Mahamed Aly

Mahamed Aly was born on January 11, 1994, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and spent his formative years in Duque de Caxias. His upbringing was shaped by significant adversity; at age nine, his father's murder forced the family to relocate. During his teenage years, Aly developed a keen interest in mixed martial arts, which led him to begin kickboxing training at fifteen. This early immersion in striking arts established a solid base for his eventual transition to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, blending athleticism with a combat mindset from the outset.

Aly's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey began under the mentorship of Everaldo Penco, before he advanced his training with renowned athletes such as Antônio 'Minotouro' Nogueira and Rodrigo 'Minotauro' Nogueira. After earning his blue belt, he joined Team Nogueira to further pursue his MMA ambitions. In 2012, Aly captured a jiu-jitsu tournament victory that earned him his purple belt—a pivotal milestone that marked his emergence as a serious competitor.

A turning point in Aly's career came when he met Lloyd Irvin during a competition tour. Joining Irvin's team, Aly clinched the IBJJF World title at purple belt in 2014, showcasing his technical prowess and competitive drive. He was promoted to brown belt soon after, and in September 2015, received his black belt from Lloyd Irvin. Throughout his colored belt years, Aly distinguished himself with major victories at the 2014 IBJJF World Championship and 2015 IBJJF World Championship, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier competitor on the international stage.

Aly expanded his competitive focus beyond the gi, entering the professional mixed martial arts arena as a light heavyweight. By late 2024, he had compiled a 4–0 professional MMA record, highlighted by a notable win at Shogun Fights 29. In September 2025, Aly debuted on Dana White’s Contender Series against Iwo Baraniewski. On September 16, 2025, he experienced his first professional loss via knockout and did not secure a UFC contract. Undeterred, Aly maintained his presence in the grappling world, entering the over 80kg division of the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational and signaling his continued commitment to elite-level grappling alongside his MMA pursuits.

Aly’s evolution from elite competitor to mentor culminated in the founding of One Way Martial Arts in Alexandria, Virginia. This transition marked his move from Team Lloyd Irvin to establishing and leading his own academy. At One Way Martial Arts, Aly assembled a multidisciplinary coaching staff, offering instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and striking. His coaching philosophy emphasizes developing well-rounded fighters and fostering a comprehensive training environment that prepares students for both grappling and MMA competition. Aly’s approach prioritizes technical mastery, athletic development, and the cultivation of mental resilience.

Aly is recognized for his explosive, athletic style, characterized by dynamic takedowns and relentless top pressure. Years of high-level BJJ competition have honed his ability to impose his game, while his transition to MMA has further refined his tactical approach. Aly credits a disciplined lifestyle and structured training regimen as key contributors to his performance, openly discussing his experiences with performance-enhancing drugs and his dedication to long-term health. His style blends technical precision with physical intensity, making him effective in both gi and no-gi formats as well as in the MMA cage.

While Aly has reduced his participation in traditional gi competitions to focus on MMA and coaching, he remains active in the grappling community through super-fights, seminars, and special events. He maintains a strong presence on social media and YouTube, sharing motivational content, technical breakdowns, and insights from his dual journey as a world-class grappler and MMA fighter. Through his teaching, digital content, and ongoing engagement, Aly continues to inspire and educate both the BJJ and MMA communities, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of martial artists.