How did you get started in jiu-jitsu?

It all started with my brother training. The other kids would respect him because he was a good competitor as a kid, so I told myself that I would do jiu-jitsu and get good as well to earn respect from the other kids in my community. Once I started training, I fell in love with jiu-jitsu. I really enjoyed my time at Ype Jiu-Jitsu. Professor Claudio supervised the classes led by Professor Kikito and Coach Mikael, and they played a huge part in my jiu-jitsu journey until I moved to Texas. Sensei Bruno would visit us every year, and I always tried to impress him during his classes. I believe my results helped me get the opportunity to live with him and his family.

What was your motivation to start competing and to then pursue a career as an athlete?

When I came to Texas to train with Sensei Bruno Bastos, I decided that I wanted to pursue a professional career in jiu-jitsu. Bruno and Petya showed me a different side of jiu-jitsu: the school, Bastos Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and the association, Lead BJJ. I learned about teaching, the methodology, private lessons, seminars, superfights—the business side of things. I’ve learned a lot since I moved here, both on and off the mats. I still have so much to learn, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity that Sensei Bruno and his wife Petya have given me. Now, I’m a professional in jiu-jitsu.

You had a historic rise from blue belt to black belt, going from winning World in 2023 as a blue belt to being promoted to black belt at Worlds 2024. Can you describe that process and your emotions when you received your black belt?

I couldn’t do the Brasileiro last year because I came here to prepare for the World Championship. I was a World Champion as a Blue Belt and was promoted to Purple Belt on the podium. As a Purple Belt last year, I won the Jiu-Jitsu Con in both Gi and No-Gi, No-Gi Pans, and No-Gi Worlds. Then, a few days later, Professor Bruno promoted me to Brown Belt just before my 18th birthday. As a Brown Belt this year, I won Pans first, and then I won the World Championship, where I was promoted to Black Belt. The Black Belt promotion was pure joy. It was one of my childhood dreams, and it was happening right in front of my eyes. I felt so many emotions and thoughts at the same time, and I couldn’t help but cry.

Your first IBJJF black belt tournament was Jiu-Jitsu CON, where you won gold after submitting 2 out of your 3 opponents. What was it like stepping on the mat to compete as a black belt and how satisfied were you with the debut?

Jiu-Jitsu Con was my first tournament as a black belt, my black belt debut, and I’ll always remember that day for the rest of my life. I was very calm every time I stepped on the mats. I truly felt ready to do my duty: to show the crowd the jiu-jitsu that I know I have. I felt accomplished, not just because of the gold medal, but because it validated my black belt promotion. Bruno had told me I would be at The Crown, so I felt it was important to show that I belong among the best with a strong performance.

Can you describe your style when you compete? What type of gameplan do you plan to bring to The Crown?

I believe I have a very aggressive and dynamic style, whether I’m playing guard, passing, or using takedowns, always looking to finish my opponents. One thing I’ve improved a lot since I came to Texas is my ability to combine positions that lead to submissions. For The Crown, I won’t change anything—my goal is to always look for submissions or positions that help me finish the fights.

The Crown will be your biggest challenge to date. Can you talk about the athletes in the division and how you think your game matches up with theirs? 

In my opinion, all of the competitors have different styles, but they’re all submission-oriented. It’s going to be very interesting to see how the bracket is set up. I believe my style matches well with all of them, and even though I’m a featherweight, I don’t think that will make any difference. Having Emily Ferreira, one of the top lightweights, as a training partner is a big plus for me because she cuts to lightweight, so I’m used to the strength. Also, I’ve always performed well in the absolute division at the colored belts. I’m sure everyone will bring their best, and it’s going to be great for the public to witness an incredible jiu-jitsu show.

Is there any matchup in particular at the Crown that you’re most looking forward to?

I’m only 18 and just arrived in the black belt division, and Luiza Monteiro announced her retirement but returned to defend her title at The Crown. If I get the opportunity to face her at The Crown, especially inside the Pyramid, it would be a great honor. She has had an amazing career, and I would love the chance to fight her. I’m sure we could deliver a great show for the crowd.

Is there anything else you want to say?

Yes, I’d like to thank Bruno and Petya Bastos. They took me in as their own, and I know that not every teenager gets this kind of opportunity in life. I also want to thank my staff: Jarret Jones (Strength & Conditioning), Bianca Bastos (Physiotherapy), Chloè Newton (Yoga), and Lauren Marques (Nutritionist). I want to thank my sponsors, Kingz Kimonos and Red Belt Nutrition. Finally, I’d like to thank my mom and everyone at Ype jiu-jitsu in Rio de Janeiro. I don’t fight just for myself. Thank you, IBJJF.

The Crown takes place on Sunday, November 17th at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California. Head over to crownibjjf.com to purchase your tickets. If you can't make it out to the event, be sure to watch it in its entirety on FloGrappling. The Crown is sponsored by Kingz Kimonos.