Multiple BJJ world champion Rafael Lovato Jr has recently announced that he would be trying his hand at MMA.
Lovato was after BJ Penn, the second non-Brazilian to ever win a jiu-jitsu world championship in the black belt adult division. This was back in 2007.
Lovato is will face Canaan Grigsby (3-1) at Legacy FC 35 which will be on September 6th at the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa, Oklohoma. Grigsby last two fights were TKO victories and he is a good striker.
Lovato’s grappling accomplishments include multiple world titles in jiu-jitsu such as World and World NoGi Championships, two Pan-American titles and one European gold medal.
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.
The card will also feature another BJJ world champion: Alliance BJJ’s Leonardo Leite will put his undefeated record to the test in a light heavyweight championship fight against reigning champion Myron Dennis.
Lovato told MMAFighting.com:
“I am very excited to make my MMA debut for Legacy,” . “In the beginning, I am just in it for the challenge and to do something different. I always believed I would fight MMA and then I dedicated my life to Jiu-Jitsu and my academy and team. Now, I am at a point in my career where I feel that I have achieved nearly everything I wanted to do in Jiu-Jitsu and I have made my mark.”
“My academy and my team is at a great level where I can focus on this new challenge and I have an excellent muay thai coach at my school full time now, so everything just feels right. This is a great time for me to fight.”
He said that he still plans to complete in BJJ and grappling:
“I still want to fight at the Worlds and ADCC next year, but if I enjoy MMA, I might make the transition into focusing on that 100 percent after the tournaments next year,” he said. “Right now it is just about the challenge and fun.”
