This weekend during the 2015 IBJJF Worlds, history will be made.

Wellington ‘Megaton’ Dias is the only Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor to have competed in all 19 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships, realized since the first edition in 1996. His discipline and perseverance has been an example for younger athletes. This weekend the 47 year old Megaton will once again compete in the black belt adult division, making it 20 years in a row. So far, he has earned a silver and 3 bronze in the process.

Wellington “Megaton” Dias is an official black belt representative of the Royler Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Association. Wellington originally trained under Rogerio Camoes and later at the legendary Gracie Humaitá jiu-jitsu school in Rio de Janeiro. Wellington received his black belt at the age of 18. Wellington is currently a fifth degree black belt under Royler Gracie.

Wellington is a multiple Pan-American medalist, European medalist, Worlds medalist, US National medalist, Rickson Gracie International Championship medalist, Rio de Janeiro State Champion and Abu Dhabi veteran, among other accomplishments.

Wellington Dias resides in Phoenix where he directs the Megaton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Arizona. Megaton has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo since 1976. His wife Luciana and daughter Mackenzie are also black belts and champions in the sport.

Wellignton Dias is nicknamed “Megaton” because of his Judo training and propensity to launch his competitors high into the air, similar to the blast of a nuclear bomb. “Megaton” was named the #1 ranked nickname in MMA by SubFighter.

Megaton’s daughter, 2015 World Pro double gold world champion, Makenzie pays homage to her father: