BJJ is not a unified sport. There are several different events with IBJJF dominating the gi scene, where as ADCC takes first place among no gi events. Underrated BJJ athletes still take part in these events, however, their acheivements are often overlooked when compared to their fellow competitors.
For example, Jeff Glover is an extremely well recognized BJJ talent due to his innovative style and charisma. He has won no-gi worlds and got a bronze medal at ADCC. Whilst these accolades are certainly far more than almost anyone reading this will ever achieve, this is not that impressive when compared directly with the 5 names on this list.
While the popularity and recognition of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athletes can vary, there are several talented practitioners who may be considered underrated. Here are a few examples:
- Michelle Nicolini: Michelle Nicolini is a highly accomplished BJJ black belt and multiple-time World Champion. She is known for her technical excellence and has achieved great success in both gi and no-gi competitions. Despite her achievements, she may be underrated compared to some of the more prominent names in the sport.
- Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes: Tanquinho is a highly skilled BJJ black belt and former World Champion. He has consistently performed at a high level, displaying exceptional technique and versatility. Despite his achievements, he may not receive as much recognition as some of his peers.
- Dominyka Obelenyte: Dominyka Obelenyte is a talented BJJ black belt and multiple-time World Champion. She has showcased her skills in both gi and no-gi competitions, demonstrating a dominant and aggressive style of grappling. Despite her accomplishments, she may be underrated in the broader BJJ community.
- Isaque Bahiense: Isaque Bahiense is a skilled BJJ black belt and World Champion known for his dynamic and aggressive style. He has had impressive performances in various competitions, showcasing his talent and technique. However, he may not receive as much attention as some other high-profile BJJ athletes.
- Talita Alencar: Talita Alencar is a successful BJJ black belt and multiple-time World Champion. Known for her speed and precision, she has consistently performed at a high level, yet her achievements may not be as widely recognized as those of some other athletes in the sport.
Here are a few factors that can contribute to an athlete being underrated:
- Lack of Media Attention: Athletes who compete in less mainstream sports in lower-profile events may receive less media coverage. As a result, their achievements and skills may go unnoticed or underappreciated by the wider audience, leading to their underrated status.This is particularly true for womens BJJ events. While they are still prestigious and have decent coverage, the population simply does not care as much when compared to mens events.
- Style of Performance: Sometimes, a BJJ athlete’s style may not align with popular expectations or preferences. If their style is less flashy or doesn’t conform to traditional norms, they may not receive the recognition they deserve, despite their consistent success or exceptional skills. This is particularly true for gi BJJ specialists who perform boring points based wins with 50/50 guard. People do not appreciate this style of jiu-jitsu and are quickly bored by it.
- Competition within the Sport: In highly competitive sports, some athletes may be overshadowed by other dominant figures or teams. This can result in their achievements being overlooked or downplayed, even if they consistently perform at a high level or have notable accomplishments. One exmple of this would be Victor Estima, who may well have won a lot of medals had he been born in a different era or in a slightly different weight class. Instead he was always beaten to the punch by Lucas Leite and Leandro Lo.
- Lack of Marketing or Promotion: Athletes who don’t receive adequate marketing or promotional support may struggle to gain visibility outside of their immediate sporting circles. This can limit their exposure and prevent them from receiving the recognition they deserve, leading to their underrated status.
- Subjective Evaluation of Skill: The evaluation of an athlete’s skill and talent can be subjective, influenced by personal biases or preferences. This subjectivity can lead to certain athletes being undervalued or not receiving the recognition they deserve, despite their technical abilities or accomplishments.
Overall, it is a variety of reasons why a BJJ practitioner becomes underrated. There isn’t a gold standard or measurement we can use for the sport, so it can sometimes be difficult to compare one person to another. This is especially true when looking at athletes from different eras, in different weight classes.
