The 9 Best Heavyweight BJJ Competitors of All Time

Mat generals who blended brute pressure with surgical technique, from classical gi masters to no-gi submission kings. Who reigns at the top of the heavyweight ranks? Which will win?

1

Roger Gracie

Ten-time IBJJF world champion widely regarded as the greatest gi competitor ever.

1000pts

2

Marcus Buchecha Almeida

Record 13-time IBJJF world champion, the most decorated heavyweight in BJJ history.

800pts

3

Bernardo Faria

Five-time world champion celebrated for his over-under pass and deep half guard.

709pts

4

Nicholas Meregali

Multiple-time world champion and one of the most dominant modern gi heavyweights.

600pts

5

Gordon Ryan

The King, widely regarded as the greatest no-gi grappler of all time.

600pts

6

Xande Ribeiro

Six-time world champion famed for his classical, technically flawless game.

491pts

7

Andre Galvao

Multiple-time ADCC champion and influential coach at the Atos academy.

360pts

8

Joao Gabriel Rocha

Decorated heavyweight black belt and frequent rival of the era's top names.

360pts

9

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

Legendary heavyweight famous for submitting much larger MMA opponents off his back.

200pts