“I just had the best year of my career” - Rafael Lovato Jr. on cloud nine after massive ONE 173 victory in Tokyo

Champions rarely peak at 42, but Rafael Lovato Jr. just authored the most decorated year of his legendary career.

The Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) icon capped off a historic 2025 campaign with a unanimous decision victory over two-time ADCC world champion Giancarlo Bodoni in their middleweight submission grappling showcase at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, Nov. 16, inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

Shortly after his win, during his post-fight interview with Nick Atkin, the BJJ black belt expressed pure gratitude for everything his remarkable year delivered.

"Man, amazing. So grateful, ready for more. 42 years old. I just had the best year of my career, basically. I made history this year on the IBJJF circuit, and then I finish it on this beautiful stage in an amazing place that I love so much, beating the number one guy in the world. Couldn't ask for more," Rafael Lovato Jr. shared.

The Oklahoma native's assessment carried weight backed by unprecedented accomplishments.

In June 2025, he became the first athlete in history to win gold at all four IBJJF majors – European, Pan, Brasileiro, and World Championships – in both gi and no-gi competition, completing a double Grand Slam that no other grappler has achieved.

That historic achievement came after earning ADCC silver in the under-99kg division at ADCC 2024, proving he could still compete against – and defeat – the sport's new generation.

His dominant performances at the 2024 IBJJF No-Gi European and Pan-American Championships featured a near-perfect submission rate, demonstrating that technical excellence doesn't diminish with age when fundamentals are mastered over decades.

Watch the Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend's interview with Atkin below:

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Rafael Lovato Jr. impressive in ONE debut at ONE 173

His ONE Championship debut represented the perfect final chapter to an extraordinary year. And Rafael Lovato Jr. couldn't have written the script any better.

The American ground game wizard controlled exchanges, managed pace with veteran precision, and imposed his methodical pressure-based approach across 10 grueling minutes against Bodoni.

He stayed one step ahead on the canvas as the clock ticked down on his way to a decisive unanimous decision win inside the Ariake Arena in the Japanese capital.

Above all, he reminded everyone why legends remain dangerous regardless of age.

Even ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion Tye Ruotolo had nothing but praise for the 42-year-old after his triumph.

"He's dominated in every generation. He's gone through so many different generations, and he's still just at the top, you know. So, really sick to see him win tonight, and yeah, I'm super stoked for him," Ruotolo told Atkin in a separate interview when asked about Rafael Lovato Jr.'s win in Japan.

Who would you like to see the BJJ icon share the Circle with in his sophomore outing in the world's largest martial arts organization? Let us know below!

Fight fans who missed any of the action from ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri can visit live.onefc.com to secure their PPV replay passes. ONE Championship returns to Japan in April next year with ONE 175.