Bruno Malfacine

Bruno Malfacine was born on August 28, 1986, in Brazil. He began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1998 at the age of 11 under Carlos Santana. His initial interest in the art was inspired by his uncle, a dedicated practitioner and enthusiast. Although Malfacine demonstrated early talent, his training briefly paused at the orange belt level when Santana stepped away from coaching to pursue other professional opportunities.

After a short hiatus, Malfacine resumed his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey under Vinicius Amaral at Academia Game Fight, an affiliate of Grappling Fight Team (GFT). Under Amaral's mentorship, Malfacine rapidly advanced through the ranks, earning his blue, purple, brown, and ultimately his black belt in late 2006. This formative period at Game Fight Academy was crucial, shaping Malfacine's foundational techniques and competitive mindset.

In late 2008, Malfacine joined the prestigious Alliance under legendary coach Fabio Gurgel, known as "The General." His career flourished at Alliance, quickly establishing him as one of the team's standout competitors. Between 2007 and 2018, Malfacine captured an unprecedented 10 IBJJF World Championship titles at roosterweight, surpassing the previous record held by Omar Salum. This remarkable achievement solidified his legacy as the greatest roosterweight competitor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu history.

Bruno Malfacine is renowned for his dynamic, technical, and aggressive approach to competition. His style emphasizes precise guard passing, relentless pressure, and a submission-oriented strategy. Malfacine's technical accuracy and strategic intelligence consistently earn praise from peers and analysts, making him one of the most respected athletes in lighter weight divisions.

Signature Techniques

Malfacine is particularly known for his explosive guard passing sequences, utilizing speed, timing, and precise grips to neutralize opponents' guards. His submission game is equally formidable, often transitioning seamlessly from dominant positions to high-percentage finishes.

In the late 2010s, Malfacine transitioned into professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), compiling an undefeated 3–0 record. All three victories came via submission, showcasing his elite grappling skills in a new competitive arena. Following his success in MMA, Malfacine retired from active competition to dedicate himself fully to coaching, mentorship, and academy development.

In 2012, Malfacine founded Alliance Orlando in Florida, establishing a dedicated base for coaching and mentorship. At Alliance Orlando, he actively develops emerging talent, particularly in lighter weight divisions. His guidance significantly contributes to the continued success of the Alliance team at major competitions, shaping the next generation of elite competitors.

Bruno Malfacine regularly travels internationally, conducting seminars and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training camps. Through these global engagements, he shares the techniques, strategies, and mindset cultivated during his decade-long dominance in the roosterweight division. His seminars are highly sought-after, reflecting his global recognition and substantial contributions to the technical advancement and growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu worldwide.

In recognition of his unparalleled achievements, Bruno Malfacine was inducted into the IBJJF Hall of Fame. His record-setting 10 World Championship titles at roosterweight remain unmatched, underscoring his dominance and lasting influence in the sport. Beyond his competitive accolades, Malfacine continues to shape Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through mentorship, technical innovation, and his unwavering commitment to developing future champions.