Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Hannette Staack won her first-ever mixed martial arts fight.
Staack is a seven-time world champion in jiu-jitsu and is tied with Kyra Gracie as the second-most accomplished woman with three ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) gold medals, one behind the four-time winner Gabi Garcia. She also got inducted into the IBJJF Hall of Fame for her achievements.
BJJ legend Hannette Staack wins her MMA debut with a vicious kimura submission
This past Friday, Staack took on Lorrany Pinheiro, who was also making her MMA debut at Shooto Brazil 111 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Staack widely considered one of the best grapplers of all time, displayed her signature submission abilities as she locked in a vicious kimura from the amount within three minutes of the opening round.
You can watch the highlights below.
The card was headlined by grizzled veteran John Teixeira, a former UFC, Bellator, and RIZIN fighter, and Mauricio Machado. Teixeira scored a quick finish of Machado, needing only 36 seconds to win the featherweight bout. During his 15 years as a professional MMA fighter, he faced notable opposition from former Bellator featherweight champion A.J. McKee, Daniel Weichel, and Pat Curran.
Staack hinted at a move to MMA about two years
In Jan. 2021, Hannette Staack shared her interest in making a switch to the octagon after training at Nova Uniao in Rio de Janeiro the previous December.
“I wanted to do something to challenge myself,” Staack said in an interview with MMA Fighting. “Since I already have a few titles in jiu-jitsu, no-gi and the ADCC, I didn’t see much sense in entering more tournaments, except for superfights. I came to Brazil to train with a friend and this possibility was presented to me.”
The 43-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down. After a shining start to her professional career, Hannette Staack will look to extend her win streak as she faces tougher competition.
