It doesn't matter whether Rafael Lovato Jr. is competing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu or mixed martial arts -- all he knows how to do is win.

Across MMA and BJJ, gi or no-gi, Lovato did it all in 2016 and proved that he is one of the best combat sports athletes in the game today. Fighting for a plethora of promotions and winning four different championship belts throughout the year, Lovato not only closed out 2016 unbeaten but also finished 11 of his 12 bouts via submission or TKO. Take a look back at one of the most impressive years in combat sports. Watch every match below!

Rafael Lovato Jr. vs. Riccardo Demente At Fight To Win Pro 3

Lovato started the year off with a no-gi main event at Fight to Win Pro 3 in Austin, Texas. Although he had already shifted his focus to MMA, Lovato jumped at the opportunity to fight for a championship belt just down the road from his hometown of Oklahoma City. The American-born world champion dominated Demente and got the ball rolling on what would be an impressive 2016.

Rafael Lovato Jr. vs. Marcelo Nunes At Legacy 54

In just his third pro fight, Lovato captured his second world championship, this time in MMA. Although inexperienced inside the cage, Lovato used his grappling prowess to dominate the fight on the mat and take home his third finish in three straight fights.

Rafael Lovato Jr. vs. Steven Patterson At Respect Pro 3

After an MMA fight and a no-gi super fight Lovato returned to his first love, the gi. In the main event of Respect Pro 3 against ​Steve Patterson, Lovato proved yet again that it doesn't matter what rule set or what he's wearing, elite grappling transcends all.

Rafael Lovato Jr. vs. Diego Nogueira At Fight to Win Pro 6

Less than a month later, the American champion returned again to Fight to Win for a gi super fight against BTT's Diego Nougeria in Dallas. Again Rafael prevailed in impressive fashion.

Rafael Lovato Jr. vs. Roberto 'Cyborg' Abreu At Fight To Win Pro 7

In one of the most anticipated no-gi matchups of the year, Lovato took on ADCC champion "Cyborg" Abreu in Denver, Colorado, in a clash of two legendary fighters. The match lived up to the hype and saw Lovato taking a back-and-forth decision over the always exciting Cyborg. 

Rafael Lovato Jr. Wins Double Gold At Masters Worlds

Originally not slated to compete, Lovato signed up on a whim to join his two brothers in arms Saulo and Xande Ribeiro for the 2016 World Masters Championships. Lovato, the 2007 world champion, did not disappoint in his first time competing in the masters division, finishing all five of his matches in dramatic fashion. After Eliot Kelly knocked off Xande Ribeiro in the semifinals, Lovato roared back to take the gold for Ribeiro jiu-jitsu. Later, both Xande and Lovato closed out the absolute division together to make it a clean sweep.

Rafael Lovato Jr. vs. Tanner Rice At Fight To Win Pro 11

Fight to Win's first trip to Oklahoma wouldn't be complete with the presence of its most famous grappler. This time Lovato challenged the next generation of talent in Tanner Rice. Rice's guard work made for an interesting matchup, but ultimately Lovato wore down the younger black belt and finished him with a nasty collar choke from mount. 

Rafael Lovato Jr. vs. Cortez Coleman At Legacy 62

Rounding out the year with his first Legacy title defense, Lovato returned home to Oklahoma in the main event of Legacy 62. He took on the much more experienced Cortez Coleman, but Lovato once again used his strengths to control the fight and finish via an impressive armbar in transition. However, what was most surprising was the development of Lovato's striking game. While he kept Coleman at distance, Lovato was even able to sneak a few front kicks past the Crazy Cowboy's guard. Hopefully the win sets up Lovato for a big 2017 in a top-tier promotion such as the UFC or Bellator. 

WATCH The Trailer For "The American: Rafael Lovato Jr."