# Wendell Alexander ("Del")

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## Overview

**Name:** Wendell Alexander

**Nickname:** Del


## Bio

Wendell Alexander, born in 1966 in Maranhão, started training at age four under his aunt Bartira’s influence and later earned his black belt in 1986 from Sebastião Ricardo, tracing his lineage through Oswaldo Fadda. His early training emphasized footlocks, a style the Confederation tried to suppress, forcing Alexander to study tapes of black belt championships to adapt. Never a heavy competitor, he faced names like De La Riva and Jamelão at lower belts before turning to instruction. His partnership with André Pederneiras formed Nova União after successful joint tournaments. Alexander is best remembered for storming the mat in 1999 when his pupil Leonardo Santos lost a controversial match to Royler Gracie, an outburst that earned him a suspension.

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**Last Updated:** June 05, 2026

**Data Source:** bjj.space (https://bjj.space/people/wendell-alexander)