Neiman Gracie


Neiman Gracie Stambowsky 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, 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, facing Darren Costa. He won the fight via submission in the first round.
Gracie returned to the WSOF decagon on July 5, 2014 at, 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