Kennedy Maciel - Top-Notch BJJ Competitor

Kennedy Maciel is a famous Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) black belt. He is supremely recognized as the top-notch BJJ competitor in his generation and is considered an inspiration for them. He also competes in the featherweight division. Kennedy is the son of legendary grappler Rubens Charles, who is also known as Cobrinha. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Rubens Charles is a significant historical figure. His father is a two-time ADCC champion and is considered the GOAT of the featherweight division. Just like his father, he is also named Cobrinha Junior in the sports world. In 2020, Kennedy won the title of IBJJf Pan No-Gi champion. Then in 2019, he became an ADCC silver medalist.

He has earned the titles of BJJ’s most prestigious leagues including the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and the United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF). In both leagues, Kennedy marked history with his splendid performances. During his colored belt campaigns, Kennedy initiated waves of development that left the people in awe. This was the main era that elevated his popularity in BJJ. In 2016, he achieved the prestigious title of IBJJF World Champion as a purple belt. His continued efforts earned him another victory in the 2018 IBJJF World Championship, where he won a gold medal as a brown belt.

In 2007, Kennedy started his full-time training in jiu-jitsu when he moved to the US. Then in 2012, his basic foundation was built in jiu-jitsu when he joined his father in California.

He wanted to become a black belt world champion, so he was completely devoted to achieving his martial arts goals. He worked hard and got effective training that assisted him in getting a series of achievements.

His father, Rubens Charles, promoted him to black belt in June 2018. Kennedy was also awarded a brown belt in the UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Championship and victory as UAEJJF pro champion. He got his initial training from his father, who trained multiple athletes and transformed them into world champions.

As Kennedy Maciel possessed numerous exceptional fighting capabilities, various jiu-jitsu practitioners considered him a prodigy. From the start of his journey, he perfectly exhibited true athleticism and sportsmanship. He has been greatly admired for his remarkable drive for success.

Kennedy’s father, Rubens Charles, has always felt proud of his son's extraordinary capabilities. He once said, “Kennedy is very determined, he has a physical preparedness that has been getting more and more developed, and he can have a beautiful journey in BJJ. It will depend on him alone, and we’re here for whatever he may need.”

Kennedy’s father, Rubens Charles Maciel, has been his biggest motivation, as he once said, ‘’ The way he conducts himself, on and off the mats. He is a role model for a lot of people’’.

For Kennedy Maciel, an ideal day should include Jiu-Jitsu practice twice, working out, and teaching a fundamental class.

In the 2018 World NoGi Championships, Kennedy Maciel faced Gilson Nunes and showed an incredible performance. This was also Kennedy’s first year as a black belt competitor. He performed marvelously and defeated Gilson Nunes. In the last 38 seconds, he got caught in a toehold but he successfully resisted and eventually secured his victory. He won the title of lightweight black belt champion in his first year, completely dominating a new lightweight champion with the crown.

At the UFC Fight to Win 169, an incredible fight was recorded between Kennedy Maciel and Josh Cisneros. Undoubtedly, both Kennedy Maciel and Josh Cisneros are among the best black belts in the world. Both fought with intensity, but Kennedy showed unexpected thrilling action to secure victory against Josh Cisneros. He used a rear-naked choke to win the title.

In the 2022 Atlanta Winter Open, Kennedy Maciel faced Yuta Shimada. Yuta Shimada tried hard and made intense efforts to win, but Kennedy Maciel got the victory by scoring 6 points.

Ismael Santos v Kennedy Maciel / World Championship 2022

Kennedy Maciel v Diego Sodre / Brasileiro 2022

Highlight: The Best Moments From Kennedy Maciel vs Josh Cisneros Fight to Win 169

Kennedy Maciel vs Geo Martinez

Photo Credit: @kennedy_jiujitsu