""Baleia", meaning whale in Portuguese. The nickname was given by Felipe Zicro Neto and Romero Cavalcanti (Jacaré). The name came about after Riccardo jokingly asked how to say "Beached Whale" in Portuguese, during class. The reason being, he felt that was how his jiu jitsu game looked like. Minutes after the question, while rolling, Felipe Zicro tried to lift Ammendolia, feeling the full weight of his heavy frame, saying out loud: "f-ing Baleia". The funny side of the situation sealed Riccardo's nickname as Baleia from their on."