UFC referee Mike Beltran just earned a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from Professor Johnny Ramirez at New Breed Academy and it isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a testament to his unwavering belief that officials must intimately understand the sports they oversee.
“If you don’t train in the sport that you officiate, you got no business being there,” Beltran has famously stated, embodying a philosophy that has guided his two-decade journey in martial arts.
“That also includes being a judge. If you do not train, you do not understand the sport, because you’re not on the mat training. You don’t know what it feels like to take some damage and to understand that side of it. That’s a foundation, and like I said, nothing substitutes experience. If you have that experience in the cage or the ring, going over the mechanics and having those bouts, that combined experience helps you grow.”
“As well as listening to seasoned officials and taking constructive criticism, that’s the growth and development of a good official. I want to tell the fans too—when you criticize the judge or wonder, “Why did you see it that way?”—I challenge you, fans. Even with MMA today, in boxing, turn off the volume. “
Walking the Walk
Unlike many officials who view martial arts from the outside, Beltran’s perspective comes from countless hours on the mats. His understanding of techniques and positions isn’t theoretical—it’s carved from personal experience, sweat, and sometimes, humbling lessons. This hands-on approach has proven invaluable in making critical decisions inside the cage, where every second counts.
The Reluctant Grappler
Ironically, the man who now advocates for comprehensive martial arts training was once skeptical of grappling arts himself. In 2002, weighing between 230-240 pounds and focused solely on boxing, Beltran dismissed his friend Joe Camacho’s persistent invitations to try what Camacho called “magic”—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
“Dude I don’t want to do that…it’s not for me. If I can knock you out…” Beltran recalled telling Camacho.
That skepticism was shattered during his first training session at New Breed gym. Despite his imposing size, Beltran found himself submitted repeatedly by Camacho through various techniques. Even more eye-opening was his encounter with a 12-year-old student who maintained dominant positions despite their significant weight difference.
Beyond the Cage: Law Enforcement and Martial Arts
Beltran’s conviction about the importance of martial arts training extends beyond officiating. During his 28-year career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, he witnessed firsthand how crucial these skills are for law enforcement officers.
“My whole life, you know, in the Marine Corps and then when I got out, and then, um, when I became a deputy, I was clean-cut.” – Beltran told Ref Popeye Ray.
“I worked about as deep undercover as you can possibly, you know, work. And that’s the real story—while I was officiating fights and doing my MMA, working my way up the ranks, you know, I was actually working deep undercover cases.”
His experience as “Big Widow from East LA” during deep undercover operations paralleled his martial arts journey, both requiring dedication, authenticity, and constant skill refinement.
“I believe every officer should know how to box—should know how to throw a punch properly so they don’t break their hand. There’s a lot of things in the top game that are just as valuable, right?”
“But in addition to that, when you’re on the ground, what are you going to do, especially with all that gear on you? Being trained, being proficient, and having the skill set—a perishable skill set—is important.”
The Man Behind the Mustache
While his distinctive braided mustache has become iconic in the MMA world, it’s Beltran’s commitment to martial arts that truly defines him. This dedication has spilled over into an unexpected acting career, including a recurring role on “Mayans,” where his ability to maintain character—honed through years of undercover work—has served him well under the mentorship of actor Emilio Rivera.
Full Circle
Receiving his black belt from Professor Johnny Ramirez marks more than just technical proficiency—it represents the culmination of a philosophy lived fully. From skeptic to advocate, Beltran’s journey embodies the transformation that comes through dedicated martial arts training.
