# Fernanda Mazzelli

> Black Belt | Brazil

## Overview

**Name:** Fernanda Mazzelli

**Belt Rank:** Black Belt

**Nationality:** Brazil

**Gender:** Female

**Weight:** 65 kg


## Bio

Fernanda Mazzelli was born on September 27, 1988, in Guarapari, a coastal town in the state of Espirito Santo – Brazil.

Growing up Fernanda was always highly motivated to practice sports, going through ballet, swimming, and volleyball before discovering jiu-jitsu at the age of 11 – an activity she found interest in by watching her sister and cousin, who already grappled.

Mazzelli’s first instructor was Flavio “Dente” Ferreira, who introduced jiu-jitsu to Guarapari. Dente spent most of his time in Rio de Janeiro and left the academy in the capable hands of his student, Thiago de Oliveira.

Thiago de Oliveira was Fernanda’s instructor throughout all belts, including her black belt which Mazzelli received at the podium of the Brazilian Nationals on the 10th of May 2008, after winning both her weight and the absolute division. Thiago also married Fernanda’s sister, becoming both a mentor and her brother in law.

With a life always connected with sports, Fernanda went on to finish a degree in physical education from Vila Velha’s University, taking second place overall in the class of 2012.

While competing in jiu jitsu’s international circuit and establishing herself as one of the top grappling figures of her generation, Mazzelli also followed her grandfather’s footsteps as a politician (Mr. Oswaldo Epaminondas de Almeida was Guarapari’s very first Mayor). Fernanda took a leading role as one of the top representatives of Brazil’s PSD (Social Democratic Party) in her state, becoming a councilwoman for the party in her hometown’s town hall.

Though Mazzelli’s civic duties took the lead in her busy schedule, she managed to maintain a daily training routine throughout most of her jiu-jitsu career.

Cover photo by William Burkhardt of  BJJPix .

Fernanda Mazzelli vs Tatiana Santos

Fernanda Mazzelli vs Talita Nogueira
## Specialties

- triangle
## Achievements

- 1st Place IBJJF World Championship (2012/2015/2016)
- 1st Place IBJJF World Championship No-Gi (2012)
- 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2010 / 2012 / 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2022)
- 2nd Place IBJJF World Championship (2013/2014/2019)
- 2nd Place IBJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro (2016)
- 2nd Place IBJJF European Open (2012)
- 2nd Place IBJJF Pans Championship (2016)
- 2nd Place IBJJF Brazilian Nationals (2011/2012*/2016)
- 3rd Place IBJJF World Championship (2009/2010/2011)
- 3rd Place IBJJF World Championship No-Gi (2010)
- 3rd Place IBJJF European Open (2012*)
- 3rd Place IBJJF Brazilian Nationals (2011/2013*/2016*)
- 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2003/2004** blue, 2005 purple, 2008** brown)
- 2nd Place IBJJF World Championship (2005 purple)
- 3rd Place IBJJF Brazilian Nationals (2005* purple, 2007 brown)

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**Last Updated:** September 08, 2026

**Data Source:** bjj.space (https://bjj.space/people/fernanda-mazzelli)