Rafael Lovato Jr and Mackenzie Dern are two of the best Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners in the World today. With three World Championships between them it's no secret why they've both become among the hottest prospects in the sport of MMA. And this month you'll be able to see both as they fight to keep their undefeated records in tact.

The 2007 black belt World Champion Rafael Lovato Jr will make a big jump up in competition this weekend(March 2nd) when he fights for one of the premier MMA organizations in the world, Bellator MMA. At Bellator 174 he will take on the more experienced Bellator veteran Wayman Carter on the prelim portion of the card.

While preparing for the fight, Lovato has been working with MMA legends Wanderlei Silva & André "Dida" Amado down in Brazil. The event will be held in Lovato's home state of Oklahoma and has attracted UFC veterans Kendall Grove & Justin 'The Big Pygmy' Wren to train at the jiu-jitsu legends home gym while they also prepare for fights at Bellator 174. 

Lovato will attempt to extend his undefeated record to 5-0.



Mackenzie Dern looks to continue to build on her momentous 2016 year. With sights firmly set on being UFC champion the Gracie Humaita black belt will once again fight under the Legacy banner. At LFA6(March 10th) in San Antonio Texas Dern will take on Golden Gloves champion boxer Katherine Roy.

The jiu-jitsu phenom put on a show during her last MMA fight when she wow'd everyone with her Submission of the Year victory over Kenia Rosas. But the good news for BJJ fans is that she still isn't done competing in jiu-jitsu.

Right now I did the Europeans this year. I came back and had a super fight for 'Fight to Win,'" Dern said. "I would like to do the Pan American Championships, which is one weekend after my upcoming MMA fight so I'm hoping I don't get injured. Right now I am [ranked] No. 1 in the world [in jiu-jitsu], so I would like to go into the UFC being No. 1 in the world. The ranking finishes at the Worlds, then hopefully I can make my debut in the UFC this year, maybe in June or July. I would like to do that.

Mackenzie Dern may be the hardest working athlete in sports today as she balances training for elite completion in two different sports.

WATCH: Mackenzie Dern vs Pati Fontes Super Fight!