Brabus isn't a gym that borrowed a famous name. It was founded by two Nova União world champions — one the greatest featherweight in UFC history, one a 7× world jiu-jitsu champion — who put their belts on the wall and their standards on the mat.
Their records are public. Their standards are now yours to train under.
First and longest-reigning UFC Featherweight Champion. Seven straight title defenses. An 18-fight win streak. UFC Hall of Fame, Class of 2023. Nova União black belt, raised in Manaus on capoeira and heart. He joins Brabus for special seminars, events, and programs.
His storyThe senior, highest-ranking black belt at Brabus and the head coach who runs the academy day to day. A multiple-time World Jiu-Jitsu Champion, Nova União black belt, and The Ultimate Fighter Brasil winner — the coach who guides every belt on the mat.
His storyLéo Santos leads daily training as the academy's senior black belt and head coach. José Aldo appears for special days, seminars, and select programs — his standards, and his championship belt, live on the mat every day.
Both founders came up through Nova União — the legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu system founded in Rio in 1995, home to some of the greatest fighters the sport has ever produced.
José Aldo rose through Nova União in Rio under André Pederneiras, earning his black belt and his reputation long before the cage. Léo Santos built a 7× world-championship grappling career inside the same system and now wears a 4th-degree black belt. Brabus carries that lineage to Lake Mary — the wall roundel reads "Nova União · Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Since 1995."
The same Nova União standards, brought to Florida — and the same family on the mat.
At the heart of the academy sits José Aldo's UFC championship belt — a daily reminder of what discipline, repetition, and heart can build. You train in its presence.
Forged by Legends
No experience required. No commitment. Just step on the mat.
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