Alexandre Pimentel

Main Achievements & Milestones

• CBJJE World Champion (2009) — Captured world title gold in the black belt division at the CBJJE World Championship.
• 5-Time IBJJF World Master Champion — Commanded the world master stage with five gold medal performances across his veteran career.
• 7-Time IBJJF Pan Champion — Multi-time Pan-American Champion across adult and master black belt divisions.
• CBJJ Brazilian National Champion (2006) — Claimed gold at the Brazilian Nationals, one of the sport’s most challenging domestic events.
• 2-Time CBJJ Brazilian National Team Champion (2004, 2005) — Led the Nova Geração squad to consecutive national team titles in Brazil.
• CBJJE South American Champion (2006) — Conquered top honors at the CBJJE South American Championship.

Overview

Alexandre “Pulga” Pimentel, full name Alexandre Concieiro de Albuquerque Maranhão Pimentel, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, 5-time World Master Champion, and former professional mixed martial artist from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Developed under Francisco “Toco” Albuquerque within the Nova Geração program, Pimentel is widely regarded as one of the most creative, entertaining, and unorthodox grapplers of his generation. Formally promoted to black belt in 2000 by Master “Toco” Albuquerque, his transitional legacy as a world champion, MMA veteran (compiling a 16–2 professional record), and creator of the iconic signature “Pulgoplata” firmly positions him at the absolute vanguard of contemporary combat sports history.

Early Life & The “Pulga” Ascendancy

Born on October 2, 1978, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Alexandre Pimentel earned the childhood moniker “Pulga” (Portuguese for “Flea”) due to his small frame and hyperactive energy. Inspired after watching the historic 1991 Jiu-Jitsu vs. Luta Livre challenge event, he sought out martial arts training.

When a BJJ academy opened in his neighborhood in 1992, Pimentel enrolled under Francisco “Toco” Albuquerque. Demonstrating extraordinary guard flexibility and spatial awareness, Pimentel remained under Master Toco’s direct tutelage throughout his entire colored belt progression before receiving his BJJ black belt in 2000.

MMA Career, Master Titles & Florida Legacy

In 2008, Pimentel made his professional MMA debut after stepping in on short notice as a sparring partner for fellow Nova Geração athletes. He embarked on a dominant fighting career, building an impressive 16–2 record across top promotions including Jungle Fight.

Alongside his mixed martial arts success, Pimentel maintained a high-volume grappling competition career. As he matured, he became one of the most dominant veteran competitors in IBJJF history, securing five World Master titles and seven Pan-American crowns. Transitioning into full-time instruction, Pimentel established the **Pulgoplata Team**, expanding his academy network across South Florida.

The Pimentel Blueprint & The “Pulgoplata”

Tactically, Alexandre “Pulga” Pimentel is famous for his fluid, highly dynamic guard mechanics that disrupt standard passing angles. He is best known worldwide for inventing and popularizing the **”Pulgoplata”**—a proprietary, highly effective variation of the omoplata shoulder lock that traps the opponent’s arm and hip simultaneously with unorthodox leg entanglements.

Through decades of high-level competition, MMA fighting, and international coaching, Alexandre Pimentel stands securely enshrined at the absolute peak of modern Jiu-Jitsu history—an eternal monument to submission innovation, athletic longevity, and uncompromised martial arts dedication.