# Michelle Nicolini

> Black Belt | Brazil

## Overview

**Name:** Michelle Nicolini

**Belt Rank:** Black Belt

**Nationality:** Brazil

**Gender:** Female

**Weight:** 65 kg


## Bio

Michelle Nicolini was born on the 1st of January, 1982, in the city of Itú – State of Sao Paulo – Brazil. Her chosen door of entry in the martial arts world was Capoeira, which she started at the age of 14. She stopped training Capoeira 3 years later and changed her focus to jiu-jitsu, training under Robert Drysdale, who awarded her all belts, including her black belt.

In 2010, after she joined Rodrigo Cavaca’s gym in Santos, Michelle Nicolini surprised everyone by showing up at the “Mundials” fighting 4 divisions above her usual weight category. She explained the peculiar event by saying that she was prepared to fight in her traditional light-featherweight division, but after a friendly challenge was proposed by one of her Checkmat colleagues – to fight in the same division and close up the final together for the team – she decided to go and compete in this division.

Michelle left the  Cavaca Fight Centre  on the end of 2013, issuing a statement on her Facebook page, clarifying the reason of her departure as a “difference of opinions” regarding the leadership of professor Cavaca.

Michelle Nicolini vs Marina Ribeiro

Michelle Nicolini vs Bia Mesquita

Michelle Nicolini vs Ida Hansson

As Melhores de Michelle Nicolini
## Specialties

- triangle
## Achievements

- 1st Place ADCC World Championship (2013)
- 1st Place IBJJF World Championship (2014 / 2013 / 2012 / 2011 / 2010 / 2007** / 2006)
- 1st Place IBJJF World Championship NoGi (2010 / 2008)
- 1st Place UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro (2012)
- 1st Place IBJJF European Open (2012**)
- 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2011/2010/2008)
## Lineage

- Rolls Gracie
- Romero Cavalcanti (Black Belt)
- Leo Vieira (Black Belt)
- Robert Drysdale (Black Belt)

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**Last Updated:** October 01, 2026

**Data Source:** bjj.space (https://bjj.space/people/michelle-nicolini)