2024 ADCC World Medalist Luke Griffith has been promoted to black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu by Professor John Danaher, just days after he defeated Victor Hugo in the co-main event of WNO 27. Luke, originally of South Africa, lives and trains in Austin, TX under the tutelage of Danaher and joins the exclusive, short list of people to receive the honor from the well regarded coach.

Hear From Luke Griffith After WNO 27

While Luke has clearly been world class for some time, Danaher has always been adamant that promotions (especially to black belt) are based under his system on each individual student's potential and expectations. Clearly this is a sign that he feels that Luke turned a corner with his incredible win on Friday evening.

While Luke has had many impressive wins where he came out and stormed past his opponent, including against guys the caliber of Kaynan Duarte and Dan Manasoiu, it was finally against Hugo where he was the one to weather an early storm and then come back.

Luke had an incredible run through brown belt that saw him win the IBJJF no-gi grand slam, all by submission, in 2023. Luke is also the #2 ranked no-gi heavyweight on Earth at the time of his promotion.

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