Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and former Bellator MMA Middleweight Champion Rafael Lovato Jr. secured a third-place finish at the Freestyle Wrestling Masters Nationals in the Master B (35-42 year) 100kg division.
Lovato went 5-1 over six matches in what was his freestyle wrestling tournament debut. Despite his extensive grappling background, this marked several firsts for the martial arts veteran—his first time competing in a singlet, first experience with two-minute rounds, and first time navigating a repechage bracket system after an early loss.
“I had a lot of nerves & was a bit tense & hesitant this morning,” Lovato shared on social media. “But after losing my 2nd match I felt my game open up & I started to get more comfortable with the format & how to play.”
His only defeat came against what he jokingly described as a “silverback gorilla” who scored the lone takedown against him throughout the competition. Following that loss, Lovato rallied through the repechage rounds to claim bronze, pinning two opponents and securing a technical fall along the way.
The achievement is especially notable as it’s uncommon to see high-level BJJ practitioners crossing over to wrestling competition, while the reverse transition is relatively common. Lovato has no formal wrestling background other than what he’s incorporated into his MMA and BJJ training.
“In my effort to be the best martial artist I can possibly be, I have fallen in love with the art of wrestling,” Lovato explained. “Nowadays, I probably watch more wrestling than I do Jiu-Jitsu or MMA.”
This accomplishment adds another credential to Lovato’s already impressive combat sports resume. The 40-year-old martial artist was forced to vacate his Bellator title in 2020 after being diagnosed with a brain condition called cavernoma, which has limited his MMA career.
“It felt good to feel the nerves of doing something for the first time again,” Lovato reflected on his wrestling debut. “It was an awesome experience & I will be back to go for Gold.”
His coach, Joe Boardwine, who has himself won multiple no-gi world titles, is credited with helping inspire Lovato’s passion for wrestling competition.
