5 Things To Know About BJJ Star Fabricio Andrey Before His Debut At ONE Fight Night 30
All-action Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu superstar Fabricio “Hokage” Andrey will soon make his much-anticipated debut in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
On April 4 in U.S. primetime, the 25-year-old powerhouse will take on fellow promotional newcomer Ash Williams in a featherweight submission grappling tilt at ONE Fight Night 30: Kryklia vs. Knowles on Prime Video.
Simply put, fans are in for a treat whenever Andrey has a chance to display his electrifying style of grappling.
Before he makes his debut at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, we dive into five key facts about the submission-hunting Brazilian phenom.
#1 He Started In Capoeira
A gifted athlete from an early age, “Hokage’s” first martial art wasn’t BJJ but instead the high-flying, acrobatic, kicking-based art of capoeira.
Andrey learned from and practiced capoeira alongside his father throughout his early childhood, developing the incredible mobility, dynamic athleticism, and cat-like balance that are trademarks of his grappling game today.
#2 He Dominated The Colored Belts
At the age of 13, Andrey found BJJ – his true calling.
After just a couple of years of training, the Brazilian found himself dominating the juvenile and colored belt ranks to cement himself as one of the sport’s most promising youngsters.
He would continue that success throughout his journey to black belt, winning IBJJF World Titles at both the blue and purple belt levels, as well as a European Title at brown belt.
#3 He’s A Gi And No-Gi Superstar
“Hokage” was promoted to black belt in 2020 and wasted no time living up to the hype. Notably, he’s found success at the elite level in both gi and no-gi competitions, proving that his well-rounded style of grappling transcends rule sets.
In the gi, he is an IBJJF World and European Champion, as well as a European Champion.
Andrey has also made a name for himself as one of the most exciting no-gi competitors the sport has ever seen, boasting a pair of ADCC Trials gold medals in addition to career-defining victories over much heavier opponents, including two-time ADCC World Champion Giancarlo Bodoni and judo powerhouse Owen Livesey.
#4 He’s A Highlight-Reel Machine
Over the course of his career, Andrey has gained legions of fans thanks to his electrifying approach to grappling.
Whether it’s flashy flying armbars, high-amplitude takedowns, or triangle chokes that are slapped on in the blink of an eye, the Alliance representative is a walking highlight reel who doesn’t know what it’s like to be in a boring match.
#5 He’s A Naruto Fan
Outside of grappling, Andrey is an avid fan of anime and ‘Naruto,’ the show from which his “Hokage” nickname comes.
What’s more, his signature power-up stomp that he performs before every match is an homage to the show – and sets the tone for the white-knuckle action that’s sure to follow.
