Felipe Pena is one of the best heavyweight jiu-jitsu competitors in the world and already well-accustomed to WNO competition. 

Pena headlined the first WNO event of 2023 when he faced Nicky Rodriguez in in February at Tezos WNO: Pena vs. Rodriguez. While the plan was to take on his rival Gordon Ryan, the card change in the days leading up didn't impact Pena, who beat Rodriguez in the main event.  

Subscribe To FloGrappling To Watch Tezos WNO: Meregali vs. Duarte

Tezos WNO 19: Meregali vs Duarte Betting Lines: See Who's Favored

Meet Carlos Henrique: The Dream Art Star Ready To Shine At WNO 19

Now Pena will take on Haisam Rida at Tezos WNO: Meregali vs. Duarte on Aug. 10 in Austin, Texas at the Palmer Center.

The co-main events feature Nicholas Meregali and Kaynan Duarte in a heavyweight bout as well as WNO champion Ffion Davies in a title bout with Jasmine Rocha.  

WNO: Meregali vs. Duarte features a stacked card along with one-half its co-main event, Nicholas Meregali facing Kaynan Duarte in a heavyweight bout.

Meregali made quick work of Pedro Marinho in the last WNO event in May, but now faces Duarte, the 2022 ADCC World Champion in the -99kg division. Duarte won gold in the super-heavyweight division at the 2023 IBJJF European Championships.

Here's what to know about Pena. 

What Degree Black Belt Is Felipe Pena?

Felipe Pena is a third degree black belt.

What Age Did Felipe Pena Start BJJ

Pena, 31, began training when he was 14 with his brother Augusto Vieira Carsalade. He eventually began training with Gracie Barra. 

His current coach is Marcelo Azevedo. 

Where Is Felipe Pena Ranked In BJJ?

Pena finished 2022 ranked No. 11 in the FloGrappling heavyweight rankings. 

How Good Is Felipe Pena? He's Been One Of The Best Of The Last Decade

Pena was the 2017 ADCC Absolute Champion and he won gold at IBJJF Worlds in 2018 and 2019. 

In 2015, he won weight and absolute IBJJF World No-Gi Championships. 

He is a four-time Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion, winning in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. 

Unlock this video, live events, and more with a subscription!

Sign Up

Already a subscriber? Log In

What Is Felipe Pena's Nickname?

Pena, who is Brazilian and was born in Belo Horizonte, is nicknamed "Preguiça" which is Portuguese for sloth.

Felipe Pena vs. Gordon Ryan 

Pena's rivalry with Gordon Ryan is one of the sport's best.  

Pena is the only grappler who has beaten Ryan twice in black belt competition and also the only grappler to submit him. 

Pena beat Ryan at 2017 ADCC World Championships and in 2016 at Studio 540 Superfight. Ryan beat Pena at WNO: Gordon Ryan vs Felipe Pena III in 2022. 

The fourth match was scheduled for 2023, but the card was changed due to Ryan's illness. 

WNO: Meregali vs. Duarte Full Card

• Main Event: Nicholas Meregali vs Kaynan Duarte | Heavyweight bout
• Co-Main Event: Ffion Davies (c) vs Jasmine Rocha | Flyweight title bout

Main Card:

• Dante Leon vs Ethan Crelinsten | Lightweight title bout
• Felipe Pena vs Haisam Rida | Heavyweight bout
• Nicky Ryan vs Rene Sousa | Welterweight bout
• Andrew Tackett vs Troy Russell | Welterweight Bout

Undercard:

• Sebastian Rodriguez vs  Oliver Taza | Middleweight bout
• Ben Eddy vs Carlos Henrique | Featherweight bout
• Helena Crevar vs Healy Dayan | Featherweight bout
• Achilles Rocha vs JB Bechtloff | Middleweight bout

How To Watch WNO: Nicholas Meregali vs. Kanyan Durate On FloGrappling

The next Tezos WNO event is Aug. 10 in Austin, Texas at the Palmer Events Center. 

The co-main event of Nicholas Meregali vs. Kanan Durate is a no-gi match. The card also includes Felipe Pena, Nicky Ryan and more. Tezos WNO: Meregali vs. Duarte will stream on FloGrappling and the FloSports app. 

Replays of the matches will be available on both platforms.