Nathiely De Jesus

Record: 64-16-0 (W-L-D)

Full Name: Nathiely de Jesus

Nick Name: Nathy

Born: February 10, 1996 (age 30)

Weight Class: Peso Médio (74kg/163.5lbs)

Favorite Technique: Lasso guard game

Team: Soul Fighters

Did you know?

Nathiely De Jesus has 64 wins against 16 losses across 80 recorded matches, and 26 of those wins came by submission. That works out to a 41 percent submission rate, just above the site average of 40 percent.
The one puzzle on record is Gabrieli Pessanha. De Jesus has faced her 4 times and lost all 4, the only opponent she has met multiple times without a single win.
Against Bianca Basilio she holds a 3 to 2 edge over 5 meetings, one of which was a win at the 2019 IBJJF Pan Championship. It is her most-contested rivalry on record.
Her busiest recorded year was 2019 with 26 matches, the same run that produced wins over Beatriz Mesquita and Luiza Monteiro at the World and European Championships.
She is fundamentally a gi competitor by volume, with 58 of her recorded matches in the gi versus 10 in no-gi. Even so, her wins over Gabi Garcia span both, including the Decision at WNO 6 in 2021.

Early Life and Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu

Born on February 10, 1996, in Itapira, São Paulo, Brazil, Nathiely Karoline de Jesus grew up in Embu das Artes. At age 13, facing weight challenges and frequent bronchitis, she sought medical guidance and was advised to practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to improve her health. Following this recommendation, Nathiely enrolled at a local affiliate of Lótus Clube, training under coach Claudio Felix, marking the beginning of her martial arts journey.

Transition to Cicero Costha's PSLPB Team

In December 2013, Nathiely visited the renowned Projeto Social Lutando Pelo Bem (PSLPB) academy, led by Cícero Costha, encouraged by her boyfriend and fellow competitor, Manuel Ribamar. Experiencing PSLPB's intense, competition-focused environment proved transformative, prompting her to officially join the team. Under Costha's mentorship, Nathiely's competitive skills rapidly advanced, culminating in her promotion to black belt by Costha himself on the podium at the 2016 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship on June 3, 2016.

Signature Lasso Guard Game

Nathiely de Jesus is widely recognized for her sophisticated and highly effective lasso guard techniques. She strategically employs this guard to neutralize larger opponents, maintain positional dominance, and dictate the tempo of matches. Nathiely credits her refined lasso guard as a cornerstone of her consistent success at the highest levels of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition.

Notable Matches and Rivalries

Nathiely made history by becoming the first woman to defeat the legendary Gabi Garcia in both gi and no-gi formats—first at Fight 2 Win in 2019 (gi), and again at Who's Number One 6 in 2021 (no-gi). In Fall 2023, she returned from a competitive hiatus to claim the inaugural WNO Women's Heavyweight Championship, defeating Rafaela Guedes in the final. Nathiely faced Guedes again in the final of the 2024 ADCC World Championships, earning a silver medal in the +65kg division.

Academy Ownership and Coaching Career

In late 2019, Nathiely opened her own academy in Austin, Texas, alongside her husband, Manuel Ribamar. Balancing active competition with dedicated coaching, she emphasizes inspiring and developing the next generation of grapplers. Her academy quickly established itself as a respected training ground, reflecting her commitment to excellence both on and off the mats.

Return to Competition After Motherhood

In December 2021, Nathiely gave birth to her daughter. Demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication, she returned to elite competition within a year, swiftly resuming her winning ways. Her comeback was highlighted by significant victories, including capturing the inaugural WNO Women's Heavyweight Championship in Fall 2023, reinforcing her status as one of the sport's elite competitors.