Fabricio Andrey stands out as one of the most exhilarating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu talents on the scene today. This young Brazilian athlete is making waves by joining the elite ranks of ONE Championship, where he’ll face off against some of the world’s best submission grappling stars. With impressive victories at the IBJJF Worlds, Europeans, and Brazilian Nationals, Fabricio consistently offers fans edge-of-the-seat performances with his energetic style. Here, let’s dive into the career of one of grappling’s favorite athletes, Fabricio ‘Hokage’ Andrey.
### Fabricio Andrey’s Journey
Born on March 5, 2000, in the bustling city of Manaus, the heart of Brazil’s Amazonas, Fabricio Andrey quickly emerged from a region famed for producing Jiu-Jitsu and MMA champions. The rich grappling heritage of Amazonas is exemplified by legends like Saulo and Xande Ribeiro and others, and Fabricio follows in their footsteps. From a young age, he soaked up the influence of Capoeira, thanks to his father, who taught him the Brazilian martial art. This early training enriched his physical capabilities, and by 13, he embarked on his Jiu-Jitsu journey under Melqui Galvao in a local social initiative known as Project Nandinho.
As he climbed through the ranks, Fabricio’s focus sharpened on a professional athletic career. Starting as a green belt and progressing to blue belt, he ventured into the international scene at the IBJJF World Championship in California. The pursuit of excellence took him to São Paulo, where he sought to enhance his credentials for the U.S. visa he needed. There, at the Dream Art Project, affiliated with Alliance Matriz Academy, Fabricio honed his skills under leading figures like Michale Langhi and Fabio Gurgel. It was a return to his roots in Manaus, however, that saw his mentor, Melqui Galvao, award him the black belt in August 2020.
### Competitive Track Record
Nicknamed “Hokage” for his pre-fight antics inspired by the anime Naruto, Fabricio Andrey gained fame during his colored belt phase with the Alliance Team. He claimed prestigious titles at tournaments, including the IBJJF World Championship across several belt levels, as well as the Pan, European, and Brazilian Championships. As a black belt, his success story continued with wins at the IBJJF Worlds, European Championships, Brazilian Nationals, and AJP Grand Slam events in Miami and Rio. Fabricio also emerged victoriously in the ADCC South American trials in both 2022 and 2024, cementing his position among grappling elites.
### Highlights from Competitions
Among Fabricio’s significant achievements is the 2021 IBJJF World Championship as a black belt. Notably, he clinched the title with a swift submission victory in the finals, just two minutes into the match—a monumental accomplishment early in his black belt trajectory.
Fabricio’s performances at Polaris 25 were equally memorable. Known for taking on competitors heavier than himself, Fabricio’s agility and skill were on full display. He executed standout victories against renowned athletes like Giancarlo Bodoni, a two-time ADCC World Champion, and Owen Livesey, an accomplished judoka, underscoring his prowess in overcoming weight disparities with tactical gameplay.
### International Showdowns
The Amateur International Grappling Association (AIGA) offers a unique competitive format featuring grapplers from around the globe. Competing with Team Modolfo, alongside other key grapplers like Dante Leon and Giancarlo Bodoni, Fabricio delivered extraordinary performances. In a match against Xu Huaiqing, Fabricio’s deft Americana submission while in a rear triangle position was pivotal in Team Modolfo’s path to becoming 2023 AIGA Champion’s League victors.
### ADCC South American Trials
Considered one of the toughest grappling tournaments globally, the ADCC South American trials spotlight outstanding talents vying for a global stage berth. Fabricio’s remarkable runs in 2022 and 2024 secured his spot at the ADCC World Championships. Each trial saw him executing a repertoire of dynamic submissions, evidence of his evolved and strategic skillset—the culmination of years of dedicated training.
### Looking Ahead
With his sights set on the ONE global grappling arena, Fabricio Andrey continues to court excitement and anticipation within the submission grappling community. The next chapter in his journey promises to expand his influence and reputation among fight enthusiasts worldwide. Whom do you envision as Hokage’s first opponent in his ONE grappling debut? Share your thoughts and let the discussion begin.
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