Nova Uniao

Nova Uniao was founded in 1995 by André 'Dedé' Pederneiras and Wendell Alexander in Rio de Janeiro, both black belts under Carlson Gracie. The organization quickly became one of the most prolific teams in BJJ and MMA, producing UFC champions José Aldo and Junior Dos Santos alongside a long list of IBJJF world champions. With over 250 affiliated academies across Brazil, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia, Nova Uniao is one of the most internationally recognized BJJ and MMA organizations in the world.