Augusto Mendes Jr.

Full Name: Augusto Lopes MendesNickname: “Tanquinho” (Little Tank)Born: March 3, 1983 (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)Nationality: BrazilianWeight Division: Peso Pena / Featherweight (70.00 kg / 154.5 lbs)Team / Association: Soul FightersRank: Black BeltCoach: Alvaro Mansor & Francisco MansorBiographyAugusto “Tanquinho” Mendes is a legendary figure in grappling, holding the rare distinction of being an IBJJF World Champion, an ADCC World Champion, and a UFC veteran. Raised in the Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Augusto followed his older half-brother, Bruno “Tank” Mendes, into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the Kioto Academy under the tutelage of master Alvaro Mansor.Showing a fierce competitive drive, Augusto tore through the colored belt ranks, eventually earning his black belt from Alvaro and Grand Master Francisco Mansor in 2004. In 2006, Augusto and Bruno left Kioto to form Renovação Jiu-Jitsu. Needing higher-level sparring partners to fuel Augusto’s emerging elite career, they began cross-training with friends Leandro “Tatu” Escobar and Rafael “Formiga” Barbosa. When Alvaro Mansor joined them in 2008, the five pioneers officially co-founded the powerhouse Soul Fighters team.Tanquinho reached the absolute pinnacle of sport Jiu-Jitsu in 2013 when he won the IBJJF World Championship, famously defeating a peak Rafael Mendes in the finals. Following this monumental achievement, he transitioned to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), capturing a regional title before competing inside the UFC octagon. In 2019, he cemented his status as a dual-sport legend by conquering the prestigious ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship in the 66 kg division.Origin of the NicknameWhen Augusto’s older brother Bruno was dubbed “Tanque” (Tank) at the academy due to his stocky size and heavy pressure, the coaches and training partners naturally began calling the younger, lighter Augusto “Tanquinho” (Little Tank).Main Achievements (Black Belt)1st Place: ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship (2019)1st Place: IBJJF World Championship (2013)1st Place: IBJJF World Championship No-Gi (2012 / 2015)1st Place: UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro (2011)1st Place: IBJJF Pan Championship (2012)1st Place: IBJJF European Open Championship (2010)2nd Place: IBJJF World Championship (2011)