Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante is a name that brings back exciting memories for true MMA fans, especially those who watched the sport during its golden era in Japan.
Once considered the best lightweight fighter in the world, JZ dominated the rings of K-1 Hero’s with incredible power and grappling skills.
Even though he is no longer fighting on the biggest stages like the UFC, he remains active in the martial arts world as a competitor and coach.
In this article, you will know Gesias Cavalcante’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Gesias Cavalcante’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gesias Cavalcante |
| Nickname | JZ |
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1983 |
| Age | 42 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 155 lbs (70 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2004 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 Million |
| Source of Wealth | MMA Fights, Seminars, Coaching |
| Children | Yes (Son named Aizen) |
| @gesias | |
| Twitter (X) | @Gesias |
Early Career
Gesias Cavalcante started his journey in martial arts at a very young age in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He began training in Luta Livre and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, developing a strong ground game that would later make him famous.
As a teenager, he worked hard to master his skills, eventually earning a black belt in both disciplines. His natural athleticism and aggressive style quickly caught the attention of coaches and fellow fighters.
Cavalcante decided to test his skills in professional mixed martial arts. He traveled to Europe to compete, taking fights in organizations like Shooto Switzerland and Cage Rage in England.
These early fights were tough tests, but they helped him get used to traveling and fighting in different environments. He quickly built a reputation as a dangerous opponent who could finish fights with submissions or strikes.
His success in Europe paved the way for his move to Japan, where he would eventually become a superstar.
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Professional Career
Gesias Cavalcante’s career truly took off when he joined K-1 Hero’s in Japan. This was the peak of his fighting life.
In 2006, he entered the Hero’s Middleweight Grand Prix and shocked the world. He defeated top fighters like Hiroyuki Takaya and Rani Yahya to win the tournament. He didn’t stop there.
The very next year, in 2007, he won the tournament again by beating Andre Amado and Vitor Ribeiro. Winning back-to-back tournaments made him the undisputed #1 lightweight in the world at that time.
After his success in Japan, JZ moved to the United States to fight for organizations like Strikeforce and WSOF (World Series of Fighting). While he had some good moments, injuries began to slow him down.
He faced tough opponents like Josh Thomson and Justin Gaethje but struggled to find the same dominance he had in Japan. Despite these challenges, he kept fighting and even won the Titan FC Lightweight Championship in 2016 by knocking out Pat Healy.
Today, he continues to compete in grappling tournaments and shares his knowledge as a coach at Fight Sports in Florida.
Gesias Cavalcante’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Gesias Cavalcante has an estimated net worth of roughly $1 million. This wealth comes from his long career in MMA, spanning over two decades, as well as his current work as a high-level coach and seminar instructor.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Estimated Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| WSOF 4 | Tyson Griffin | Win | $18,000 |
| WSOF 11 | Melvin Guillard | Loss | ~$12,000 |
| Strikeforce | Josh Thomson | Loss | ~$15,000 |
| K-1 Hero’s | Vitor Ribeiro | Win | ~$50,000 (Est. Tournament Bonus) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Primary Organization | Status | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | K-1 Hero’s | Champion | $100,000+ |
| 2007 | K-1 Hero’s | Champion | $120,000+ |
| 2013 | WSOF | Contender | $40,000 |
| 2016 | Titan FC | Champion | $30,000 |
| 2024-2025 | Grappling/Coaching | Veteran | $50,000+ |
Career Stats
| Result | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fights | 37 | Total professional bouts |
| Wins | 21 | 7 by KO, 10 by Submission |
| Losses | 12 | Mostly by Decision or TKO |
| Draws | 1 | vs. Ryan Schultz (2005) |
| No Contests | 2 | Both vs. Shinya Aoki |
FAQs
1. Why is Gesias Cavalcante nicknamed “JZ”?
He got the nickname “JZ” because American promoters and fans had trouble pronouncing his first name, Gesias. He told them to just call him by the initials of the sound, and “JZ” stuck as his global fight name.
2. What is Gesias Cavalcante’s biggest win in MMA?
His biggest wins came during the K-1 Hero’s tournaments. Defeating Caol Uno and Vitor Ribeiro to win the 2006 and 2007 Grand Prix titles are considered the highlights of his career.
3. Does Gesias Cavalcante still fight?
While he is mostly retired from major professional MMA, he remains very active in competitive grappling. He recently won gold medals at IBJJF tournaments and competes in professional grappling matches.
4. Where does Gesias Cavalcante train and teach now?
Cavalcante is currently a coach at Fight Sports in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA classes, sharing his decades of experience with new students.
5. Has Gesias Cavalcante ever fought in the UFC?
JZ never fought in the UFC. He was a superstar in rival organizations like K-1 Hero’s, Dream, and Strikeforce. By the time the UFC bought Strikeforce, he had moved on to other promotions like WSOF.
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