Neiman Gracie Stambowsky[1] (born December 12, 1988) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. A two-time Pan-American champion in coloured belts, Gracie medalled at the 2013 black belt World No-Gi Championship before transitioning to MMA competing in the Welterweight division of Bellator MMA. Gracie has also previously fought for the World Series of Fighting and currently competes in the Professional Fighters League.

Neiman Gracie
BornNeiman Gracie Stambowsky[1]
(1988-12-12) December 12, 1988 (age 35)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
ResidenceCalifornia, United States
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st)
DivisionWelterweight
Reach74 in (188 cm)
StyleBrazilian jiu-jitsu
TeamRenzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Kings MMA (2020–present)[2]
Rank2nd deg. BJJ black belt
(under Renzo Gracie and Royce Gracie) [3]
Years active2013–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total19
Wins13
By knockout1
By submission9
By decision3
Losses6
By knockout1
By decision5
Notable relativesGracie family
Márcio Stambowsky (Father)
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Representing  Brazil
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
World Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Bronze medal – third place 2008 Super-Heavyweight (purple)[4]
Bronze medal – third place 2005 Medium-Heavyweight (blue)[5]
World No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Bronze medal – third place 2013 Heavyweight (black)[6]
Pan-American Championship
Gold medal – first place 2008 Super-Heavyweight (purple)[7]
Bronze medal – third place 2009 Medium-Heavyweight (purple)[8]
Bronze medal – third place 2007 Medium-Heavyweight (purple)[9]
Pan Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship
Bronze medal – third place 2011 Heavyweight (brown)[10]
Gold medal – first place 2008 Heavyweight (purple)[11]
American National Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Gold medal – first place 2007 Super-Heavyweight (purple)[12]
New York International Open IBJJF Championship
Silver medal – second place 2012 Super-Heavyweight (black)[13]
Bronze medal – third place 2011 Medium-Heavyweight (brown)[14]
Silver medal – second place 2010 Medium-Heavyweight (brown)[15]
Gold medal – first place 2009 Medium-Heavyweight (purple)[16]
Bronze medal – third place 2009 Openweight (purple)[16]
Grapplers Quest
U.S. National Grappling Championship
Gold medal – first place 2011 Heavyweight (Brown)[17]

Gracie is a 4th generation member of the Gracie Family of Brazilian jiu-jitsu,[18] great-grandson of Gracie jiu-jitsu founder Carlos Gracie as well as the son of 8th degree coral belt Márcio Stambowsky.

Early life

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Neiman Gracie was born on 12 December 1988 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Gracie is the son of Carla Gracie (daughter of Robson Gracie), and Márcio Stambowsky. He is a 4th generation member of the Gracie Family of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.[18][19] His sister Deborah Gracie Stambowsky is the second female in the Gracie family to achieve the rank of black belt, behind their first-cousin Kyra Gracie.[20] Gracie started training Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a child at age 7.[1]

Brazilian jiu-jitsu career

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As a purple belt Gracie won the Pan American Championship (both Gi and No-Gi), the American National and the NY International Open. As a black belt, he won bronze at the 2013 World Nogi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship and silver at the 2012 and 2015 IBJJF New York International Open Championship.[1]

Gracie competed in a welterweight no gi match against Benson Henderson as the main event of ADXC 1 on October 20, 2023.[21] He won the match by submission with an armbar.[22]

Mixed martial arts career

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World Series of Fighting

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In 2013, Gracie set his sights on competing in mixed martial arts. He signed with the World Series of Fighting promotion and made his debut in September 2013 at World Series of Fighting 5: Arlovski vs. Kyle, facing Darren Costa.[23] He won the fight via submission in the first round.[24]

Gracie returned to the WSOF decagon on July 5, 2014 at World Series of Fighting 11: Gaethje vs. Newell, facing Dustin Holyko.[25] He again won the fight via submission, this time in the second round.[26]

Bellator MMA

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On October 29, 2014, it was announced that the undefeated Gracie had signed with Bellator MMA.[27]

Gracie made his Bellator debut against Bobby Flynn on February 27, 2015 at Bellator 134.[28] He won the fight via submission in the first round.[29]

For his second fight with the promotion, Gracie faced Roger Carroll at Bellator 151 on March 4, 2016.[30] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[31]

In his third fight for Bellator, Gracie faced Rudy Bears at Bellator 163 on November 4, 2016.[32] He won the fight via submission in the first round.[33]

Gracie faced Dave Marfone at Bellator NYC on June 24, 2017.[34] He won the fight via submission in the second round.[35]

Gracie was expected to face Javier Torres at Bellator 185 on October 20, 2017.[36] Gracie's opponent was changed to Zak Bucia after an injury to Torres. As a result of the Brennan Ward vs David Rickels match being removed from the card, also due to injury, the bout was elevated to co-main event.[37] Gracie won the fight by submission due to a neck crank in the second round.[38]

In his sixth fight for the promotion, Gracie faced Javier Torres at Bellator 198 on April 28, 2018.[39] He won the fight via arm-triangle choke submission in the second round.[40]

Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix and title shot

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Gracie next entered the Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix. He faced Ed Ruth in the quarterfinals at Bellator 213 on December 15, 2018. He won the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the fourth round.[41]

Gracie faced Rory MacDonald in the semi-finals at Bellator 222 on June 14, 2019.[42] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Post-Grand Prix

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Gracie was expected to face Kiichi Kunimoto at Bellator 236 on December 21, 2019.[43] However, Gracie had to withdraw from the bout due to an injury and was replaced by Jason Jackson.[44]

Gracie faced Jon Fitch at Bellator 246 on September 12, 2020.[45] Gracie won the bout via second round submission.

Gracie faced Jason Jackson at Bellator 255 on April 2, 2021.[46] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[47]

Gracie faced Mark Lemminger on September 18, 2021 at Bellator 266.[48] He won the bout via TKO in the first round, collecting his first knockout win of his career.[49]

Gracie faced Logan Storley on February 19, 2022 at Bellator 274.[50] He lost the mostly standup bout via unanimous decision.[51]

Gracie faced Goiti Yamauchi on August 12, 2022 at Bellator 284.[52] He lost the bout in the second round after being knocked out by an uppercut.[53]

Gracie was scheduled to face Michael Lombardo on February 4, 2023 at Bellator 290.[54] Two weeks before the event, Lombardo was forced to withdraw from the bout and he was replaced by Dante Schiro.[55] Gracie dominated the bout on the way to a unanimous decision victory.[56]

Professional Fighters League

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In his PFL debut, Gracie faced Goiti Yamauchi in a rematch at PFL 3 on April 19, 2024.[57] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[58]

Gracie next faced Don Madge at PFL 6 (2024) on June 28, 2024. He won the fight via unanimous decision.[59]

Gracie, as a replacement for Don Madge, faced Magomed Umalatov in the semifinals of the 2024 Welterweight tournament on August 23, 2024 at PFL 9.[60] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[61]

Instructor lineage

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Kano JigoroMitsuyo "Count Koma" MaedaCarlos GracieHelio GracieCarlos Gracie Jr. > Renzo Gracie > Neiman Gracie[1]

Championships and achievements

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Brazilian jiu-jitsu

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Main Achievements (at black belt level):[1]

  • 2nd Place NY International Open Championship (2012)
  • 2nd Place NY Summer Open Championship (2015)
  • 3rd Place IBJJF World No-Gi Championship 3rd Place (2013 black)

Main Achievements (at colored belts):[1]

  • IBJJF Pan American Champion (2008 purple)
  • IBJJF Pan American No-Gi Champion (2008 purple)
  • IBJJF American National Champion (2007 purple)
  • NY International Open Champion (2009 purple)
  • 2nd Place NY International Open Championship (2010 purple)
  • 3rd Place IBJJF World Championship (2008 purple, 2005 blue junior)
  • 3rd Place IBJJF Pan American Championship (2007/2009 purple)
  • 3rd Place IBJJF Pan American No-Gi Championship (2011 brown)
  • 3rd Place Brazilian National Championship (2004 blue junior)
  • 3rd Place IBJJF NY International Open Championship (2009 purple,[a] 2011 brown)

Mixed martial arts

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  • Bellator MMA
    • Second most submission wins in Bellator MMA history (seven)[62]
    • Most submission wins in Bellator MMA Welterweight division history (six)[62]

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
19 matches 13 wins 6 losses
By knockout 1 1
By submission 9 0
By decision 3 5
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 13–6 Magomed Umalatov Decision (unanimous) PFL 9 (2024) August 23, 2024 3 5:00 Washington, D.C., United States 2024 PFL Welterweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win 13–5 Don Madge Decision (unanimous) PFL 6 (2024) June 28, 2024 3 5:00 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
Loss 12–5 Goiti Yamauchi Decision (unanimous) PFL 3 (2024) April 19, 2024 3 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Win 12–4 Dante Schiro Decision (unanimous) Bellator 290 February 4, 2023 3 5:00 Inglewood, California, United States
Loss 11–4 Goiti Yamauchi KO (punches) Bellator 284 August 12, 2022 2 3:58 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
Loss 11–3 Logan Storley Decision (unanimous) Bellator 274 February 19, 2022 5 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 11–2 Mark Lemminger TKO (elbows and punches) Bellator 266 September 18, 2021 1 1:27 San Jose, California, United States
Loss 10–2 Jason Jackson Decision (unanimous) Bellator 255 April 2, 2021 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 10–1 Jon Fitch Submission (heel hook) Bellator 246 September 12, 2020 2 4:47 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Loss 9–1 Rory MacDonald Decision (unanimous) Bellator 222 June 14, 2019 5 5:00 New York City, New York, United States Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix Semifinal. For the Bellator Welterweight World Championship.
Win 9–0 Ed Ruth Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 213 December 15, 2018 4 2:17 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Win 8–0 Javier Torres Submission (arm-triangle choke) Bellator 198 April 28, 2018 2 3:18 Rosemont, Illinois, United States
Win 7–0 Zak Bucia Submission (neck crank) Bellator 185 October 20, 2017 2 2:27 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 6–0 Dave Marfone Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator NYC June 24, 2017 2 2:27 New York City, New York, United States
Win 5–0 Rudy Bears Submission (armbar) Bellator 163 November 4, 2016 1 4:39 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Catchweight (175 lb) bout.
Win 4–0 Roger Carroll Decision (unanimous) Bellator 151 March 4, 2016 3 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Win 3–0 Bobby Flynn Submission (neck crank) Bellator 134 February 27, 2015 1 2:36 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Welterweight debut.
Win 2–0 Dustin Holyko Submission (rear-naked choke) WSOF 11 July 5, 2014 2 2:21 Daytona Beach, Florida, United States Catchweight (175 lb) bout.
Win 1–0 Darren Costa Submission (armbar) WSOF 5 September 14, 2013 1 3:57 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Middleweight debut.

Personal life

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Gracie and his wife Karina have one daughter, Khali (born 2018).[63]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ absolute

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Borges, Andre (25 March 2016). "Neiman Gracie Jiu Jitsu". BJJ Heroes. Retrieved June 25, 2017. Full Name: Neiman Gracie Stambowsky
  2. ^ Brian Martin (March 31, 2021). "Bellator 255: Neiman Gracie out to prove he's more than a name". sbsun.com.
  3. ^ "Neiman Gracie — Renzo Gracie Academy". renzogracieacademy.com. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  4. ^ "World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2008". Official IBJJF results. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  5. ^ "World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2005". Official IBJJF results. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  6. ^ "World Jiu-Jitsu No Gi Championship 2013" (PDF). Official IBJJF results. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  7. ^ "pan jiu-jitsu championship 2008". official IBJJF results. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  8. ^ "pan jiu-jitsu championship 2009". official IBJJF results. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  9. ^ "pan jiu-jitsu championship 2007". official IBJJF results. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  10. ^ "Pan Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2011". Official IBJJF results. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  11. ^ "Pan no gi jiu-jitsu championship 2008". official IBJJF results. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  12. ^ "American Nationals jiu-jitsu championship 2007". official IBJJF results. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  13. ^ "New York International Open 2012" (PDF). Official IBJJF results. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  14. ^ "New York International Open IBJJF Championship 2011". Official IBJJF results. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  15. ^ "New York International Open IBJJF Championship 2010". Official IBJJF results. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  16. ^ a b "New York international open IBJJF championship 2009". official IBJJF results. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  17. ^ "Grapplers Quest U.S National Grappling championship 2011". official Grapplers Quest results. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  18. ^ a b Nagel, Kyle (July 4, 2014). "Fight Path: Neiman Gracie began his family tradition on a surfboard". MMAjunkie.com. New York. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  19. ^ Herle, Erin (September 17, 2013). "See how Neiman Gracie got the sub in his MMA debut at WSOF 5". Gracie Mag. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  20. ^ "Video: Bellator's Neiman Gracie practices BJJ with black-belt sister". graciemag.com. 10 September 2017. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
  21. ^ Lindsey, Alex. "Benson Henderson Faces Neiman Gracie In ADXC 1 Main Event". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  22. ^ "ADXC 1 Full Results And Review". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
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  25. ^ "Fight Path: Neiman Gracie began his family tradition on a surfboard". MMAjunkie. 2014-07-04. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  26. ^ Portier, Aaron. "WSOF 11 Results; Neiman Gracie taps Dustin Holyko in 2nd - SciFighting". www.scifighting.com. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  27. ^ Cruz, Guilherme (October 29, 2014). "Bellator signs undefeated welterweight Neiman Gracie". MMA Fighting. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  28. ^ "Bellator 134 prelims: 'The Silencer,' 'The Freight Train,' 'The Irish Bad Boy,' 'The Barn Cat'". mmajunkie.com. February 5, 2015.
  29. ^ "Bellator 134 Results: Newton vs. McGeary". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  30. ^ "Neiman Gracie returns at Bellator 151". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  31. ^ "Neiman Gracie def. Roger Carroll :: Bellator 151 :: MMA Decisions". mmadecisions.com. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  32. ^ Sherdog.com. "Neiman Gracie vs. Rudy Bears Set for Bellator 163 Preliminary Bill". Sherdog. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  33. ^ "Bellator 163 Results: Light Heavyweight Championship, Major Upset • Page 3 | Fightful MMA". www.fightful.com. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  34. ^ "Neiman Gracie takes on Dave Marfone at Bellator 180". ADCC NEWS. 2017-04-27. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  35. ^ Todd Martin (June 24, 2017). "Neiman Gracie vs. Dave Marfone live round-by-round coverage". Los Angeles Times.
  36. ^ Guilherme Cruz (October 4, 2017). "Neiman Gracie vs. Javier Torres added to Bellator 185 main card". mmafighting.com.
  37. ^ Dann Stupp and Matt Erickson (October 16, 2017). "Friday's Bellator 185 lineup loses 2 main-card bouts". mmajunkie.com.
  38. ^ "Bellator 198 results: Neiman Gracie stays perfect, submits Javier Torres in second". MMAjunkie. 2018-04-29. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  39. ^ "Neiman Gracie vs. Javier Torres rebooked for Bellator 198". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  40. ^ "Bellator 198 results: Neiman Gracie stays perfect, submits Javier Torres in second". MMAjunkie. 2018-04-29. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  41. ^ "Bellator 213 Results: Macfarlane vs Létourneau". mmafighting.com. December 15, 2018.
  42. ^ "Title fight added to Bellator MSG card". espn.com. April 5, 2019.
  43. ^ Alexander K. Lee (November 13, 2019). "Neiman Gracie to fight Kiichi Kunimoto at Bellator 236". mmafighting.com.
  44. ^ Nolan King (December 16, 2019). "Bellator 236: Neiman Gracie injured, Kiichi Kunimoto meets Jason Jackson". mmajunkie.com.
  45. ^ "Liz Carmouche vs. DeAnna Bennett, Campos vs. Huerta among Bellator 246 additions". mmajunkie.com. August 21, 2020.
  46. ^ Alexander K. Lee (February 26, 2021). "Neiman Gracie vs. Jason Jackson booked for Bellator 255". Retrieved February 27, 2021.
  47. ^ Anderson, Jay (2 April 2021). "Bellator 255 Results: Jason Jackson Overcomes Eye Injury, Defeats Neiman Gracie". Cageside Press. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  48. ^ Cruz, Guilherme (2021-08-26). "Neiman Gracie vs. Mark Lemminger co-headlines Bellator 266 in San Jose". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-08-26.
  49. ^ Law, Eddie (2021-09-18). "Bellator 266 Results: Neiman Gracie Finishes Mark Lemminger Via TKO". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-09-19.
  50. ^ Cruz, Guilherme (2021-12-23). "Neiman Gracie set to face Logan Storley at Feb. 19 Bellator card". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-12-23.
  51. ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-02-19). "Bellator 274: Five Round Main Event Pays Dividends, Storley vs. Gracie Sees Late Surge". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
  52. ^ "Bellator 284 lineup announced, including Neiman Gracie vs. Goiti Yamauchi headliner, Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, more". MMA Junkie. 2022-06-15. Retrieved 2022-06-15.
  53. ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-08-12). "Bellator 284: Goiti Yamauchi Crumples Neiman Gracie with Uppercut". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  54. ^ Bohn, Mike (2022-12-22). "On two-fight skid, Neiman Gracie draws Michael Lombardo at Bellator 290". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2022-12-22.
  55. ^ "Neiman Gracie has a new opponent at #Bellator290. Michael Lombardo has been forced to withdraw from the event, and Dante Schiro (9-4) has agreed to step in". Twitter. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  56. ^ "Neiman Gracie Dominates Dante Schiro on Way to Unanimous Decision Win - Bellator 290 Results (Highlights)". MiddleEasy. 2023-02-05. Retrieved 2023-02-05.
  57. ^ Rogers, Kian. "Neiman Gracie And Goiti Yamauchi Set For Epic Rematch At PFL 3". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  58. ^ Meshew, Jed (2024-04-20). "PFL 3 Results: Magomed Umalatov remains unbeaten, Brendan Loughnane gets back on track with quick win". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  59. ^ "Neiman Gracie nets dominant decision with relentless takedown attack". pflmma.com. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  60. ^ Sherdog.com. "Gracie Replaces Madge in PFL Playoffs, Meets Umalatov on Aug. 23". Sherdog. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  61. ^ "2024 PFL Playoffs 3 Results". MMA Junkie. 2024-08-23. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  62. ^ a b Mike Bohn (September 13, 2020). "Bellator 246 post-event facts: Derek Campos sets dubious record with loss". MMAjunkie.com.
  63. ^ Fernanda Prates (April 18, 2018). "Neiman Gracie wants another submission win at Bellator 198 and, frankly, why wouldn't he?". mmajunkie.com.