Ricardo Evangelista

Record: 85-60-1 (W-L-D)

Nick Name: Jegue

Born: March 6, 1986 (age 40)

Black Belt Under: Julio Cesar Pereira

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda › Luiz França › Oswaldo Fadda › Monir Salomão › Julio Cesar Pereira › Ricardo Evangelista View in the tree →

Weight Class: Ultra-Heavyweight (Over 100kg/221lbs)

Team: Grappling Fight Team

Did you know?

Evangelista and Marcus Almeida "Buchecha" met 6 times on record, and Evangelista lost all 6. That is the reality of competing at ultra-heavyweight in the same era as Buchecha.
Roberto Abreu is the rare heavyweight name on his ledger he could trade with, splitting 4 recorded meetings 2 wins to 2 losses. One of those wins came on points at the 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Los Angeles.
Of his 85 recorded wins, 28 came by submission, a 33 percent submission rate that sits below the site average of 40 percent. His game leaned on positional control, with 30 wins by points.
When he does finish, the armbar is his most reliable weapon with 5 recorded submission wins, followed by the toe hold at 3. His single busiest year on record was 2019 with 26 matches.
His recorded matches run from 2011 to 2023, and the bulk of it is gi work with 118 gi matches against just 12 in nogi. That tracks with a career built around IBJJF and UAEJJF gi events.

Early Life and Introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Ricardo Evangelista was born on March 6, 1986, in Brazil. Inspired by his older brother, he began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at age 15 under instructors Alexandre Barauna and Bruno Cunha. Under their guidance, Evangelista quickly progressed, earning his blue and purple belts. Recognizing his potential, he transitioned to Universidade Gama Filho, a prestigious academy in Rio de Janeiro that later evolved into Grappling Fight Team. This move significantly accelerated his technical development and competitive trajectory.

Black Belt Promotion and Rise at GFTeam

In October 2007, at age 21, Ricardo Evangelista received his black belt from renowned professors Julio Cesar Pereira and Marcus Bello. Training daily alongside elite athletes at GFTeam headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Evangelista rapidly emerged as a dominant heavyweight competitor. His consistent podium finishes at major international tournaments solidified his reputation as one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's premier heavyweights.

Teaching and Leadership in the UAE

Evangelista relocated to the United Arab Emirates to assume a senior instructor role within Abu Dhabi's national jiu-jitsu program. His expertise significantly contributed to the growth and popularity of grappling throughout the Middle East. Leveraging his extensive competitive experience, Evangelista founded Team Evangelista BJJ, establishing affiliate academies in both the UAE and the United States. In this leadership capacity, he mentors and develops the next generation of heavyweight competitors, further expanding his global influence.

Transition to Mixed Martial Arts

Seeking new competitive challenges, Evangelista transitioned into mixed martial arts, compiling a professional MMA record of 3–1. Adapting his elite grappling skills to the demands of MMA competition, he effectively demonstrated the versatility and applicability of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in professional fights. Evangelista's successful transition highlights his adaptability and technical proficiency across martial arts disciplines.

Veteran Competitor and Continued Dominance

Ricardo Evangelista maintains his competitive edge into his veteran years, capturing consecutive IBJJF World Master titles in 2023 and 2024 at ultra-heavyweight. In 2023, he notably stepped in on short notice to face renowned competitor Rafael Lovato Jr. at the prominent no-gi event Who's Number One, showcasing his enduring competitiveness against elite opposition. In recognition of his extensive career and contributions as both competitor and professor, Evangelista received his fourth-degree black belt. He continues to actively compete and medal internationally, demonstrating his sustained presence in competitions across Brazil, Europe, and the United States.

Advocacy and Influence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Beyond competition, Evangelista is a vocal advocate for improved referee standards and enhanced athlete support within international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu events. He consistently utilizes his platform to address critical issues affecting the sport, influencing positive changes and promoting fairness and professionalism. Evangelista's outspoken stance on these matters has established him as a respected and influential voice within the global BJJ community.