picture of The American: Rafael Lovato Jr.

The most accomplished American blackbelt, Rafael Lovato Jr. burst onto the blackbelt scene in 2007 when he became one of the first non-Brazilians to win a World Championship.

The American: Rafael Lovato Jr. (Episode 1)

The American: Rafael Lovato Jr. (Episode 1)

Aug 17, 2016

Rafael Lovato Jr is a legend of the sport and the most decorated American competitor ever. World Champion, European Champion, Brazil National Absolute champion, you name it he’s won it. So how did a small town boy from Oklahoma become one of the most successful Brazilian jiu-jitsu champions ever? 

In Episode One of The American we bring you through the journey of Lovato Jr, from learning BJJ early on with his Dad, traveling to Brazil while he was just 16, and ultimately achieving his goals at the 2007 World Championships.

We’ll also get a glimpse into Lovato’s training camp while he prepares for the Fight to Win Pro main event vs ‘Cyborg’ Abreu.