Gilson Nunes

Gilson Nunes was born on April 20, 1990, in Fortaleza, the capital city of Ceará, Brazil. At age 12, Gilson discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu alongside friends at a local martial arts club in Fortaleza's Bairro Parquelândia neighborhood. Under the expert guidance of coach Paulo Ivano, affectionately known as "Maninho," Gilson quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. Remarkably, after only one week of training, he entered and won his first tournament, igniting a lifelong passion for the art.

Initially, Gilson explored mixed martial arts (MMA), compiling a commendable 3-1-0 professional record. However, he soon recognized the difficulty of balancing MMA training with dedicated gi practice. Choosing to fully commit to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gilson shifted his focus exclusively to gi-oriented training under coach Ronaldo "Raspinha" Cruz at Evolution JJ, particularly during his brown belt years. This strategic decision allowed him to refine his technical skills and deepen his understanding of gi-specific strategies.

In March 2010, Gilson Nunes earned his black belt through a joint promotion by his original mentor Paulo Ivano and gi-focused instructor Ronaldo Cruz. Following this milestone, Gilson founded a Checkmat academy in Fortaleza, significantly contributing to the region's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu growth. As a dedicated coach and mentor, he has since promoted 10 students to black belt, solidifying his legacy and influence within the BJJ community.

At the 2015 Abu Dhabi World Pro, Gilson achieved a notable upset in the highly competitive 65kg black belt division. Facing renowned competitor João Miyao in the opening round, Gilson secured a strategic victory by advantage, ultimately earning a bronze medal. This impressive performance highlighted Gilson's tactical acumen and technical precision, marking a significant milestone in his competitive career.

Gilson Nunes maintains an impressive undefeated 4–0 record in Fight To Win professional superfights. His consistent success in these high-level submission-only events underscores his adaptability, strategic mindset, and exceptional submission execution against elite opponents.

Versatile Grappling Background

Known for his versatility in both gi and no-gi competitions, Gilson integrates striking experience from boxing and Muay Thai into his grappling strategy. This multidisciplinary background enhances his ability to dictate the pace and impose his game plan effectively.

Aggressive Submission-Oriented Style

Gilson employs an aggressive, submission-focused approach, emphasizing relentless pressure passing, positional dominance, and constant pursuit of submissions. His technical proficiency and strategic mindset have earned him recognition and success on the international stage, making him a formidable competitor in any grappling format.