Rafael Lovato Jr. Reflects On A 'Different Time' For Americans In Jiu-Jitsu

Just a few weeks ago Flograppling posted an article examining who the most successful American black belt is. Many popular names were included such as BJ Penn, Bill Cooper and Robert Drysdale but it was Rafael Lovato Jr. who rose to the top of the list. The Ribeiro brothers representative was the first American to win Brazilian Nationals in 2007 and has collected a total of 8 World Championship medals at black belt including one gold in the Super Heavyweight division. 

While in San Diego preparing for his upcoming super fight at Fight to Win Pro 6 we caught up with the American legend to get his thoughts on what it's like to be from a different time in jiu-jitsu past and what it means to him to have his name forever etched in the history books. 

It does mean something to me because in my time of learning jiu-jitsu, it was a whole 'nother scene. A lot of Americans really have no idea about that time and what it was like. I remember when being an American blue or purple belt was a huge deal. There were only a handful of American black belts to begin with. At that time you had to go to Brazil, there was no way around it.