Gabrieli Pessanha

Biography

Gabrieli Pessanha is a Brazilian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Marcio de Deus and is widely regarded as one of the most dominant female athlete in the history of the sport. Hailing from Rio de Janeiro, Pessanha represents the InFight BJJ academy. After years of unrivaled dominance in the gi—where she secured multiple Double Grand Slams and built a historic winning streak of over 160 matches—she has recently made a strategic and highly successful transition into the no-gi circuit.

Her technical style has transferred seamlessly into no-gi, blending her physical dominance with a refined open-guard system designed to control distance and disrupt opponents’ balance. While her gi game is known for suffocating pressure and lapel-based strategies, her no-gi performances have been fueled by a dangerous submission arsenal, frequently finishing opponents with the straight ankle lock. Her professional momentum was further solidified by her Who’s Number One debut in late 2025—where she defeated top-ranked grappler Paige Ivette—and her victory at IBJJF The Crown, confirming her status as the premier force in women’s grappling regardless of attire.

Personal

* Legend status is reserved for retired athletes with outstanding achievements and a lasting impact on the sport.

Rankings