On the Save Jiu Jitsu podcast, 2007 BJJ and No Gi World Champion Rafael Lovato Jr announced that he will be looking to fight in MMA later in 2014.
Lovato being a two time BJJ world champion, ADCC medalist, 2x Metamoris competitor, makes him arguably the best American born grappler.
On the podcast Lovato said that he would only making a temporary move to MMA, and now with No Gi season starting, it leaves him a lot time top focus on that.
Lovato joins a long list of BJJ world champions to try their luck in MMA with mixed results: Andre Galvao, Jacare Souza, Roger Gracie, Braulio Estima…
Lovato’s student Justin Rader is 2-0 in MMA
Lovato’s game could possibly translate well to MMA as he has good takedowns, lots of No Gi experience, a very good guard and very good top game.
His student Justin Rader has recently started an MMA career and has 2-0 record. He is one of the better takedown artists in BJJ.
Lovato also stated that he hasn’t struck any deals yet a promotion yet but that he’s working on it.
Stay tuned.
