Mark Kerr is one of the most decorated submission grapplers in the history of the ADCC.
From 1999-2003, Kerr’s run through multiple weight divisions solidified himself in the record books and earned himself a spot in the ADCC Hall Of Fame.
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“The Smashing Machine” released into theaters in 2025, grew awareness of Kerr’s prowess as a grappler and pioneer for the ADCC. He helped transform the ADCC into what it is today.
Let’s take a look back at Kerr’s championship history ahead of the 2026 ADCC World Championships, and how he became one of the most decorated athletes in ADCC history.
Mark Kerr Dominates The +99 KG Division in 1999
Mark Kerr started his run through the ADCC in 1999 as part of the +99kg division. At the 1999 ADCC World Championship, he went on a four match win streak that ended with a belt.
In the first round, Kerr matched up against former IBJJF World Champion Carlos Barreto, defeating him by decision to advance.
He then defeated former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett in the quarter-final, before beating Chris Haseman by decision in the semifinal.
In the +99kg finals, Kerr defeated veteran IBJJF and ADCC grappler Sean Alvarez by decision to win his first ADCC World Championship.
Mark Kerr Doubles Up, Wins Two Divisions In 2000
One division wasn’t enough for Mark Kerr, so at the 2000 ADCC World Championships, he decided to chase two belts.
Kerr went back-to-back at the +99kg division, once again defeating Josh Barnett, this time in the first round. He then won the quarter-finals against Anthony Netzler and the semi-final against known celebrity instructor Rigan Machado.
In the final, Kerr matched up with grappling, MMA and boxing veteran Ricco Rodrizguez, who he defeated by decision.
Kerr then competed in the absolute division, narrowly defeating Leo Vieira by decision in the first round, before Kerr then defeated the smaller Mike van Arsdale in overtime to advance to the semifinals.
He defeated Ricardo Almeida in the semifinal before a rematch one year after their first match against Sean Alvarez. Kerr once again defeated Alvarez to claim belts in the absolute division and +99kg division in the same year.
Mark Kerr Dethrones Superfight Champion
A superfight at the ADCC World Championships typically puts the previous tournament’s winner of the absolute division against the reigning superfight champion.
Mario Sperry in 2001 was coming off back-to-back superfight titles before being matched up with Mark Kerr. Kerr defeated Sperry by decision to become the 2001 superfight champion.
A three year run composed of two +99kg division titles, an absolute division title and a superfight title is considered one of the most impressive runs in the history of the ADCC World Championship.
When Is The 2026 ADCC World Championship?
All the info you need to know about the 2026 ADCC World Championship broadcast live on FloGrappling.
Weight Classes At 2026 ADCC World Championship
Men's Professional
- -65.9kg
- -76.9kg
- -87.9kg
- -98.9kg
- +99kg
- Absolute
Women's Professional
- 55kg
- -65kg
- +65kg
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