In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, celebrity practitioners often face scrutiny over the legitimacy of their skills and rank promotions. One such figure who has found himself in the crosshairs is actor Ashton Kutcher, a brown belt under famed instructor Rigan Machado.
In a surprising claim back in 2016, Machado stated that Kutcher could defeat none other than Conor McGregor, the former UFC champion, in a grappling match.
“I put all my money [on] Ashton Kutcher,” Machado told TMZ at the time. “I think he could do really, really good. He’s 200 pounds, 6-2, 6-3, he’s the best.”
Machado, known for his work as a stunt coordinator on films like John Wick, has been vocal about his high-profile students in the past. While contractually obligated not to discuss many of them, he has praised actors like Joel Kinnaman and Charlie Hunnam for their dedication to training and sparring.
Regarding Kutcher’s promotion to brown belt, Machado previously vouched for his legitimacy, stating, “Ashton Kutcher, for me, is my No. 1 student. He’s a purple belt but he has a really good background in wrestling. I think he has a chance to be one of the top guys in jiu-jitsu.”
Kutcher’s training alongside elite grapplers like ADCC silver medalist Craig Jones has also been highlighted. Jones spoke highly of Kutcher’s commitment despite facing physical challenges, noting, “He can take a lot of heat for the celebrities he trains… Ashton had a serious medical condition. I don’t know if it was a stroke, but half his body stopped working so he couldn’t move too well.”
Meanwhile, Conor McGregor, known for his striking prowess, recently received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu earlier this year, adding another accolade to his combat sports resume.
While Machado’s claim about Kutcher’s potential to defeat McGregor in a grappling match may seem far-fetched to some, it has undoubtedly added fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding the legitimacy of celebrity practitioners in the martial arts world.
