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Rafael Lovato Jr.

3x IBJJF World Champion · 2003–2019

195 lbs·Black Belt·Lovato Jiu-Jitsu·Gi/No-Gi
Skill ScoreHow you win — in-game attributes
87/99
Generational

Jr.'s elite Guard Passing (92) and elite Top Control (92) define this era.

Legacy ScoreCareer dominance — record, titles, defenses
57/99
Established
Win Rate +14Win Volume +6Sub Rate +4Worlds (1) +6

Competition Record

Career grappling record

Gi

Wins45
Losses5
Subs20

No-Gi

Wins10
Losses1
Subs5
Submission Rate45%

3x IBJJF World Champion, Bellator MMA Champion

Records via BJJ Heroes & IBJJF

Mat Resume

Time on the mats in professional competition

55

Pro Matches

26

Mat Hours

20

Events

6.8 min

Avg Duration

1:00

Fastest Sub

8

Sub-Only Matches

Style Analysis

Three-time IBJJF World Champion who became a Bellator MMA champion. First American to win the IBJJF Mundials at black belt.

Signature Submissions

Armbar from MountCross ChokeRNCPressure Pass

Notable Matches

Key competition results

W
vs Otavio Sousa
Mundials 2014·2014
Points
W
vs Romulo Barral
Pan Ams 2012·2012
Points
W
vs John Salter
Bellator 2019·2019
RNC
L
vs Braulio Estima
ADCC 2009 -88kg·2009
Points

Did You Know?

1

First American to win IBJJF Mundials at black belt

2

Won Bellator middleweight title

3

3x IBJJF World Champion

Trophy Case

3×IBJJF World Champion

First American to win Mundials at black belt

Bellator MMA Champion

Middleweight title

Signature Moments

3 World Titles + Bellator Champion

2007-2019·vs vs Multiple

Rafael Lovato Jr. won three IBJJF World Championships and then won the Bellator MMA Middleweight Championship — the only person to hold both a BJJ world title and a major MMA belt. He retired undefeated in MMA with a 10-0 record.

World champion in BJJ. World champion in MMA. Undefeated. Lovato is the ultimate proof that BJJ translates to fighting.

Career Numbers

Mundials Golds

IBJJF World Championship golds

3

Pan Am Golds

Pan American Championship golds

1

Verified Feb 2026 · bjjheroes.com

10-0

Deep Undefeated Mma

10-0 undefeated MMA record including the Bellator Middleweight Championship — retired undefeated

Season Stats · 3x IBJJF World Champion

Mundials GoldsIBJJF World Championship golds
3 IBJJF World Championship golds
RecordCareer competition record
55-6
Submission RateCareer submission rate
45%
Submission WinsCareer submission victories
25

Engine Attributes

Athleticism85
Competition IQ88
Escapes85
Guard Game80
Guard Passing92
Submissions85
Takedowns85
Top Control92
Skill Score
87/99
Generational
Legacy
57/99
Established

Data Coverage

100%
Bio & Identity
Competition Record
Major Titles
Notable Opponents
Style & Attributes
Signature Submissions
Career Timeline
Gi/No-Gi Breakdown

FloGrappling / BJJ Heroes / IBJJF

8 of 8 profile sections complete

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