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Vagner Rocha is a Brazilian-born American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, submission grappler, former UFC fighter, and one of the most accomplished No-Gi competitors of his generation. Known for his relentless pressure, aggressive top game, and submission-focused style, Rocha has earned success across professional grappling, mixed martial arts, ADCC, and Combat Jiu-Jitsu.
Early Life
Vagner Rocha was born on June 6, 1982, in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At a young age, his family relocated to South Florida, United States, where he spent most of his childhood.
Before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Rocha trained in Taekwondo. He began studying BJJ in 2001 under Pablo Popovitch, progressing through every belt rank before earning his black belt in 2007.
Grappling Career
Rocha quickly established himself as one of the top No-Gi competitors in the world. Throughout his career he has competed in many of the sport’s premier events, including:
- ADCC World Championship
- ADCC Trials
- Who’s Number One (WNO)
- Fight 2 Win (F2W)
- UFC Fight Pass Invitational
- Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds
- Kasai Pro
- Polaris
- Quintet
His pressure passing, heavy top control, and kimura-based attacking system have made him one of the most recognizable competitors in professional grappling.
ADCC Success
Rocha has been a regular competitor at the ADCC World Championship, widely regarded as the most prestigious No-Gi grappling tournament in the world.
His ADCC achievements include:
- Multiple ADCC World Championship appearances
- Bronze medalist at the 2022 ADCC World Championship (88 kg)
- Multiple ADCC Trials champion
These performances have cemented his reputation as one of the elite submission grapplers of his era.
Combat Jiu-Jitsu
Rocha has also enjoyed success in Combat Jiu-Jitsu (CJJ), Eddie Bravo’s hybrid ruleset that combines submission grappling with open-handed strikes on the ground.
In 2017, he won the Combat Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in the lightweight division, adding another major professional title to his résumé.
MMA Career
Alongside his grappling career, Rocha competed professionally in mixed martial arts between 2009 and 2017.
He fought in several major organizations, including the UFC, where he competed against notable opponents such as Donald Cerrone, Cody McKenzie, and Jake Matthews. His MMA career finished with a professional record of 14 wins and 4 losses, with the majority of his victories coming by submission.
Coaching
Rocha is the founder and head instructor of Vagner Rocha Martial Arts (VRMA) in Pembroke Pines, Florida. His academy has produced numerous successful competitors in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling, and he is widely respected as both a coach and competitor.
His son, Achilles Rocha, has also emerged as a successful professional grappler, continuing the family’s involvement at the highest levels of the sport.