolute weight classes)(2012/2011)
    • CBJJ Brazilian
    • CBJJ Brazilian Champion (weight and absolute weight classes)(2008 purple belt)
    • CBJJ Brazilian Champion (weight and absolute weight classes) ( 2007 blue belt)

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
11 matches 9 wins 2 losses
By knockout 1 0
By submission 8 1
By decision 0 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 9–2 Cody Brundage Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC on ESPN: Song vs. Simón April 29, 2023 2 1:28 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 8–2 Chris Curtis Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot June 25, 2022 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 8–1 Dustin Stoltzfus Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC on ESPN: Makhachev vs. Moisés July 17, 2021 3 1:54 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 7–1 Anthony Hernandez Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 258 February 13, 2021 2 1:53 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 7–0 Saparbek Safarov Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC 248 March 7, 2020 1 2:58 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 6–0 Oskar Piechota Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC Fight Night: Shevchenko vs. Carmouche 2 August 10, 2019 2 4:26 Montevideo, Uruguay
Win 5–0 Vitaliy Nemchinov Submission (rear-naked choke) ACA 96 June 8, 2019 1 2:01 Łódź, Poland
Win 4–0 Jacob Holyman-Tague Submission (rear-naked choke) ACB 88 June 16, 2018 1 3:51 Brisbane, Australia
Win 3–0 Alexander Neufang TKO (punches) ACB 82 March 9, 2018 1 3:42 São Paulo, Brazil Middleweight debut.
Win 2–0 Fagner Rakchal Submission (arm-triangle choke) Shooto Brazil 74 August 27, 2017 3 4:47 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 1–0 Daniyar Zarylbekov Submission (rear-naked choke) Arzalet Fighting Globe Championship 1 February 10, 2017 1 2:27 São Paulo, Brazil Light Heavyweight debut.

Grappling record

Professional record breakdown
110 matches 100 wins 9 losses
By submission 68 1
By decision 31 8
By disqualification 1 0
Draws 1
Result Opponent Method Event Division Type Year
Win Mahamed Aly Points Black Belt CBD −100 kg Gi 2018
Win Kit Dale Submission Black Belt CBD −100 kg Gi 2018
Loss João Gabriel Rocha opened the fight ADCC World Championship Absolute Nogi 2015
Win Rafael Lovato Jr. Points (5–0) ADCC World Championship Absolute Nogi 2015
Win Benson Henderson Submission (kimura) ADCC World Championship Absolute Nogi 2015
Win Felipe Pena Referee Decision ADCC World Championship −99 kg Nogi 2015
Win Xande Ribeiro Points ADCC World Championship −99 kg Nogi 2015
Win Cassio Silva Points ADCC World Championship −99 kg Nogi 2015
Win Adam Sachnoff Submission (armbar) ADCC World Championship −99 kg Nogi 2015
Loss Marcus Almeida Points (0–2) World Championship Absolute Gi 2014
Win Bernardo Faria Submission (armbar) World Championship Super Heavyweight Gi 2014
Win Leo Nogueira Submission (arm-triangle choke) World Championship Super Heavyweight Gi 2014
Win James Puepolo Submission (choke) World Championship Super Heavyweight Gi 2014
Win Harlan Berk Submission (choke) World Championship Super Heavyweight Gi 2014
Win Bernardo Faria Submission (wrist lock) World Championship Absolute Gi 2014
Win Alexander Trans Submission (choke) World Championship Absolute Gi 2014
Win Sean Roberts Submission (choke) World Championship Absolute Gi 2014
Win AJ Agazarm Submission (choke) World Championship Absolute Gi 2014
Loss Marcus Almeida Points (0–2) World Cup Absolute Gi 2014
Win André Galvão Submission (ezequiel choke) World Cup Absolute Gi 2014
Win Leandro Lo Submission (bow & arrow choke) World Cup Absolute Gi 2014
Win Luiz Panza Submission (choke) World Cup Absolute Gi 2014
Win Luiz Panza Submission (armbar) World Cup Super Heavyweight Gi 2014
Win Lucio Rodrigues Points (7–0) World Cup Super Heavyweight Gi 2014
Win Antonio Braga Neto Submission (armbar) World Cup Super Heavyweight Gi 2014
Win Luke Costello Submission (bow & arrow choke) World Cup Super Heavyweight Gi 2014
Win Leandro Lo Submission (choke) Copa Podio Absolute Gi 2014
Win Travis Stevens Submission (choke) Copa Podio Absolute Gi 2014
Draw Leandro Lo Draw Copa Podio Absolute Gi 2014
Win Alan Belcher Submission (choke) Copa Podio Absolute Gi 2014
Win Faisal Alkitbe Submission (choke) Copa Podio Absolute Gi 2014
Win Alexandre Souza Submission (armbar) Copa Podio Absolute Gi 2014
Win Braulio Estima Decision Metamoris II Superfight Gi 2013
Loss Marcus Almeida Points (2–6) World Championships Absolute Gi 2013
Win Nivaldo Lima Submission (choke) World Championships Heavyweight Gi 2013
Win Leo Leite Submission (choke) World Championships Heavyweight Gi 2013
Win Yuri Simoes Points (8–0) World Championships Heavyweight Gi 2013
Win James Puopolo Submission (choke) World Championships Heavyweight Gi 2013
Win Leo Leite Submission (armbar) World Championships Absolute Gi 2013
Win João Rocha Submission (armbar) World Championships Absolute Gi 2013
Win Antonio Peinado Submission (armbar) World Championships Absolute Gi 2013
Win Lucas Sachs Submission (armbar) World Championships Absolute Gi 2013
Win Ricardo Abreu Advantages (3–0) Copa Podio Superfight Gi 2013
Win Leo Leite Submission (armbar) Copa Podio Superfight Gi 2013
Loss Marcus Almeida Points (2–7) World Cup Absolute Gi 2013
Win Claudio Calasans Points (9–0) World Cup Absolute Gi 2013
Win Pedro Peres Submission (bow & arrow choke) World Cup Heavyweight Gi 2013
Win Roberto Alencar Points (11–0) World Cup Heavyweight Gi 2013
Win Rodrigo Ribeiro Submission (triangle choke) World Cup Heavyweight Gi 2013
Win Pedro Henrique Submission (ezekiel choke) World Cup Brazilian Trials Heavyweight Gi 2013
Win Leo Nogueira Advantages (3–1) Copa Podio Absolute Gi 2013
Win Alexandre Souza Submission (armbar) Copa Podio Absolute Gi 2013
Win Xande Ribeiro Advantages (6–0) Copa Podio Absolute Gi 2013
Win Keenan Cornelius Points (10–0) Copa Podio Absolute Gi 2013
Win Leo Nogueira Points (9–0) Copa Podio Absolute Gi 2013
Win Alexandre Ceconi Submission (choke) Copa Podio Absolute Gi 2013
Win Kim Terra Submission (armbar) Rockstrike Absolute Gi 2012
Win Gilmar Oliveira Submission (choke) Rockstrike Absolute Gi 2012
Win Tarsis Humphreys Points (16–0) Rockstrike Absolute Gi 2012
Win Luciano Gonçalves Submission (armbar) Rockstrike Absolute Gi 2012
Win Luis Roberto Pereira Submission (armbar) Rockstrike Absolute Gi 2012
Win Enrico Wesley Submission (choke) Brazil. Teams Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Kinter Moura Submission (armbar) Brazil. Teams Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Xande Ribeiro Advantages (4–0) World Championships Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Alexandre Ceconi Submission (choke) World Championships Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Fabiano Souza Submission (armbar) World Championships Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Alan Salgado Submission (cross choke) World Championships Heavyweight Gi 2012
Loss Marcus Almeida Points (7–8) World Championships Absolute Gi 2012
Win James Puopolo Submission (choke) World Championships Absolute Gi 2012
Win Diego Vivaldi Submission (cross choke) World Championships Absolute Gi 2012
Win André Galvão Points (4–2) World Cup Absolute Gi 2012
Win Bernardo Faria Submission (cross choke) World Cup Absolute Gi 2012
Win Marcus Almeida Submission (bow & arrow choke) World Cup Absolute Gi 2012
Win Roberto Alencar Submission (armbar) World Cup Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Marcelo Bernardo Submission (armbar) World Cup Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Cristiano Carioca Submission (choke) World Cup Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Luiz Panza Submission (armbar) World Cup Brazilian Trials Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Luís Felipe Submission (armbar) World Cup Brazilian Trials Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Pedro Borges Submission (armbar) World Cup Brazilian Trials Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Otavio Countinho Disqualification (knee reap) World Cup Brazilian Trials Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Bernardo Faria Points (7–0) European Championship Absolute Gi 2012
Win Roberto Tussa Submission (ezekiel choke) European Championship Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Paulo Tarcisio Submission (choke) European Championship Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Gabriel Kitober Submission (choke) European Championship Heavyweight Gi 2012
Win Lucio Rodrigues Submission (ezekiel choke) European Championship Absolute Gi 2012
Win Victor Estima Submission (triangle choke) European Championship Absolute Gi 2012
Loss Dean Lister Submission (heel hook) ADCC World Championship −99 kg Nogi 2011
Win Antonio Peinado Points (5–0) ADCC World Championship −99 kg Nogi 2011
Win Joseph Lee Baize Submission (armbar) ADCC World Championship −99 kg Nogi 2011
Win Bernardo Faria Points (9–0) World Championship Absolute Gi 2011
Win Bernardo Faria Points (3–0) World Championship Heavyweight Gi 2011
Win Rafael Lovato Jr. Points (20–2) World Championship Heavyweight Gi 2011
Win Gybson Sá Submission (armbar) World Championship Heavyweight Gi 2011
Win Dustin Denes Points (26–0) World Championship Heavyweight Gi 2011
Win Marcus Almeida Submission (armbar) World Championship Absolute Gi 2011
Win Sérgio Moraes Submission (armbar) World Championship Absolute Gi 2011
Win Claudio Calasans Submission (armbar) World Championship Absolute Gi 2011
Win Antionio Braga Neto Submission (choke) World Championship Absolute Gi 2011
Win Matt Jubera Submission (triangle choke) World Championship Absolute Gi 2011
Win Bernardo Faria Points (3–0) Pan Championship Absolute Gi 2011
Win Bernardo Faria Points (8–0) Pan Championship Heavyweight Gi 2011
Win Diego Herzog Submission (armbar) Pan Championship Heavyweight Gi 2011
Win Leo Nogueira Advantages (4–0) Pan Championship Heavyweight Gi 2011
Win Marcus Almeida Submission (Choke) Pan Championship Absolute Gi 2011
Win Antonio Peinado Submission (choke) Pan Championship Absolute Gi 2011
Win Dan Simmler Submission (cross choke) Pan Championship Absolute Gi 2011
Win Rafael Mendes Referee Decision World Cup Absolute Gi 2011
Win Rafael Lovato Jr. Points World Cup Heavyweight Gi 2011
Win Rafael Mendes Referee Decision Nogi World Cup Absolute Nogi 2011
Loss Rafael Lovato Jr. Points Nogi World Cup Heavyweight Nogi 2011
Win Alexandre de Souza Points (14–0) Pan Championship xxx Gi 2010
Win Antonio Peinado Advantages (2–0) World Cup −92 kg Gi 2009
Win Braulio Estima Advantage (1–0) World Cup −92 kg Gi 2009
Loss André Galvão Points (0–8) ADCC 2009 Brazilian Trials −88 kg Nogi 2009
Win Ricardo Seixas Submission (guillotine choke) ADCC 2009 Brazilian Trials −88 kg Nogi 2009

See also