Machado is known for his grappling skills having won ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships in his weight division plus a runner up in the open division in 2001.[4] As a result of his achievements in the sport, he was inducted to the ADCC Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class.[5]
Biography
Machado was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and suffered birth defects resulting from amniotic band syndrome, which left him with only the thumb and the little finger on his left hand. Despite this congenital problem, which directly affects the skill of gripping, he began his Jiu-Jitsu training over thirty years ago and dominated the competitive arena of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in his native country, capturing every major title and competition award from 1982 through 1992.[citation needed]
In 1992, Machado arrived in the United States where he continued competing successfully.
On June 6, 2011 in a private ceremony held at the Rickson Gracie Academy in West Los Angeles, Machado was promoted to a 7th degree red-and-black belt.[1] This prestigious promotion is in recognition of Machado's 25 years as a black belt instructor, competitor and champion.[6]
Machado served as a coach alongside Roger Gracie, Rigan Machado, and Dean Lister on season 6 of the Professional Grappling Federation on April 21 to 26, 2024.[10] Machado led Team X-Martial at the tournament,[11] and they won the team title.[12]
Professional titles
Rio de Janeiro Jiu-Jitsu State Championships
Cruiserweight Champion: 11 consecutive years (1982–1992)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu National Championships
Cruiserweight Champion: 11 consecutive years (1982–1992)
Sambo Wrestling Championships
National and Pan American Cruiserweight Champion
1993 Oklahoma - 1st Place
1994 San Diego, California - 1st Place
Grappling Style Challenge Japan
1995 - Champion
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu American Championships
4 consecutive years (1995–1998)
Black Belt Super Challenge Championships
1998 - Champion
2000 - Champion
Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championships
1999 - 66–76 kg Division Gold Medalist, Most Technical Fighter Award[4]
2000 - 66–76 kg Division Silver Medalist
2001 - Absolute Division Silver Medalist, Best Match Award, Fastest Submission Award