Rafael Lovato Jr. will face Giancarlo Bodoni in a middleweight submission grappling match at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16, 2025!

The matchup promises to be one of the most technically rich encounters of the year — a true generational showdown between two world champions at different stages of their careers.

Bodoni, just 29 years old, has already cemented himself as one of the premier talents in the sport. A two-time ADCC World Champion (2022, 2024), he made history as the first athlete to win back-to-back titles in the 88 kg division.

Lovato Jr., however, is far from intimidated.
Speaking to ONE FC, the most decorated American grappler in history expressed deep respect for Bodoni’s all-around game:

He’s very complete. He can win on top, he can win on bottom. His wrestling is good. He also has very good defense.
Even when he’s gotten into a little bit of trouble, he’s usually able to not just survive, but come back and fire off offense again.

He doesn’t give up. Technically, he’s a big challenge.
There are no real holes in his game.

Despite facing an opponent more than a decade younger, Lovato remains confident his experience and mental fortitude will make the difference.

With 76 of his 141 career victories coming by submission, he’s not looking to play for points:

I have a couple of attacks that I can bring him into a position where I can fire those off.
I don’t expect it to be easy to finish him — I don’t think I’ve ever really seen him get submitted.

But by the time I get to a dominant position, I’ll have broken him down enough to get a good look at it.

A win over Bodoni would not only reaffirm Lovato’s status as an ageless force in Jiu-Jitsu but could also position him for a potential ONE Championship world title should the promotion expand its grappling divisions:

We’re gonna get this victory.
Then I’m hoping they consider doing more titles in these other weight classes.

Ideally, I get a beautiful big win, and they let me go for a title fight next.

 

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