Roberto Abreu, known throughout the grappling world as “Cyborg,” is a Brazilian black belt and one of the most accomplished heavyweight competitors in Jiu-Jitsu history. He is a seven-time World No-Gi Champion, best known for pioneering the “tornado guard” — an inverted guard system that elevates and sweeps opponents from underneath.
Abreu grew up in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and was introduced to the sport as a teenager after a smaller training partner submitted him repeatedly during a casual match, sparking his obsession with the art. After only a few weeks of training, he entered and won his first competition — the beginning of a career that has now spanned more than two decades.
In 2000, as a blue belt, Abreu survived a serious car accident that shattered his left arm and required hundreds of stitches; doctors doubted he’d regain full use of the limb. Just four months later, he competed at the Brazilian Nationals and took 2nd place, a result that earned him his enduring nickname.
Abreu earned his black belt from Francisco Albuquerque on December 20, 2004 — his 24th birthday — after five years of training. His notable titles include the 2013 ADCC Absolute Championship, multiple IBJJF World No-Gi titles (2010, 2011, 2012), IBJJF Pan American titles, and an IBJJF European Open Championship. In December 2023, he was promoted to 5th-degree black belt, marking 19 years at the rank.
Now based in Miami, Abreu runs his own academy, Fight Sports, where he has mentored a number of high-level competitors, and continues to compete at an elite level well into his 40s.