Gabriel Sousa

Gabriel Sousa is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Lucas Rocha and the founder of Connection Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Apex, North Carolina). Sousa is widely regarded as one of the top light-featherweight competitors of his generation.

He built his reputation early in his career while competing in the colored belt divisions, where he won major titles on both the IBJJF and AJP circuits. Strong performances at the World, Pan-American and European level helped establish him as one of the standout athletes in his division before he successfully carried that momentum into black belt and professional competition.

Over the years Gabriel has competed in many of the sport’s premier events, including ADCC, Who’s Number One (WNO), UFC Fight Pass Invitational, ADXC and ONE Championship. Known for his aggressive pace, technical passing and submission-oriented style, he continues to compete internationally while also developing athletes through his academy. 

• ADXC 11 (2025) – Winner
• ONE Fight Night 28 (2025) – Winner
• AIGA Champion’s League Final (2025) – Silver (Team Williams Elite)
• UFC Fight Pass Invitational (2024) – Winner
• ADCC World Championship (2022) – Silver
• IBJJF World Championship No-Gi (2021) – Silver
• IBJJF Pan-American Championship (2021) – Silver
• WNO Championship (2021) – Silver
• AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro (2021) – Bronze
• IBJJF European Championship (2020) – Bronze
• IBJJF Pan-American Championship No-Gi (2020) – Silver
• AJP Grand Slam Abu Dhabi (2020) – Gold
• IBJJF World Championship No-Gi (2019) – Silver
• IBJJF European Open No-Gi (2019) – Gold
• AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro (2019) – Gold
• AJP Grand Slam Moscow (2019) – Gold
• AJP Grand Slam Abu Dhabi (2019) – Silver
• AJP King of Mats Tokyo (2019) – Silver
• ACBJJ World Championship (2018) – Gold
• AJP Grand Slam Los Angeles (2018) – Gold
• AJP Grand Slam Tokyo (2018) – Gold
• AJP Grand Slam Rio de Janeiro (2018) – Silver                                  
  

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