Wellington 'Megaton' Dias Reflects On 23 Years Of Competing At Worlds

Yes, Megaton is pretty damn accomplished when it comes to jiu-jitsu, but no other feat is perhaps as impressive as this.

May 31, 2018 by Chase Smith

Wellington 'Megaton' Dias Reflects On 23 Years Of Competing At Worlds

Wellington 'Megaton' Dias is a true legend of jiu-jitsu.

A sixth-degree black belt, Megaton has brought home medals from just about every tournament on the planet: he's an 8x Pan American Champion, 2x European Silver medalist, and 4x Worlds medalist.

He's also the father of jiu-jitsu World Champion and budding UFC star Mackenzie Dern.

Yes, Megaton is pretty damn accomplished when it comes to jiu-jitsu, and he's about to beat his own record: he is set to compete for the twenty-third time in a row at the IBJJF World Championships this Saturday.

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It’s your 23rd year in a row doing worlds. The obvious question: what is your motivation to keep going forward? For us, and everyone else, it’s an amazing feat – but we want to know: why do you do it?

The first thing is that I still want to be a world champion. I am not ready to resign myself to just 'wishing to be a world champion.'

I also love the chance to compete alongside my daughter with both of us as black belts. I also keep competing because it may be inspiring to some athletes who are unable to compete at Worlds, and of course, I enjoy the chance to see old and new friends.

What is your favorite memory out of any World Championship?

Man, I have so many good memories, one of my favorites is from around 2000 / 2001. I took bronze that year, and after my matches, my family – including Mackenzie, who was eight at the time – were watching the Black Belt Open division. Fernando Pontes (Margarida) beat Saulo Ribeiro in the final and the energy was amazing.

The prize was a scooter and some girls were on hand to present the award to the winner. Margarida got one of the women to ride on the scooter with him and rode all around on the mats – the crowd went crazy!

Mackenzie couldn't believe what was happening and said "one day I'm going to be a black belt champion as well."

You’ve seen many changes: rulesets, star athletes, trends have all come and gone – what stands out as the biggest difference from when you competed at the very first World Championship to today?

I think the biggest difference was the intensity of the crowd: it was something from another world. The gymnasium was always packed: it was even difficult just to get inside. The competition between the academies was also fierce! There was chanting for the fighters, drums in the crowd – it was was the best feeling to fight in that atmosphere.

Megaton puts on the pressure. Photo: Chase Smith

Is there anything you’d like to bring back from the early days of competition? What changes would you like to see going forward?

If I could bring all this passion here to the USA, I would do that! Or, maybe, just hold the Worlds in Brazil every other year.

In all seriousness, the IBJJF is doing a great job promoting jiu-jitsu by holding numerous competitions all over the world, awarding prize money in their pro events, giving money for top ranking athletes, and so on. It's a long journey to get where everybody wants, but with time and support, we will get there.

You’re in incredible shape and a real threat to anyone standing against you on the mats – can you share some keys for achieving such amazing longevity at the highest level?

Thanks for the compliment! The reality is that I’m passed my prime – I'm in Masters 5 division now(!) – and I cannot change this. But I can still train my body and my mind.

I know that many guys I face can potentially beat me, but if they blink: I will throw them down, I will pass the guard, I will mount, I will choke, and I will win. And this mentality is a key to my success.

I believe the true samurai isn't the one who always wins, but the one always fights.

Keeping in shape is simple: I train on a regular basis, I have a strength and conditioning coach, I love to compete which motivates me to eat well and train smart, plus I have a very beautiful daughter which means I always need to be ready to fight! (laughs)

The secret in life and not just for jiu-jitsu but in everything is to do what you love, and love what you do – and the results will follow.

WATCH: Megaton Rolls With Mackenzie

Are there any modern athletes that you admire?

Definitely, there are many athletes from the new and old generations that I enjoy watching, I won't mention any names because I would regret leaving anyone off the list!

But one thing is for sure: all these athletes are my inspiration. I watch them fight and it gives me the motivation to improve, I think to myself, 'one day I want to good like this guy.'

Lastly, I'd like to take the opportunity to say thanks to Flograppling for the amazing job you guys doing in covering and promoting our jiu-jitsu. We can't deny that much of the publicity to our sport is through you guys; so thank very much.

Author's note: Thank you Megaton!!! OSS.