Meyram Maquine Alves, an acclaimed two-time IBJJF World Champion with an exceptional professional grappling record of 135 wins and 16 losses, is generating significant buzz as he prepares for his inaugural appearance in ONE Championship. His debut at ONE Fight Night 46 on Prime Video, scheduled for August 14 at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, will see him face Ruan Alvarenga in a featherweight submission grappling contest. This highly anticipated event offers Alves a crucial opportunity for retribution against Alvarenga, who previously defeated him in 2025. Ahead of this pivotal fight, understanding key aspects of Alves's journey provides valuable insight into his formidable talent and potential impact on the global martial arts stage.
Before dedicating himself to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Meyram Maquine Alves was introduced to Capoeira at the tender age of five by his father, an ardent practitioner of both Capoeira and BJJ. This Afro-Brazilian martial art, combining elements of combat, acrobatics, dance, and music, laid a foundational groundwork for Alves. His early exposure to Capoeira's fluid movements, exceptional body control, and spatial awareness instilled in him a unique and dynamic approach to grappling. These intrinsic qualities, rarely acquired through conventional grappling training, profoundly influenced his aggressive and unpredictable style, providing him with a distinct advantage over more traditional grapplers.
Alves's journey from raw talent to elite grappler was significantly shaped by influential mentors. Born and raised in Manaus, a renowned hub for martial arts in the Amazon, he was initially guided by coach Alcenor Alves, who recognized his immense potential. This led to a scholarship with the prestigious Guigo JJ in São Paulo, where he trained under the tutelage of Luiz "Guigo" Guilherme. At just 15, his international experience began with a training camp at Team Lloyd Irvin in Maryland, USA. Guilherme promoted Alves to black belt in 2020, by which time he had already amassed a collection of titles, including IBJJF World Championships, Pan American titles, and South American Championships, solidifying his status as one of Brazil's most accomplished young grapplers.
Alves’s career is marked by a remarkable achievement: matching a 27-year-old record held by grappling legend Royler Gracie. In 2022, he secured his first IBJJF World Championship in the 64-kilogram division, triumphing over Diego Oliveira. Two years later, he again dominated the 70-kilogram field, defeating Ademir Barreto with a choke from the back in the final. His most daring performance came in the absolutes division, where he competed against significantly larger opponents, defeating Angelo Claiborne and Roberto Jimenez before reaching the semifinal. The bronze medal he earned made him the lightest athlete in 27 years to reach the absolute podium at the IBJJF World Championships, a testament to his technical prowess and unwavering resolve.
Alves's fighting style is perfectly suited for ONE Championship's fast-paced, submission-only format, which rewards athletes who actively seek to finish. With 68 of his 135 career victories coming via submission, he is undeniably a submission specialist. His most formidable techniques include chokes from the back, accounting for 43 finishes, and armbars, which have secured him 26 wins. Alves's methodical approach involves using suffocating top control to eliminate escape routes, often leading opponents to expose their arms when defending their necks. In the 10-minute ONE Championship format, he will have ample opportunity to pursue these highlight-reel finishes, and his impressive track record indicates a high probability of success once he establishes control.
Before his official entry into ONE Championship, Alves had already tested his skills against some of the organization's top athletes. He has engaged in a fierce rivalry with fellow Manaus native Fabricio "Hokage" Andrey, with both fighters trading impressive wins, including a notable victory for Alves at the Spyder Korea Grand Prix in 2023. At BJJ Stars 18 in 2025, he achieved a dominant points victory over ONE featherweight submission grappling standout Owen Jones. His most significant triumph, however, came against reigning ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion Diogo "Baby Shark" Reis at BJJ Stars 15 in 2025, where Alves outpointed Reis in a gi match. These victories underscore his elite pedigree and readiness to compete on martial arts' grandest stage against Alvarenga on August 14.
