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Amaury Bitetti
Amaury Bitetti
Amaury Bitetti
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Amaury Bitetti is a Brazilian mixed martial arts former fighter and promoter holding the rank of 7th degree black and red coral belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). Considered by many as one of the best BJJ competitors of all time,[2][3] Bitetti is a two-time world jiu-jitsu champion in open weight, the first-ever to win the category, and a two-time Brazilian national champion. After competing in Vale Tudo / MMA Bitetti founded the MMA fight organization Bitetti Combate.

Key Information

Brazilian jiu-jitsu career

[edit]

Bitetti trained under the late Carlson Gracie starting at age five at the Carlson Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.[4]

He won the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the Absolute division in 1996 and 1997.[5][6][7]

Bitetti went on to win the Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu Championship in 1998 and 2000 in the -94 kg division, as well as a bronze medal at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in 1999.[4]

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

Desafio

[edit]

Bitetti's first fight was going to be in the Desafio – Jiu Jitsu vs Luta Livre event in 1991, a challenge between Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Luta Livre fighters. He was originally escalated to face Luta Livre expert Marco Ruas, but Ruas ended up cancelling his participation and Bitetti was declared the winner by W.O.[8]

Amaury had his debut in 1995 for the Desafio: International Vale Tudo tournament. Entering the competition representing the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he was pitted at the first round against karate stylist Francisco Nonato, but he defeated him by taking the fight to the mat and raining punches on him.

Bitetti next defeated kickboxer James Adler the same way, and he advanced to the finals, where he faced capoeira fighter Mestre Hulk. The grappler waited after some spinning kicks and tried to shoot, but he was suddenly caught by a right hook from the capoeirista and fell to the ground, where he received fourteen unanswered punches until referee Joao Alberto Barreto stopped the match.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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In 1996, Bitetti debuted in Ultimate Fighting Championship at its event UFC 9, replacing an injured Marco Ruas in his fight against Don Frye. The match would become infamous for the amount of punishment Amaury received, as Frye stopped his early takedowns and started landing punches, knees and elbows on the Brazilian, both standing and on the ground. After a hard series of elbows to the spine and head, the referee stopped the match to declare Frye winner.[9]

Amaury returned to UFC in UFC 26, where he faced Ken Shamrock trainee Alex Andrade. This time Bitetti started aggressively, but Andrade answered and followed with a kick to the face, which gained him a yellow card as he was wearing wrestling shoes and thus he couldn't legally kick. The Brazilian continued landing several combinations through the match, but he ended winning by disqualification instead, as at the second round he was kicked in the head again, which got Andrade out of the match.[10]

After retirement

[edit]

Bitetti was also in Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira's corner when Nogueira submitted Tim Sylvia to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 81.[11] He also holds a win over UFC veteran Dennis Hallman.

He founded his own mixed martial arts organization called Bitetti Combat in 2002.[4] The company hosted its 14th event on 9 March 2013.[12]

Bitetti stated that he wished to compete against Roberto Traven at the 2013 ADCC.[13][14]

Bitetti was awarded his coral belt in May 2020 by master Osvaldo Alves after 31 years as a black belt [15]

Bitetti is currently the Head Instructor at Gym Jitsu Allen in Allen, TX. He is teaching Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and Muay Thai. [16]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

[edit]
  • 2 x IBJJF World Champion (1996 / 1997)
  • 3rd place IBJJF World Championship (1999[17])
  • CBJJ Brazilian Nationals Championship (1998 / 2000)

Mixed martial arts

[edit]
  • Desafio
    • International Vale Tudo Tournament Finalist (1995)

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
7 matches 5 wins 2 losses
By knockout 2 2
By submission 1 0
By decision 1 0
By disqualification 1 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 5–2 Dennis Hallman Decision (split) Shogun 1 15 December 2001 3 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 4–2 Alex Andrade DQ (kicking with shoes) UFC 26 9 June 2000 2 0:43 Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States
Win 3–2 Maurice Travis Submission (rear-naked choke) Vale Tudo O Lutador 19 December 1996 1 3:17 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss 2–2 Don Frye TKO (punches) UFC 9 17 May 1996 1 9:22 Detroit, Michigan, United States
Loss 2–1 Mestre Hulk KO (punches) Desafio: International Vale Tudo 5 January 1995 1 0:23 Brazil Tournament finals
Win 2–0 James Adler TKO (submission to punches) Desafio: International Vale Tudo 5 January 1995 1 1:51 Brazil Tournament semifinals
Win 1–0 Nonato Nonato TKO (submission to punches) Desafio: International Vale Tudo 5 January 1995 1 3:57 Brazil Tournament quarterfinals

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Amaury Bitetti

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Amaury Bitetti (born April 14, 1969) is a Brazilian martial artist, BJJ coach, former professional MMA fighter, and promoter, best known for his pioneering role in the early development of (BJJ) competition and his contributions to the MMA landscape through founding Bitetti Combate. Holding a 7th-degree coral belt in BJJ—awarded in 2020 by Master Osvaldo Alves after over three decades as a black belt—Bitetti is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished competitors in the sport's history, with a professional MMA record of 5-2 from 1995 to 2001, including appearances in the (UFC). Bitetti began training BJJ at age 5 under the legendary at Academia Carlson Gracie in Rio de Janeiro, later refining his skills with Osvaldo Alves, and earned his black belt at just 17 years old. His competitive BJJ career featured dominant performances, including two IBJJF World Championship open-weight titles in 1996 and 1997, two Brazilian National Championships in 1998 and 2000, and a in the open-weight division at the 1999 IBJJF Worlds. As a coach, he mentored elite fighters such as the Nogueira brothers (Antônio Rodrigo and Antônio Rogério), emphasizing a pressure-based style rooted in 's lineage. In MMA, Bitetti competed primarily in and divisions, securing victories via , submission, and decision while showcasing his expertise, though he suffered in high-profile bouts against at in 1996 and another opponent. His UFC tenure included a win by disqualification over at UFC 26 in 2000. Transitioning to promotion after , Bitetti established Bitetti Combate in 2002, an that hosted events in and helped propel the careers of future stars like and Alexandre Pimentel through its focus on Brazilian talent.

Early Life and Background

Childhood in Brazil

Amaury Bitetti was born on April 14, 1969, in Rio de Janeiro, . He grew up in a close-knit family, with his father Amaury Bitetti Sr. (often called Amauryzao), mother Guiomar, and sister Paula, in an environment marked by strong familial support and shared values. Raised in the dynamic urban setting of Rio de Janeiro, Bitetti's early years were shaped by the city's vibrant culture, which emphasized physical vitality and community ties, laying the foundation for his later discipline. The bustling streets and beachfront lifestyle of the city encouraged outdoor activities that honed his physical development from a young age, up to around five years old. Bitetti's father, a dedicated practitioner of , maintained a longstanding childhood friendship with , having trained under him and later becoming a partner at the Carlson Gracie Academy. This familial connection provided Bitetti with indirect early exposure to the and their legacy, influencing his worldview before he formally began training.

Introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Amaury Bitetti began his (BJJ) training at the age of five in the original Academy located in Rio de Janeiro, . This early immersion into the discipline occurred in an environment renowned for producing elite grapplers, where Bitetti's family had established ties through his father's prior training under . Under Carlson Gracie's guidance, Bitetti was shaped by a teaching philosophy that prioritized practical application in real-world scenarios and an aggressive approach to , fostering confidence and forward pressure from the outset. This style emphasized relentless pursuit of dominant positions over passive defense, instilling in young Bitetti the foundational mindset of proactive engagement on the mat. His initial technical development focused on core movements such as guard passing, which became a hallmark of his early proficiency in controlling opponents and transitioning to advantageous positions. Bitetti's rapid progression through the belt ranks reflected his natural aptitude, advancing from to belt during his formative years while building a strong base in fundamental techniques. By age 17, he demonstrated remarkable dominance in junior-level competitions, highlighted by a standout performance in a major tournament where he secured four gold medals across junior and adult divisions, including both and absolute categories. These victories underscored his early emergence as a prodigy within the lineage, setting the stage for his continued ascent in BJJ.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Career

Training Under Carlson Gracie

Bitetti began his formal training at the Carlson Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro at the age of five, immersing himself in an environment renowned for producing elite grapplers through rigorous, competitive drills. He earned his black belt from Carlson Gracie at age 17, a milestone that marked the culmination of his foundational development in the art. He has held this rank for over 30 years, maintaining the Carlson Gracie lineage through consistent adherence to its principles until receiving his coral belt in 2020. The academy's training atmosphere was intensely competitive, fostering a culture of live rolling and sparring that emphasized pressure and dominance, with Bitetti regularly partnering alongside notable figures such as Carlson Gracie Jr., Rey Diogo, Renato Tavares, and . This dynamic setting not only honed his technical skills but also positioned him in coaching roles, where he contributed to the preparation of prominent fighters, including the Nogueira brothers—Antônio Rodrigo and Antônio Rogério—due to a longstanding friendship dating back to the late . These experiences underscored the academy's role as a breeding ground for MMA-ready talent. Carlson Gracie's teaching philosophy, characterized by an aggressive, top-control-oriented approach influenced by no-gi scenarios, profoundly shaped Bitetti's game, particularly his proficiency in guard passing and preference for submissions from dominant positions like armbars and chokes executed under pressure. Bitetti prioritized techniques such as stand-up guard passes and takedowns in his daily regimen, reflecting the lineage's focus on relentless forward movement and finishing ability rather than defensive postures. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, as relocated to the to establish an academy and manage Vitor Belfort's career, many of his Rio-based students, including Bitetti, transitioned their primary training to Osvaldo Alves to ensure continuity in the Carlson lineage. This shift allowed Bitetti to preserve the aggressive Carlson style while benefiting from Alves' expertise, as he later acknowledged both masters for their profound influence on his development.

Major Competitive Achievements

Amaury Bitetti established himself as one of the premier competitors of the through a series of dominant performances in major international and national tournaments. His most notable achievement came in 1996 and 1997, when he became the first black belt to win back-to-back IBJJF World Championships in the absolute division, a feat that underscored his technical prowess and physical conditioning across weight classes. These victories highlighted Bitetti's exceptional guard passing and top control, honed under the rigorous training regimen of , which emphasized aggressive, pressure-based jiu-jitsu. Following his world title successes, Bitetti continued his competitive excellence at the national level, securing Brazilian National Championships in the -94 kg (Meio Pesado) division in both 1998 and 2000. These wins contributed to his broader record of multiple national titles, reflecting sustained dominance in the Meio Pesado and Pesado divisions where he frequently medaled and imposed his style on top opponents. In 1999, despite a challenging field, he earned a in the medium-heavyweight (-94 kg) division at the IBJJF , further cementing his reputation as a versatile and resilient athlete capable of competing at the highest levels.

Notable Rivalries and Matches

One of the defining moments in Amaury Bitetti's career came during the inaugural IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in 1996, where he reached the absolute division final against Fabio Gurgel of the team. Bitetti, representing , demonstrated his renowned guard passing dominance by methodically breaking down Gurgel's defenses in a closely contested match that highlighted the intense inter-team rivalries of the era. His victory in the open-weight category marked him as the first champion, solidifying his reputation as a top grappler. In 1997, Bitetti defended his absolute title at the Worlds, navigating a bracket filled with rivalries stemming from the competitive divide between the camp and emerging teams like and Gracie Humaitá. In the semifinals, he faced , overcoming the lighter opponent via a decisive takedown to advance, a win that underscored the intra-family and team tensions within Brazilian jiu-jitsu's elite circles. The final rematch against was a tactical stalemate, with Bitetti securing the win by a narrow advantage through persistent top pressure and attempted passes, including a notable cartwheel maneuver, in what became known as his "one bullet" strategy of focusing solely on the absolute division. By 1999, Bitetti earned a in the medium-heavyweight division at the IBJJF Worlds. This achievement came amid personal and professional challenges, including recovery from mixed martial arts bouts and the physical toll of high-level competition, where he had to adapt to a field dominated by younger, aggressive Carlson teammates. Despite a semifinal loss, Bitetti's performance in the bronze placement match showcased resilience, passing guards under pressure to secure points. Bitetti's competitive mindset was profoundly shaped by the broader BJJ versus feuds of the 1990s, which spilled over from events into the gi competition scene. Representing jiu-jitsu in early Desafio tournaments instilled a no-holds-barred intensity that carried into his Worlds matches, fueling rivalries against non-Carlson Gracie practitioners and emphasizing technical superiority over stylistic clashes.

Mixed Martial Arts Career

Debut and Desafio Tournament

Amaury Bitetti entered the world of in 1995, transitioning from his dominant background to compete in no-holds-barred rules that emphasized his superior ground control and submission techniques. His professional debut occurred at the Desafio: International tournament on January 1, 1995, in Rio de Janeiro, , a single-night event pitting martial artists from various disciplines against one another. In the tournament's opening rounds, Bitetti demonstrated his grappling prowess by securing two submission victories. He first defeated American fighter James Adler via TKO (submission to punches) at 1:51 of the first round, using ground dominance to force the tap. Advancing to the semifinals, he overcame Brazilian Francisco "Nonato" Nonato with another TKO (submission to punches) at 3:57 of the first round, again leveraging his jiu-jitsu guard passing and positional control to overwhelm his opponent on the mat. Reaching the final, Bitetti faced capoeira expert Sidney "Mestre Hulk" Goncalves Freitas, but the fight ended abruptly when Hulk landed a punch at just 0:23 into the first round, handing Bitetti his debut loss. Despite the defeat, the tournament showcased Bitetti's ability to apply BJJ fundamentals effectively in MMA's chaotic environment, where strikes were permitted and no weight classes enforced. These early bouts contributed to Bitetti's initial MMA record of 2-1, building momentum through submission-based triumphs that highlighted his ground skills before progressing to larger international promotions.

UFC Appearances

Bitetti made his debut at : Motor City Madness on May 17, 1996, in an open-weight main event against . Competing at approximately 185 pounds as a specialist, Bitetti faced a significant size disadvantage against the 215-pound Frye in an era without formal weight classes, which often challenged grapplers transitioning to MMA's striking emphasis. Despite attempting multiple takedowns to leverage his ground expertise, Bitetti absorbed heavy punches while standing and on the mat, resulting in a TKO loss at 9:22 of the first round. Later that year, on December 19, 1996, Bitetti fought at Vale Tudo O Lutador (VTOL) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, defeating American Maurice Travis via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:17 of the first round, bringing his record to 3-2. Bitetti's second and final UFC appearance came at UFC 26: Ultimate Field of Dreams on June 9, 2000, where he competed in the middleweight division (then capped at 200 pounds) against Alex Andrade. Bitetti, again around 185 pounds, pressed forward aggressively early but found himself grounded in the second round, absorbing illegal downward kicks to the head—a violation under the unified rules at the time—which prompted referee John McCarthy to disqualify Andrade at 0:43, securing Bitetti's victory. These bouts highlighted the hurdles for BJJ-dominant fighters like Bitetti in adapting to UFC's evolving ruleset, including stand-up exchanges and weight mismatches in lighter divisions, culminating in an overall UFC record of 1-1.

Final Bouts and Retirement

Bitetti returned to the cage over a year later on December 15, 2001, at Shogun 1 in , , where he defeated by after three rounds in a matchup. Hallman, a seasoned wrestler, pressed the action with takedowns, but Bitetti's defense and counterattacks earned him the narrow victory on the judges' scorecards. This triumph marked his fifth professional win, finalizing his MMA record at 5-2, with his only losses coming to Don Frye via TKO in 1996 and an early Vale Tudo defeat to Mestre Hulk in 1995. Following the Hallman fight, Bitetti retired from professional MMA competition in 2001, citing a loss of interest in the rigors of fighting as he shifted his energies toward instruction and event promotion. In reflecting on his career, Bitetti has noted the transformation of MMA from the no-holds-barred era of his early fights to a more structured, regulated by the early , emphasizing the increased emphasis on rules, safety, and technical diversity that paralleled his own transition away from active competition.

Post-Retirement Contributions

Founding Bitetti Combate

Following his retirement from competition in 2001, Amaury Bitetti founded Bitetti Combate in 2002 as a Brazilian MMA event series dedicated to promoting domestic talent in the sport. The organization quickly established itself as a key platform for emerging and established fighters, hosting a total of 20 events from 2002 to 2014, primarily in venues across Rio de Janeiro and other major Brazilian cities. Bitetti Combate gained prominence by featuring high-profile Brazilian competitors, including and , who showcased their skills in bouts that drew significant attention to the promotion's cards. These events highlighted fighters transitioning from backgrounds into professional MMA, emphasizing the integration of expertise with striking and overall fight dynamics. The promotion's format often centered on grappling-heavy matchups, reflecting Brazil's strong jiu-jitsu heritage and providing a stage for ground-based strategies that influenced regional MMA development. Through this focus, Bitetti Combate left a lasting legacy in Brazilian MMA by nurturing local talent and bridging the gap between traditional BJJ and the evolving demands of cage fighting.

Teaching and Belt Promotions

After retiring from competition, Amaury Bitetti relocated to the and established himself as the head instructor at Gym Jitsu Allen in , where he teaches to students of all ages and skill levels. As of 2025, he continues to teach there, conducting classes and seminars. With over 50 years of experience in the art, Bitetti focuses on building technical proficiency, skills, and in a supportive environment. In May 2020, Bitetti was promoted to 7th degree black belt and red belt by Master Osvaldo Alves, recognizing his 31 years as a black belt and contributions to the sport. This prestigious rank underscores his mastery and influence as an educator. Drawing from his early training under , Bitetti's coaching philosophy instills an aggressive, pressure-oriented approach in his students, emphasizing dominant positions and relentless pursuit of submissions to prepare them for both sport and scenarios. In 2012, Bitetti expressed interest in returning to competition at ADCC 2013 to face Roberto Traven, a former ADCC absolute champion and longtime rival, but the matchup never materialized. Additionally, through his promotion Bitetti Combate, he has provided opportunities for emerging talents to showcase and develop their skills.

Championships and Accomplishments

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Titles

Amaury Bitetti achieved significant success in Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitions, particularly in the black belt division under the (IBJJF) and Confederação Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu (CBJJ). His major titles include:
  • IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship absolute division winner in 1996 and 1997, marking him as the first competitor to win back-to-back open weight titles.
  • CBJJ Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu Championship winner in the -94 kg () division in 1998 and 2000.
  • Bronze medal at the 1999 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the open weight division.
In his youth, Bitetti dominated the junior divisions, earning four gold medals at age 17 in both junior and adult black belt categories, including weight class and open weight events. These accomplishments stem from his training under , beginning at age 5 in Rio de Janeiro.

Achievements

Bitetti reached the final of the Desafio International Tournament in 1995, defeating Nonato Nonato by TKO (submission to punches) and James Adler by TKO (submission to punches) before losing to Sidney Goncalves Freitas by in the championship bout. As a member of the UFC roster from 1996 to 2000, Bitetti posted a 1-1 record, suffering a first-round TKO loss to at before securing a second-round disqualification victory over at UFC 26 due to illegal kicks. Bitetti's overall professional MMA record is 5 wins and 2 losses, with his defeats coming by and TKO, and his victories including two TKOs (both via submission to punches), one submission, one disqualification, and one decision. Among his notable victories was a over UFC veteran in 2001 at Shogun 1, marking his final professional bout.

Mixed Martial Arts Record

ResultRecordOpponentMethod/EventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Win5–2Decision (split) / Shogun 1December 15, 200135:00Rio de Janeiro,
Win4–2DQ (illegal kicks) / UFC 26: Ultimate Field of DreamsJune 9, 200020:43,
Win3–2Maurice TravisSubmission (rear-naked choke) / VTOL: Rio de JaneiroDecember 19, 199613:17Rio de Janeiro,
Loss2–2TKO (punches) / : Motor City MadnessMay 17, 199619:22Detroit, Michigan,
Loss2–1Sidney Goncalves FreitasKO (punches) / Desafio: International January 1, 199510:23
Win2–0James AdlerTKO (submission to punches) / Desafio: International January 1, 199511:51
Win1–0Nonato NonatoTKO (submission to punches) / Desafio: International January 1, 199513:57

References

  1. http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/7a359ef685a304a7
  2. https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/amaury-bitetti-facts-and-bio
  3. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Amaury-Bitetti-135
  4. https://www.graciemag.com/en/2020/05/20/amaury-bitetti-comments-on-his-brand-new-coral-belt/
  5. https://www.bjjfanatics.com/blogs/fighters/amaury-bitetti
  6. https://bjjfanatics.com/blogs/fighters/amaury-bitetti
  7. https://grapplezilla.com/amaury-bitetti/
  8. https://www.graciemag.com/the-training-routine-that-made-amaury-bitetti-absolute-jiu-jitsu-champion/
  9. https://www.facebook.com/x3sports/posts/a-huge-congratulations-to-x3-sports-very-own-amaury-bitetti-who-is-being-honored/10158822533568384/
  10. https://www.elitetrainingcenter.net/carlson-gracie-style-of-jiu-jitsu/
  11. https://sensobjj.com/blogs/graciemag-1/amaury-bitetti-comments-on-his-brand-new-coral-belt
  12. https://www.graciemag.com/mundials-memories-the-gracie-intruder-the-one-bullet-bitetti/
  13. https://ibjjf.com/events/results/1999-world-jiu-jitsu-ibjjf-championship
  14. https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-culture/jiu-jitsu-vs-luta-livre
  15. https://www.sherdog.com/events/Desafio-International-Vale-Tudo-459
  16. https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-26
  17. https://www.sherdog.com/events/Shogun-1-Shogun-1-637
  18. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/amaury-bitetti
  19. https://www.sherdog.com/organizations/Bitetti-Combat-213
  20. https://www.sherdog.com/events/BC-Bitetti-Combat-4-11045
  21. https://www.graciemag.com/bitetti-combat-glover-and-paulao-prevail/
  22. https://bjjallen.com/home-vda/brazilian-jiu-jitsu/
  23. https://bjjallen.com/
  24. https://www.graciemag.com/amaury-bitetti-comments-on-his-brand-new-coral-belt/
  25. https://www.graciemag.com/will-we-be-seeing-amaury-bitetti-vs-roberto-traven-at-adcc-2013/
  26. https://www.flograppling.com/articles/12592596-here-are-the-all-time-open-weight-class-champions-at-ibjjf-worlds
  27. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/709299-1998-brazilian-national-championships-amaury-bitetti-vs-murilo-bust-a-move-bustamante
  28. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/716953-2000-brazilian-national-championship-amaury-bitetti-vs-paulo-ely-filho
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