Cristiano Marcello

Full Name: Cristiano Marcello

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Royler Gracie > Cristiano Marcello

Weight Division: Lightweight (76 kg / 176 lbs)

Team / Association: CM System (formerly Chute Boxe)

Favorite Position/Technique: Mount & Triangle

Biography
Born in 1977 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Cristiano Marcello is a highly respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and prominent mixed martial arts (MMA) figure. Growing up in a rough neighborhood within the Brazilian metropolis, Marcello stepped onto the mats at an early age to learn self-defense. In 1989, he enrolled in the historic Gracie Academy, where he developed his skills under legendary masters Rickson Gracie, Royler Gracie, and Vinicius Aieta.

Recognizing his immense talent, Rickson Gracie invited an 18-year-old Marcello to the United States in 1995 to train. He remained in the U.S. until 1998, sharpening his skills before returning to Brazil to test his abilities in early “Vale Tudo” matches—the raw, rule-sparse precursor to modern MMA. Shortly after, he was awarded his BJJ black belt directly from the hands of Master Royler Gracie, kicking off a highly successful competitive run and his early coaching career.

In 2001, Marcello’s career took a monumental shift when Rudimar Fedrigo, the leader of the world-renowned Chute Boxe academy, invited him to Curitiba to become the head grappling coach. While expanding the team’s ground game, Marcello utilized the opportunity to sharpen his own Muay Thai alongside MMA icons like Anderson Silva, Wanderlei Silva, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, and Murilo “Ninja” Rua. His close ties to Chute Boxe led to major fight contracts in premier global organizations, including Pride FC. He also became an overnight internet sensation following a legendary backstage altercation with Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett at Pride Shockwave 2005.

In 2009, Marcello parted ways with Chute Boxe on excellent terms to establish his own highly successful academy, CM System. He reached another peak in his fighting career at age 34 when he was selected to compete on the reality television show The Ultimate Fighter: Live, solidifying his status in modern MMA lore.

Key Career Highlights
Head BJJ Coach — Formulated the grappling systems for the historic Chute Boxe team during its golden era.

Founder of CM System — Built one of Brazil’s highly regarded modern MMA and grappling squads.

Veteran Competitor — Fought at the highest levels of combat sports, including Pride FC and the UFC (via The Ultimate Fighter).