Lovato Jr Prevails In Wrestler vs Grappler Matchup

Lovato Jr Prevails In Wrestler vs Grappler Matchup

Dec 2, 2017 by Reid Connell
Lovato Jr Prevails In Wrestler vs Grappler Matchup

Rafael Lovato Jr faced the stiffest test of his MMA career on Friday night. 

The IBJJF World champion took on two time NCAA all-American wrestler Chris Honeycutt in the Bellator cage and walked away with an impressive unanimous decision win.

Lovato showcased his ever evolving kickboxing skills early in the fight with a wide variety of punches, kicks and knees. He fought off multiple takedown attempts from Honeycutt with guillotines, kimuras and a few amazing displays of flexibility.

In the third round Lovato even showed off some of his own wrestling offense and took down the national qualifier from Edinboro University. 

Two judges scored the fight 30-27 while the third gave presumably the third round to Honeycutt and scored the fight 29-28. The win marks the first time Lovato has gone the distance in his MMA career. 

A big win for the unbeaten jiu-jitsu super star who improves now to 7-0 and 3-0 under the Bellator banner. 

Rafael Carvalho defends his middleweight title against Alessio Sakara next weekend at Bellator 109 and Lovato may have just positioned himself as next in line.

Watch Our FloFilm Series: The American - Rafael Lovato Jr.


The American: Rafael Lovato Jr. (Episode 1)