Quick Facts
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Biography
Neiman Gracie Stambowsky (born December 12, 1988)is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner who competes in the Welterweight division of Bellator MMA. A professional MMA competitor since 2013, he has also previously fought for the World Series of Fighting. He is a 4th generation member of the Gracie Family of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Background
Family
Neiman is the son of Carla Gracie (daughter of Robson Gracie), and Márcio Stambowsky. Like his father, he was raised Jewish, making him "one of MMA's most notable Jews." He is a 4th generation member of the Gracie Family of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He is billed professionally as "Neiman Gracie", using his mother's surname. His sister Deborah Gracie Stambowsky is the second female in the Gracie family to achieve the rank of black belt, behind their first-cousin Kyra Gracie.
Gracie and his wife Karina have one daughter, Khali.
Jiu-jitsu
He has medalled at the World Nogi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Pan Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship, and the New York International Open IBJJF Championship.
Mixed martial arts career
World Series of Fighting
In 2013, Gracie set his sights on competing in mixed martial arts. He signed with the World Series of Fighting promotion and made his debut in September 2013 at World Series of Fighting 5: Arlovski vs. Kyle, facing Darren Costa. He won the fight via submission in the first round.
Gracie returned to the WSOF decagon on July 5, 2014 at World Series of Fighting 11: Gaethje vs. Newell, facing Dustin Holyko.He again won the fight via submission, this time in the second round.
Bellator MMA
On October 29, 2014, it was announced that the undefeated Gracie had signed with Bellator MMA.
Gracie made his Bellator debut against Bobby Flynn on February 27, 2015 at Bellator 134. He won the fight via submission in the first round.
For his second fight with the promotion, Gracie faced Roger Carroll at Bellator 151 on March 4, 2016.He won the fight by unanimous decision.
In his third fight for Bellator, Gracie faced Rudy Bears at Bellator 163 on November 4, 2016. He won the fight via submission in the first round.
Gracie faced Dave Marfone at Bellator NYC on June 24, 2017.He won the fight via submission in the second round.
Gracie was expected to face Javier Torres at Bellator 185 on October 20, 2017. Gracie's opponent was changed to Zak Bucia after an injury to Torres. As a result of the Brennan Ward vs David Rickels match being removed from the card, also due to injury, the bout was elevated to co-main event. Gracie won the fight by submission due to a neck crank in the second round.
In his sixth fight for the promotion, Gracie faced Javier Torres at Bellator 198 on April 28, 2018. He won the fight via arm-triangle choke submission in the second round.
Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix and title shot
Gracie next entered the Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix. He faced Ed Ruth in the quarterfinals at Bellator 213 on December 15, 2018. He won the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the fourth round.
Gracie faced Rory MacDonald in the semi-finals at Bellator 222 on June 14, 2019. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.
Post-Grand Prix
Gracie was expected to face Kiichi Kunimoto at Bellator 236 on December 21, 2019. However, Gracie had to withdraw from the bout due to an injury and was replaced by Jason Jackson.
Championships and awards
- Bellator Fighting Championships
- Second most submission wins in Bellator MMA history (6) - tied with Ilima-Lei Macfarlane and Michael Chandler
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 10 matches | 9 wins | 1 loss |
| By knockout | 0 | 0 |
| By submission | 8 | 0 |
| By decision | 1 | 1 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 9–1 | Rory MacDonald | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 222 | June 14, 2019 | 5 | 5:00 | New York City, New York, United States | Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix Semifinal. For the Bellator Welterweight World Championship. |
| Win | 9–0 | Ed Ruth | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator 213 | December 15, 2018 | 4 | 2:17 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal. |
| Win | 8–0 | Javier Torres | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Bellator 198 | April 28, 2018 | 2 | 3:18 | Rosemont, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 7–0 | Zak Bucia | Submission (neck crank) | Bellator 185 | October 20, 2017 | 2 | 2:27 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Win | 6–0 | Dave Marfone | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator NYC | June 24, 2017 | 2 | 2:27 | New York City, New York, United States | |
| Win | 5–0 | Rudy Bears | Submission (armbar) | Bellator 163 | November 4, 2016 | 1 | 4:39 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | Catchweight (175 lb) bout. |
| Win | 4–0 | Roger Carroll | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 151 | March 4, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 | Bobby Flynn | Submission (neck crank) | Bellator 134 | February 27, 2015 | 1 | 2:36 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | Welterweight debut. |
| Win | 2–0 | Dustin Holyko | Submission (rear-naked choke) | WSOF 11 | July 5, 2014 | 2 | 2:21 | Daytona Beach, Florida, United States | Catchweight (175 lb) bout. |
| Win | 1–0 | Darren Costa | Submission (armbar) | WSOF 5 | September 14, 2013 | 1 | 3:57 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Middleweight bout. |