Flávio Almeida, commonly known as "Cachorrinho" is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Junior, founder of the Gracie Barra Academy a team which Almeida has represented throughout his career. During the late 1990's Flávio Almeida was widely regarded as one of the top athletes in the sport, though a premature retirement to pursue an academic career took him off the mats for many years. In 2006 Almeida returned to grappling after a successful run in the business world. His return was founded on him opening his own Gracie Barra franchise in the United States. Fábio Almeida is also the younger brother of UFC veteran Ricardo Almeida.