# Daniel Wanderley ("Cachorrão")

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## Overview

**Name:** Daniel Wanderley

**Nickname:** Cachorrão


## Bio

Daniel Wanderley was born on the 19th of February, 1980 in Recife – PE, Brazil where he grew up.

At the age of 12 Daniel started training martial arts, first through capoeira and later with karate, although he never pursued a career in neither.

In 2000, shortly after his 20th birthday, Wanderley decided to try a jiu jitsu class at Gutenberg Melo’s academy, influenced by some friends who already trained there. Training under one of  Carlson Gracie ‘s best known black belts and a jiu jitsu pioneer in the region of Pernambuco, Daniel went through the ranks in just under 6 years.

In 2005 Daniel went to visit his mother who had moved to Chicago, IL. There Wanderley met Master Carlson Gracie with whom he lived for 3 months. On his return to Brazil, (February 2006), Daniel received his black belt.

While living with Master Carlson Gracie in 2005, Daniel Wanderley took part in Stephan Bonnar’s camp ahead of his legendary fight with Forrest Griffin (The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale), a camp that was led by both Carlson Gracie and Duke Roufus.

Having worked previously with Roufus, in 2013 Daniel Wanderley travelled to Milwaukee to train at the Roufusport academy, trying to improve his own MMA game. While training there Duke Roufus liked his style and asked him to take on the jiu jitsu coach role at the academy, in time to help prepare Anthony Pettis for his title glory, on UFC 164 over Ben Henderson (a win by  armbar ).

When Anthony Pettis was invited to take part in “The Ultimate Fighter: A Champion Will Be Crowned” (TUF 20), “Showtime” brought Daniel as his team’s grappling coach.

Photo credit to Joey Hill.

Daniel Wanderley vs Oliver Patrovski

Daniel Wanderley Highlight

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**Last Updated:** March 21, 2026

**Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/people/daniel-wanderley-615e72969a5e)