Fernanda Mazzelli - 4th Degree BJJ Black Belt

Fernanda Mazzelli is a 4th-degree BJJ Black Belt under coach Thiago de Oliveira. She is one of the female division's top medium-heavy and heavyweight champions. She is a Brazilian grappler and a politician. She is 3 times World Champion and 6 times Brazilian Nationals Champion.

Fernanda Mazzelli was born on 27 September 1988 in Guarapari. Guarapari is a coastal town in the state of Espirito Santo in Brazil.

Fernanda was an active child. She had a high motivation for sports from a very young age. She practiced ballet, swimming, and volleyball during her early school life.

When Fernanda was 11 years old, she started practicing BJJ. She developed an interest in BJJ by watching her sister and cousin who used to grapple.

Fernanda Mazzelli’s first instructor was Flavio Dente Ferreira. He enlightened Fernanda about gentle art. She received her early BJJ training in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

After some time, Dente left the academy in the hands of his accomplished student, Thiago de Oliveira. Thiago de Oliveira then became Fernanda’s BJJ instructor.

Thiago de Oliveira also became a family member to Fernanda when he married her sister.

Fernanda had a life that was always connected to sports. So in 2012, she enrolled at Vila Velha’s University for a degree in physical education. She ended up earning second place in the 2012 session.

Fernanda Mazzelli’s grandfather, Mr. Oswaldo Epaminondas de Almeida, was Guarapari’s first Mayor. After becoming one of the top grapplers in BJJ, Fernanda followed in the footsteps of her grandfather and entered politics. She was one of the top representatives of Brazil’s Social Democratic Party (PSD). She then became the councilwoman for the party in Guarapari’s Town Hall.

Fernanda Mazzelli’s civic duties increased with the responsibilities of  councilwoman but still, she somehow managed to train almost regularly, continuing her duties and passion simultaneously.

She earned 3rd place in IBJJF Brazilian Nationals in 2007 as a Brown Belt.

She conquered the CBJJ Brazilian Nationals title 4 times, 2 times as a Blue Belt in 2003-04, 1 time as a Purple Belt in 2005, and 1 time as a Brown Belt in 2008.

Thiago de Oliveira promoted Fernanda to all of his belts. She received her Black Belt from Thiago de Oliveira at the podium of the Brazilian Nationals on 10th May 2008. It was after her historic win in both weight and absolute weight division at the Brazilian Nationals.

She won 2nd place at the IBJJF European Open in 2012 as a Black Belt.

She is 3 times IBJJF World Champion as a Black Belt in 2012, 2015, and 2016.

Natalie Zumba is an accomplished BJJ grappler. Her fight with Fernanda was an incredible one. Fernanda maintained the dominant position throughout the match. The takedown by Fernanda was a swift and fierce attempt. Natalie tried to get out of Fernanda’s hold but failed. Fernanda submitted Natalie by the Arm Triangle Choke in only 5 minutes and 29 seconds.

Monique Venancio is a heavyweight champion. During the fight, she dominated Fernanda on many occasions. But she could not avert the submission attack of  Fernanda. Fernanda Mazzelli submitted Monique Vennacio via the Arm Triangle Choke in only 3 minutes and 17 seconds. After beating Monique Venancio, Fernanda Mazzelli crowned her performance by defeating Thaynara Dias in the open weight category.

Chloe McNally is a BJJ Black Belt under Murilo Santana. Her fight with Fernanda was an intense one. Chole tried to remain in the dominant position but Fernnada being an accomplished grappler put her down every time. Chole’s grips were strong and that is why she tried to apply the cross-collar choke but Fernanda did not let her complete any choke or submission attempts. Fernanda did not let her grab the collar and pinned Chloe to the ground and won the fight by points.

Fernanda Mazzelli v Thaynara Dias / Brasileiro No-Gi 2022

Fernanda Mazzelli v Karla Hipolito / Rio Winter Open NoGi 2021

Fernanda Mazzelli v Chloé McNally / Jiu-Jitsu Con 2021

Fernanda Mazzelli v Thaís Teixeira / Salvador Fall Open No-Gi 2022

Photo credit: @mazzellijj