“Always Pushing Forward”: Pedro Araújo Ready to Defend His NoGi Title at Submission Hunter Pro 98

Pedro Araújo’s journey in martial arts began as a child in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, practicing judo and competing in regional tournaments. In 2009, his curiosity led him to try MMA, but when his gym canceled classes, he shifted to jiu-jitsu instead—a choice that changed his life.

Training under Marcelo “Uirapuru” and Sérgio Benini at Gracie Barra Belo Horizonte, Pedro quickly rose through the ranks, winning major state titles. In 2012, he traveled to Los Angeles to join Romulo Barral’s training camp for the IBJJF World Championships, where a big win inspired him to leave his law studies and commit to jiu-jitsu full-time in the United States.

At Gracie Barra Northridge, he earned his purple and brown belts under Barral and discovered his passion for coaching. Although setbacks in 2015 nearly led him away from the sport, Vinícius “Draculino” convinced him to return, bringing him to Texas and eventually placing him at the helm of a Gracie Barra academy in Houston’s Heights neighborhood.

Now boasting an 11-4 record, Pedro is preparing to defend his 235-pound black belt NoGi title against Mike Torres at Submission Hunter Pro.

“I’m always pushing forward, you know. I’m a heavy guy but like to do small people game,” Pedro says. “So I want to go there, chase that submission, and give you guys a great show.”

It’s been nearly a year since he’s competed, and he’s eager to get back on the mats. “I’m excited to get back there on Submission Hunter, defend my title in NoGi, excited to have a match with Michael and, you know, be back on the mats—it’s been almost a year.”

He prefers to focus on his own game rather than over-analyze his opponent. “I don’t know a lot about him, you know. I just want to go there, I worry about myself. I want to go there and put the best of me and let the best man win.”

Pedro also credits Submission Hunter Pro for helping him settle into the Texas grappling scene. “I think Submission Hunter was one of the first tournaments that I did when I moved to Texas, and I developed a really good connection with Eric,” he says. “Eric is a great promoter, and I really like the effort that he puts in his shows.”

With a legacy that includes multiple world titles and a passion for both competing and coaching, Pedro Araújo is ready to show fans why he’s still one of the most dynamic heavyweights in NoGi grappling.

Submission Hunter 98 will take place on Friday, July 25th, 2025, and can be viewed on UFC Fight Pass, or in-person at Bayou City Event Center in Houston, Texas. Get your tickets at https://www.subhunterpro.tv/buy-tickets