Rodolfo Vieira, born on September 25, 1989, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, began his athletic journey through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a discipline in which he quickly excelled. He earned the nickname "The Black Belt Hunter" for his dominance in grappling competitions and his ability to defeat some of the sport's top black belts. Vieira claimed numerous world titles in BJJ, including multiple IBJJF World Championships, before transitioning to mixed martial arts.
Vieira made his professional MMA debut in 2017, showcasing his world-class grappling with a first-round submission victory. His early MMA career saw him competing in various international promotions, where he maintained an undefeated record through dominant ground control and submission finishes. His success led to a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he continued to demonstrate the effectiveness of elite grappling in the octagon.
As a UFC middleweight, Vieira quickly gained attention for his relentless pressure and submission skills. Though he faced challenges adapting to the striking aspects of MMA, his continued evolution as a complete fighter has earned him respect within the division. With a foundation built on world-class BJJ and a growing skill set, Vieira remains a formidable presence and a compelling contender in the sport.