6x World Champ, Gabrieli Pessanha To Make BJJ Stars Debut In $20k GP
6x World Champ, Gabrieli Pessanha To Make BJJ Stars Debut In $20k GP
Gabi Pessanha is shaping up to be the most dominant female grappler of all time. She'll put that claim to the test in the 8-woman GP at BJJ Stars Gladiators
BJJ Stars is bringing it's first-ever all female grand prix to Brazil on Saturday, Sept. 9.
Eight female black belts will compete for $20,000, including the dominant six-time IBJJF World Champion Gabrieli Pessanha.
It's Pessanha's debut at BJJ Stars, but she will come in as the top seed.
"I am grateful to be able to live what I am living through jiu-jitsu," Pessanha said. "Since I started training jiu-jitsu, I have never seen a female grand prix that paid $20,000. It is historical, and it is happening in Brazil. This is important not only for female jiu-jitsu, but also for the jiu-jitsu community."
Only two athletes have defeated Pessanha in her entire black belt career: Yara Soares and Tayane PorfÃrio. They are both part of the GP.
“I think people want to watch me fight anyone," Pessanha said. "It will be a great match if I face Tayane, not only against her, but against all those women, who are all very tough. I like competing against the best because it motivates me to do better. The moment I saw the card, I thought: 'I need to train even more.'"
Pessanha comes from Cidade de Deus, one of Rio de Janeiro's most notorious favelas, and is one of the leading jiu-jitsu athletes. She is paving the road to become the best female grappler of all time. She has won double gold at every IBJJF major since Worlds in 2021. That's 18 consecutive gold medals, and an undefeated streak dating back to October 2021.
Despite this, Pessanha is on a constant pilgrimage for self improvement.
“My goal as an athlete, as a daughter, as a sister, as a friend, is to always strive to be better every day. That's what motivates and moves me to wake up each morning wanting to be better in all aspects of my life," she said.
Currently, the athlete dominates the super heavyweight division, collecting three world titles in a row. She has also won three consecutive open-class world titles. She attributed her dominance to her constant aim for improvement.
"I hope I won't find another girl as willing as I am. Having willing is what made me win, that's what made me differentiate. I want to be a champion, and I want to improve every day," she said.