First BJJ World Champion (Non-Brazilian)

For decades, Brazilian athletes dominated the IBJJF World Championships. That changed in 2007 when American Rafael Lovato Jr. won gold at the black belt level, becoming the first non-Brazilian world champion. His victory marked a turning point in the sport’s globalization.

Since then, athletes from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and beyond have reached the podium, proving that BJJ is no longer confined to its Brazilian roots. Lovato’s win symbolized a new era where talent from across the globe could challenge Brazil’s historic dominance.