Adele Fornarino

Adele Marie Fornarino (born 17 September 1999) is an Australian grappler and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) black belt competitor and coach. She became champion in two weight classes at the 2024 ADCC World Championship. As of October 7, 2025, Fornarino is ranked the #3 pound-for-pound women's no-gi grappler in the world by Flograppling

Early life Adele Fornarino was born on 17 September 1999, in Melbourne, Australia which she also grew up in. Her parents worked traditional corporate jobs and she followed her older brother in sports. She had no exposure to BJJ.

In December 2022, after being a brown belt for four years, Fornarino was promoted to black belt by Hart.

In August 2024, Fornarino became champion at both her weight class and the absolute weight class at the 2024 ADCC World Championship. This made her the first Australian to win at the event as well as the first to win in the absolute weight class. However Davies pulled out from the event due to a shoulder injury. The match was later rebooked for UFC Fight Pass Invitational 11 on May 29, 2025. Fornarino lost the bout by split decision.

Fornarino faced Jasmine Rocha in the co-main event of Who’s Number One 29 on July 25, 2025. She won the match by submission with an ankle-lock.

Fornarino faced Helena Crevar in the Semifinals of the Women's 100k tournament at CJI 2 on August 30, 2025. She lost the match by unanimous decision.

Personal life

Fornarino's nickname 'Daddy" comes from her persona which is a playful yet empowering identity that symbolizes her confidence and determination. This persona helps her exude confidence and reduce self-doubt.

Grappling competition achievements Main Achievements:

As black belt: ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship (Champion in 2024 at both weight class and absolute) Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship (Champion in 2023) European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship (Champion in 2023) Campeonato Brasileiro de Jiu-Jitsu (2nd place in 2023) World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship (2nd place in 2023)

Instructor lineage Carlos Gracie → Helio Gracie → Carlos Gracie Jr → Jean Jacques Machado / Rigan Machado → John Will → David Hart→ Adele Fornarino