At Combat Submission Wrestling Headquarters in what witnesses described as a landmark moment for the grappling world, two of the art’s most enduring figures received long overdue recognition on April 10th, 2026. Rigan Machado was presented with his Red Belt, while Erik Paulson and six others were awarded their Coral Belts at the Combat Submission Wrestling Conference. Those who were present understood they were watching something rare.
Alan Baker, who was on hand for the ceremony, captured the weight of the occasion in a post shortly after:
“An epic day to be a part of in Jiu-Jitsu history. Rigan Machado received his Red Belt from Rorion Gracie, while Erik Paulson and six others were honored with their Coral Belt at the Combat Submission Wrestling Conference today. A tremendous moment recognizing decades of commitment, leadership, and impact on the art. Congratulations to all!”
Machado himself took to social media with characteristic warmth:
“Amazing time, got my Red Belt from Rorion Gracie.”
Rorion Gracie gave a speech at the ceremony saying:
“You know, I’m very happy to see that not only is Egan receiving his belt today, well deserved, but he’s also the kind of person who has been consistently showing up, teaching classes, and continuing to put in the work. It’s not just about time passing, you know what I’m saying? Sometimes people ask, “Rorion, can you promote me?” and I feel uncomfortable with that idea. But today, I’m happy and honored to have this opportunity.”
The Red Belt, representing the ninth degree in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is among the rarest distinctions in all of martial arts.
Machado’s path to it has been anything but simple. Having already held the eighth degree red and white belt earned under Carlos Gracie Jr., his résumé includes a Pan American Championship and multiple ADCC medals, alongside decades spent teaching and shaping practitioners across the globe. For those who have followed his career, this recognition was not a surprise. It was an overdue acknowledgment.
Paulson’s Coral Belt came through an equally meaningful channel. It was Machado himself who presented Paulson with the honor, adding a personal dimension to a ceremony already filled with significance. The two men share a long history within the broader Gracie lineage. Paulson began his grappling journey in 1988, studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Rorion Gracie, Royce Gracie and Rickson Gracie before branching into training under Yorinaga Nakamura and Catch Wrestling with the celebrated Billy Robinson. Across more than 35 years, he has become one of the most respected and cross disciplinary figures in combat sports.
Among those bearing witness were Kade Ruotolo and Tye Ruotolo, the twin grapplers who have become some of the most talked about names in modern submission grappling.
“Super grateful to be able to witness Erik Paulson get his Coral Belt today. A legendary belt for a legendary person.”
That sentiment reflects a broader truth about Paulson’s recent chapter. He came out of retirement specifically to coach the Ruotolo twins as they transition into MMA, describing the opportunity in terms that go beyond professional obligation.
Both Machado and Paulson have found themselves in a peculiar position in recent years. Despite their standing within the global grappling community, the IBJJF’s membership based ranking system had listed Machado as a 3rd degree black belt and Paulson as a plain black belt with no degree recognition.
Rorion Gracie presenting Machado with a Red Belt, and Machado in turn presenting Paulson with a Coral Belt, represented a lineage based recognition that carried the weight of lived history rather than administrative paperwork. The people in that room, including two of the sport’s brightest young stars in the Ruotolo brothers, understood what they were witnessing.
