Born in Rio de Janeiro on January 8, 1983, Rafael 'Formiga' Barbosa is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and champion grappler known for being a four-time IBJJF World Masters champion, having taken gold medals in 2014, 2015 and double gold (weight and absolute) in 2018.
Grappling Bulletin: 2021, A Year of Jiu-Jitsu & Grappling in Review
Jan 4, 2022
The return of Worlds, the growth of WNO, and the emergence of a new generation of champion grapplers– just a handful of the high points of a rollercoaster 12-month period that rarely took its foot off the gas pedal. Of course, there were also less positive happenings; confrontations, team splits, and more.How to Watch Fight to Win 170, Josh Hinger vs Rafael Formiga Barbosa
Apr 1, 2021
Fight to Win returns to Dallas for another night of submission-only superfights with a main event featuring two of the best Masters competitors on the scene: Josh Hinger and Rafael 'Formiga' Barbosa will face off in a Masters middleweight title match.Where And When To Watch Cyborg, Lovato, Hinger, Gracie At Masters Worlds
Dec 16, 2020
In many ways, the 2020 edition of the IBJJF Masters World Championships will be like no other. It's in a new arena at a different time of year under different circumstances. But like previous installments, this year's Masters Worlds will feature icons of the sport, including World Champions, Hall of Famers and fan favorites.The Most Exciting Athletes Headed To Master Worlds
Dec 13, 2020
The IBJJF World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship is a special event, with legends of the past taking the mat and displaying some classic "old school jiu-jitsu." The event features a wide range of ages, starting with Master 1 in the early 30's all the way to athletes still throwing down in their 50's and 60's.Najmi Earns Title At Fight To Win 152, Almeida Beats Romulo, Alves Shines
Sep 19, 2020
Fight To Win 152 featured several of the biggest names in the lightweight division, as well as a match between Romulo Barral and Gabriel Almeida, and the return of the Fight to Win Judo format.Lightweight Contenders Will Battle For Pans Momentum At Fight To Win 152
Sep 16, 2020
There’s a lot on the line at this weekend’s edition of the biggest party in grappling. Fight to Win 152 will feature four of the major contenders for the lightweight podium at Pans next month. The co-main event will be a showdown between two of the top masters division competitors for a Fight to Win title. And Romulo Barral will return with plans to correct course after a disappointing Fight to Win debut last month.4 Takeaways From Master Worlds That Show New Direction Of Veteran Jiu-Jitsu
Aug 26, 2019
In stark contrast to the gameplan at the adult level, deep half guard has long been the preferred guard for many masters competitors. With the shortened five- or six-minute matches, sliding into deep half and then scoring a late sweep to win 2-0 is a solid strategy for Master Worlds. The dominant passing positions typically achieved after a deep half sweep usually allow the athlete to coast out the remaining time in an over-under or double-unders position.The Veteran Black Belt Stars Ready To Shine At Master Worlds
Aug 14, 2019
We have already discussed some of the names at master one here, but this is an idea of who to watch at Master 2 (35 years of age) and up in the male black belt divisions.Rafael Formiga: Road To Double Gold
Aug 23, 2018
Rafael 'Formiga' Barbosa was already a 3x Masters Worlds Champion heading into Vegas this weekend, and after visiting the Soul Fighters athelte in Dallas last week, we had a solid hunch he was capable of owning that task once again.