Diego Ramalho was born on March 23, 1993, in Brazil. His martial arts journey began at age 10, training judo at Associação Falcon de Judô under coach Adiael Amorim "Deda." Initially motivated by losses in street altercations against peers who trained martial arts, Ramalho quickly developed his skills, eventually achieving the rank of purple belt in judo. Inspired by his brother's growing interest in grappling, Diego soon expanded his training to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Diego Ramalho joined the prestigious academy led by Zé Radiola in Pernambuco, Brazil. Under Radiola's expert guidance, Ramalho rapidly evolved into a formidable competitor, capturing numerous state, inter-state, and national titles. At age 17, Diego committed to pursuing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu professionally, a decision enthusiastically supported by his family. His father even became deeply involved in the sport, launching the gi brand "Senor."

As a brown belt, Ramalho distinguished himself internationally, earning recognition as one of the sport's rising talents. His consistent podium performances culminated in his promotion to black belt by Zé Radiola on December 13, 2015. Following his promotion, Diego continued to excel in both gi and no-gi competitions, securing prestigious titles such as the 2016 CBJJ Brazilian Nationals No-Gi and multiple UAEJJF Grand Slam events.

Diego Ramalho relocated to the United States to serve as head coach of ZR Team North Carolina. Drawing from extensive coaching experience gained in Los Angeles and Brazil, Ramalho significantly contributed to the growth and prominence of ZR Team on the U.S. East Coast. His tactical approach and leadership established the academy as a respected training hub for competitive athletes.

Ramalho effectively adapted his technical style to no-gi competition, achieving remarkable success. In 2021, he earned the IBJJF's number one ranking among male no-gi black belt competitors (pound-for-pound). This accolade reflected his consistent podium finishes at major tournaments, including third-place performances at the 2021 IBJJF World Championship No-Gi and the 2021 IBJJF Pan Championship No-Gi.

Diego Ramalho relocated to the United Arab Emirates to compete on the AJP Masters circuit, representing the Commando Group Team. He captured gold at the 2024 AJP Dubai International in the Masters 94kg division. Additionally, Ramalho secured victory in the Master 1 black belt super-heavyweight division at the 2024 IBJJF Pan Championship, further solidifying his competitive legacy. Alongside his competitive endeavors, Diego continues coaching within the UAE's jiu-jitsu program, actively contributing to the technical development of local athletes.

Known for his resilience and optimistic mindset, Diego Ramalho openly embraces challenges and setbacks. Following a setback at a Super Fight event, Ramalho publicly reaffirmed his mission "to make my opponent tap," vowing to return stronger. This determined, improvement-focused philosophy has become a hallmark of his competitive approach, inspiring teammates and students alike.