Samuel Nagai

Biography

Samuel Nagai is a Brazilian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Keiser Girao and one of the sport’s premier competitors in the lightweight and featherweight divisions. He and his older brother, Jackson Nagai, are two of the most accomplished athletes representing the Checkmat affiliation, currently training out of the team’s Texas headquarters.

While Samuel Nagai’s career includes major accomplishments in the gi— most notably winning the 2023 IBJJF World Championship—he has increasingly prioritized no-gi competition, where his aggressive, athletic style excels. He is a prominent figure on the professional submission grappling circuit, consistently placing at the highest level in international events. He further expanded his competitive reach by signing to compete in UFC BJJ events, joining a select roster of athletes representing the organization’s grappling division.

His game is extremely well rounded: he blends relentless forward pressure and blitz passing with excellent guard retention and dangerous attacks from the bottom. His triangle setups and armbar transitions are among his most frequent scoring threats, complemented by strong finishing ability from the back with the rear naked.

Personal

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

Rankings