IBJJF 2017 World Master Jiu-Jitsu ChampionshipAug 25, 2017 by Hywel Teague
Rafael Lovato Jr. Becomes Two-Time Masters Worlds Double Gold Champ
Rafael Lovato Jr. Becomes Two-Time Masters Worlds Double Gold Champ
Rafael Lovato Jr. became the two-time World Master Jiu-Jitsu champion today, winning both the super heavyweight and openweight divisions.
Rafael Lovato Jr. became the two-time World Master Jiu-Jitsu champion today in Las Vegas, winning both the super heavyweight and openweight divisions.
With a number of submissions, Lovato defeated notable names in the absolute including Rafael 'Formiga' Barbosa in the final and Josh Hinger in the semi. Barbosa had beaten Lovato's teammate James Puopolo on the other side of the bracket.
Lovato cruised through the super heavyweight division, and reflected on the fact this is his first gi competition since 2016.
"It was a little match by match," he said. "Then I kind of got my rhythm and I was able to submit three guys [in a row]."
Next up for Lovato Jr. is to coach his father, Rafael Lovato Sr., through the elder black belt's first tournament in many years.
Lovato Jr. will compete in September at ADCC, and announced he will return to the cage on December 1 for an MMA bout.
With a number of submissions, Lovato defeated notable names in the absolute including Rafael 'Formiga' Barbosa in the final and Josh Hinger in the semi. Barbosa had beaten Lovato's teammate James Puopolo on the other side of the bracket.
Lovato cruised through the super heavyweight division, and reflected on the fact this is his first gi competition since 2016.
"It was a little match by match," he said. "Then I kind of got my rhythm and I was able to submit three guys [in a row]."
Next up for Lovato Jr. is to coach his father, Rafael Lovato Sr., through the elder black belt's first tournament in many years.
Lovato Jr. will compete in September at ADCC, and announced he will return to the cage on December 1 for an MMA bout.
FloGrappling's hottest content, delivered to your inbox
Don't miss breaking news, feature stories, event updates, and more. Sign up for the FloGrappling mailing list today.Related Content
- Replay: Mat 6 - 2024 Brasileiro Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF | Apr 25 @ 9 AM
Apr 26, 2024
- Replay: Mat 8 - 2024 Brasileiro Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF | Apr 25 @ 9 AM
Apr 26, 2024
- Replay: Mat 2 - 2024 Brasileiro Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF | Apr 25 @ 9 AM
Apr 26, 2024
- Replay: Mat 4 - 2024 Brasileiro Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF | Apr 25 @ 9 AM
Apr 26, 2024
- Replay: Mat 12 - 2024 Brasileiro Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF | Apr 25 @ 9 AM
Apr 26, 2024
- Replay: Mat 7 - 2024 Brasileiro Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF | Apr 25 @ 9 AM
Apr 25, 2024
- Replay: Mat 1 - 2024 Brasileiro Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF | Apr 25 @ 9 AM
Apr 25, 2024
- Replay: Mat 10 - 2024 Brasileiro Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF | Apr 25 @ 9 AM
Apr 25, 2024
- Brown Belts Leave It All On The Mat | 2024 Brasileiros Brown Belt Highlight
Apr 25, 2024