“Sometimes, Possibly, Maybe, Could be.”

— Arnaldo Maidana

Arnaldo Maidana Jiu-Jitsu

Arnaldo Maidana de Oliveira is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Gilberto Gabas, being also one of the most exciting talents of his generation. Maidana made a name for himself in the brown belt division of the sport, conquering important medals in the World Championship (gi/no-gi) and Brazilian Nationals implementing an eye-pleasing grappling style with which he submitted some of the sport’s hottest prospects, including Felipe Pena and Vitor Silvério, a style that carried on to his black belt campaigns.

Lineage: Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rickson Gracie > Marcelo Behring > Waldomiro Perez > Roberto Godoi > Marco Barbosa > Gilberto Gabas > Arnaldo Maidana

Main Achievements:

• 1st Place IBJJF American Nationals (2015)

• 1st Place IBJJF World Championship NOGI (2017)

• 2nd Place IBJJF World Championship NOGI (2014)

• 2nd Place ACBJJ 7 LW Grand Prix NOGI (2017)

• 2nd Place IBJJF World Championship NOGI (2015)

• 2nd Place IBJJF Pans Championship (2018 / 2020)

• 2nd Place IBJJF Pans Championship NOGI (2021)

Main Achievements (Colored Belts):

• 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2013 brown)

• 1st Place IBJJF Rio Open (2011 purple)

• 1st Place IBJJF São Paulo Open (2012 brown)

• 2nd Place IBJJF World Championship (2013 brown)

• 2nd Place IBJJF World Championship NOGI (2013 brown)

• 2nd Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2012 brown)

• 2nd Place IBJJF Rio Open (2011* purple)

• 2nd Place IBJJF São Paulo Open (2012* brown)

• 3rd Place IBJJF European Open (2012 brown)

• 3rd Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2012* brown)

* Absolute
** Weight and absolute

Weight Division: Peso Pesado (94kg/207lbs)

Favorite Position/Technique: Omoplata

Team/Association: Checkmat

Arnaldo Maidana Biography

Arnaldo Maidana was born on May 17, 1991 in Aracatuba – São Paulo state, Brazil.

A big fan of martial arts from early on, Arnaldo began his training at the young age of 7 through capoeira and taekwondo. Years later he picked up an interest in jiu-jitsu by watching his older brother, who was an avid grappler, deciding to join him when he was 16 years old (2005).

Arnaldo’s career in grappling started with coach Gilberto Gabas in Aracatuba, an instructor who stood by Maidana all the way to black belt, a promotion achieved in December 2013. Shortly after earning the grade, Maidana moved to the United States to be closer to the jiu-jitsu circuit and become a professional in the sport, as a competitor and coach. Then joining the Checkmat team network.

Arnaldo is perhaps best known for losing a bet to Iker Quilez and has yet to fulfill his obligations. His wife Gabi is always hungry.