As Rafaela Guedes steps back onto the Tezos WNO stage this weekend, she no longer does so as a rising star but as an established name in the world of professional jiu-jitsu.

In her three years at black belt, Guedes has been a force to be reckoned with in the women’s heavyweight divisions. One of Atos’ brightest stars, Guedes has made her mark on the competition scene with wins over some of the most decorated and well-reputed names in the sport in the heavier weight classes: Kendall Reusing, Maggie Grindatti, Elisabeth Clay, and Amanda Leve, to name a few from her last appearance on Tezos WNO, where she secured the heavyweight championship title. 

Her reputation as one of the most dangerous no gi grapplers has only improved since her last appearance on WNO in September 2021. In the last two years, Guedes collected her first No Gi World title (2021) and made her ADCC Championship debut with a silver medal finish (2022).

Despite last being seen on the mats at ADCC, Rafaela has stayed busy behind the scenes and ahead of her WNO title defense next week. Read what she has to say to FloGrappling on what she’s been up to, how she’s feeling about her upcoming matchup against Nathiely de Jesus, and how she’s been preparing for her return to the Tezos Who’s Number One stage.

FloGrappling: The last time we saw you in the spotlight of a major competition was at ADCC last year—and we have missed you! What have you been up to in the last year in your training and in your life?

Rafaela Guedes: I’ve also missed competing! Competing makes me feel good, makes me feel alive. I was born for it. After ADCC, I took some time off for a few months. I needed the time to think and start a new plan for myself. This year, I started focusing more on boxing, and I’ve been boxing every day since the beginning of the year. I’ve been dedicating my energy towards that plan. I think next year I’ll be ready to fight in the ring, but before that, I want to compete in ADCC and challenge people that I have yet to have the opportunity to fight in jiu-jitsu. I’m still in this game!

FloGrappling: The last time we saw you on the Who’s Number One stage was in 2021. How does it feel to be back on WNO and to be defending your heavyweight title?

Rafaela Guedes:I’m very excited to return to this stage. For me, it is the best ruleset that exists: no points, submission only. I always leave everything I have on the mat, and I can’t wait to return and put in practice everything that I’ve been working on in the last few months with my team. 

FloGrappling: Have you and Nathiely trained or competed against each other before?

Rafaela Guedes: We’ve never fought, but we did train a few times together when I moved to São Paulo (before moving to the United States). Nathiely used to train at Cicero Costha, and I had stayed there for a few months. Afterwards, we trained in Brea. I was a purple belt back then, I remember she had invited me to become part of the team at Unity, but I had already decided to head to Atos. 

FloGrappling: How are you approaching your preparation for this match?

Rafaela Guedes: My preparation has been very good. I’ve been training from Monday to Saturday, twice and three times a day. Three times a week, I usually do strength training. Twice a week, I go to FisioPro for physiotherapy–it’s also where I do my cardio workouts. I train jiu-jitsu four times a week, Monday through Friday, except for Wednesday, when we have our “day off.” But basically, that’s my training camp and preparation. Nothing outside the normal for me.

FloGrappling: What are you most looking forward to about this match?

Rafaela Guedes: When I fight, I always try to give my best for the crowd. My goal in this match is to fight assertively, always looking for the submission. This rule set is perfect for my game. I can hardly wait to fight next week.