""Bisnaga" is a Portuguese term for a Water Gun or an Ointment Tube, although it is also used colloquially to represent a "momma's boy" of sorts. In João's case, the name is a reference to the latter. Back in 2017, in an interview with BJJ Heroes, João explained the event that led to his nickname - "The first day when my dad dropped me at the [BJJ] academy, in the spur of the moment, he told the coach, 'take good care of my Bisnaga'. I tried to deny the nickname on the spot, but was too quiet in my attempt, and everyone started calling me this from then on"."