Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a battlefield where only the most determined warriors rise to the top. Vinicius Lessa is one of those warriors. A dedicated student of BJJ legend Claudio Calasans, Lessa has been forging his path among the elite, proving himself as one of the toughest competitors in the No-Gi scene.
Fresh off a bronze medal performance at IBJJF No-Gi Worlds, Lessa took his talents to ADCC Kuwait, where he displayed absolute dominance in the -100kg division, claiming gold after a series of grueling battles. With his unbreakable mindset and world-class technique, he’s sending a clear message—he’s just getting started.
ADCC Kuwait: Lessa’s Road to Gold
Competing in a high-stakes -100kg bracket, Lessa had four intense matches, securing three wins and only losing a razor-close referee decision in the absolute semifinal. Despite the setback, he showcased his championship mentality by coming back strong and claiming the gold in his division.
The War on the Mats
It was far from an easy path. Lessa faced a Dagestani powerhouse in the absolute division, pushing through one of the toughest battles of his career. But that was just the beginning. With barely any time to recover, he had to step into the final against a well-rested local athlete, making the fight not just a test of skill, but a war of mental and physical endurance.
🔥 “The toughest matches are always the best ones,” Lessa reflected. “No matter the exhaustion, I was there to win, and I wasn’t going to break.”
Unseen Challenges Behind the Victory
Champions don’t just battle on the mats; they fight struggles long before they step into the arena. Lessa’s journey to Kuwait was filled with unforeseen obstacles—visa issues turned his travel into an exhausting and expensive ordeal, and upon arrival, he had to immediately begin cutting weight.
But pressure creates diamonds. Lessa pushed through every adversity, proving that no challenge could keep him from gold.
From Humble Beginnings to the Top of the Jiu-Jitsu World
Lessa’s story is a testament to hard work and resilience. He began training Jiu-Jitsu 11 years ago through a social project in his hometown of Maceió, Brazil, showing that passion and determination can open doors to greatness.
Over the years, he’s built an impressive competitive résumé, taking on the best in the world and collecting titles at every level.
🏆 IBJJF No-Gi Worlds Bronze Medalist🏆 IBJJF South American No-Gi Absolute Champion🏆 ADCC Open Balneário Champion🏆 IBJJF São Paulo Open Champion🏆 ADCC Kuwait Champion🏆 Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion (Brown Belt -94kg)
The Vinicius Lessa Style: A Complete Grappling Machine
Lessa isn’t just another BJJ black belt—he’s a well-rounded grappling force. His game adapts to any opponent, whether it’s wrestling for takedowns, working pressure-heavy passing, or attacking from guard.
💥 “I take on any opponent up to 100kg, whether it’s Gi or No-Gi. I train wrestling specifically to sharpen my entire game. I don’t limit myself.”
This versatility makes him a dangerous competitor in any ruleset, against any opponent, in any environment.
What’s Next for Vinicius Lessa?
With a dominant gold-medal performance at ADCC Kuwait, Vinicius Lessa has firmly established himself as a serious force in the No-Gi world.
His eyes are now locked on bigger stages, tougher opponents, and more prestigious titles. Whether it’s IBJJF No-Gi Worlds, ADCC, or the biggest superfights on the planet, one thing is clear—
🔥 Vinicius Lessa is coming for the top. And he’s not stopping anytime soon.
Final Thoughts
Lessa’s journey is far from over. His relentless drive, iron will, and high-level technique make him a must-watch competitor in the ever-growing No-Gi scene. Keep an eye on him—because the best is yet to come.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
