4. Andre Pederneiras, Nova Uniao
“Dede” is a 5th degree BJJ black belt under Carlson Gracie, considered the best Vale Tudo fighter ever. Nova Uniao was first established as a jiu-jitsu school, but Pederneiras lifted it to new heights as an MMA school.
In his stable is the UFC’s current featherweight champion Jose Aldo who clearly has the utmost respect for the man who’s helped guide his MMA career.
“He is the master. We rely on him. He’s the one who calls the shots, and it works great,” Aldo says of his trainer.
A slew of other talented fighters like Marlon Sandro and Renan Barao train under Pederneiras and recently it was announced that the former two-division champ BJ Penn will enlist his help to prepare for his upcoming fight against Frankie Edgar.
