Gleison Tibau
Active 2006–present · rated in 2 editions · peak overall 79.0
Scouting report
Emerging from Mossoro, Brazil, Gleison Tibau served as a physical benchmark of the UFC lightweight division across more than twenty Octagon appearances. Representing American Top Team, Tibau utilized a wrestling game powered by an 88 Strength rating and 88 Wrestling, testing top contenders with takedown defense and top control.
Peak ratings
By edition
Tibau utilized his frame and wrestling between 2011 and 2013, defeating Rafael dos Anjos, Jamie Varner and John Cholish while losing a decision to undefeated prospect Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 148 in Las Vegas. His power, top control, and takedown defense are reflected in an 88 Wrestling and 82 Cardio rating.
Tibau did not compete in 2016 or 2017, training out of American Top Team in Florida. His physical power, wrestling pedigree, and clinch control from prior top-fifteen competition preserved his ratings, including an 86 Wrestling and 86 Strength score.
Gleison Tibau, a strong wrestler with a very long stay at the top level
Gleison Tibau, born Janigleison Herculano Alves, began training at thirteen and was fighting at fifteen. He was a state champion in Rio de Janeiro in both jiu-jitsu and wrestling, and came up in the Kimura team before joining American Top Team. His first fight at the top level came at welterweight against Nick Diaz. He built a career on takedowns and control, going the distance repeatedly. Draft him for a heavy, physical grappler who usually takes fights to the scorecards.
What each Tibau rating means
Boxing. Not a strength. He preferred to close the distance and grapple.
Kickboxing. The lowest on the card. His career was built on takedowns, not kicks.
Wrestling. Tied for his best at 88. He landed ten takedowns against Josh Neer in 2009.
BJJ. Very good. He submitted Jeff Cox in 2007 and Rafaello Oliveira in 2011.
Strength. The other top number at 88, and it fits a fighter who wore opponents down with control.
Durability. Most of his losses went to the scorecards, though Michael Johnson knocked him out in 2013.
Cardio. Strong enough to go the distance many times, in fights against Josh Neer, Jeremy Stephens, and Kurt Pellegrino.
Fight IQ. Experienced. He beat Rafael dos Anjos by decision in 2011.
Wrestling and strength tie
Wrestling and strength are both 88, his best numbers. His ten takedowns against Josh Neer and his heavy top control show up throughout his career. Khabib Nurmagomedov beat him in 2012 by a decision that five of six media outlets scored for Tibau.
Kickboxing is a real hole
His kickboxing is 70. Nick Diaz stopped him by TKO on his debut, and Michael Johnson knocked him out in 2013. A striker who can defend the takedown will make him pay standing.
Keep exploring
Closest lightweight profiles to Gleison Tibau, measured by how near their peak attribute ratings sit across all eight categories.
- Gray Maynardbest wrestling 90 · weakest kickboxing 72
- Sean Sherkbest cardio 92 · weakest kickboxing 70
- Kevin Leebest wrestling 88 · weakest kickboxing 80
- Francisco Trinaldobest boxing 84 · weakest fight iq 80
- Lightweight division guide: how the whole division rates and who to draft from it.
- Grappling vs striking in the draft: a guide that fits Gleison Tibau's strongest attribute, Wrestling.
Draft Gleison Tibau into your build
Gleison Tibau enters the pool on any spin landing on lightweight between 2010 and 2017. Spin, draft eight attributes, then simulate 25 fights.
Ratings shown are my own estimates, made with AI assistance and informed by how Gleison Tibau is regarded by the MMA community. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Gleison Tibau's real-world abilities. How the ratings are made. See the disclaimer below. Ratings and write-ups by Haaris A. Last reviewed 2026-09-30; spot an error? Tell us. Read our editorial standards.