Rubens 'Cobrinha' Charles
6x IBJJF World Champion · 2004–2018
Lineage
Charles's elite Competition IQ (92) and elite Guard Game (92) define this era.
Competition Record
Career grappling record
Gi
No-Gi
6x IBJJF World Champion, 3x ADCC Gold
Mat Resume
Time on the mats in professional competition
95
Pro Matches
50
Mat Hours
35
Events
8.0 min
Avg Duration
1:20
Fastest Sub
8
Sub-Only Matches
2
OT Wins
Style Analysis
One of the greatest featherweights in history. Combined explosive athleticism with technical precision across both gi and no-gi competition.
Signature Submissions
Notable Matches
Key competition results
Did You Know?
6x IBJJF World Champion plus 3x ADCC gold
Real name is Rubens Charles Maciel
Trained under Fernando Terere at Alliance
Style Matchup Analysis
Where this game is vulnerable
Exploitable Patterns
Heavier opponents who can impose size and deny his guard pulls
Pressure passers who can flatten him and neutralize his dynamic open guard
Wrestlers with strong top control who prevent Cobrinha from creating space
Nightmare Matchup
Marcelo's butterfly guard and guillotine game perfectly counters Cobrinha's passing entries. Their ADCC rivalry always favored Marcelo, who could match Cobrinha's speed while threatening constant submissions from bottom.
Closest Calls
Marcelo's butterfly guard nullified Cobrinha's passing and eventually led to a back take and RNC.
Mendes used berimbolo and back attacks to edge out Cobrinha in a passing-of-the-torch match.
Engine Insight
Relative weakness: Takedowns (80) is 7 points below their 87 average — opponents strong in this area have the best chance.
Trophy Case
Featherweight dominance across a decade
Gold in both weight and absolute
Signature Moments
6 World Titles + 3 ADCC Golds
Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles won six IBJJF World Championships and three ADCC gold medals, dominating both gi and no-gi at featherweight. His explosive guard and leg drag passing were equally effective with or without the gi — a rare combination at the lighter weights.
Nine major gold medals across gi and no-gi. Cobrinha was the most complete featherweight of his generation.
The Rivalry with Rafael Mendes
Cobrinha and Rafael Mendes had one of the greatest rivalries in BJJ history. They met in multiple World Championship and ADCC finals, trading wins and pushing each other to higher levels. Their matches were chess matches at 150 pounds — speed, timing, and innovation.
The greatest rivalry in featherweight history. Both men were better because the other existed.
Career Numbers
ADCC Golds
ADCC gold medals
3
Mundials Golds
IBJJF World Championship golds
6
Pan Am Golds
Pan American Championship golds
2
9
Deep Gi Nogi Golds
9 major golds (6 IBJJF Worlds + 3 ADCC) — one of the few to dominate both gi and no-gi at featherweight
Season Stats · 6x IBJJF World Champion
Engine Attributes
Data Coverage
FloGrappling / BJJ Heroes / IBJJF
8 of 8 profile sections complete
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