One of the top female grapplers at the turn of the century, Ana Laura Cordeiro became a star fighting for the Gracie Barra academy for whom she won 4 consecutive world titles. In 2009, at a time when she was already regarded as a possible contender to the top "pound for pound" female jiu jitsu fighter in the world, Ana Laura Cordeiro suffered a terrible back injury that prevented her from competing at the highest level ever since. Ana Laura Cordeiro is still mentioned as one of the greatest female grapplers to have graced the sport despite her short competitive career, having defeated most of the big names of her generation such as Gabi Garcia, Michelle Nicolini, Penny Thomas and many others.