“I think that would be a good one” - Rafael Lovato Jr. open to ONE Championship world title fight against Roberto Jimenez

Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Rafael Lovato Jr. of the United States hopes to challenge for ONE Championship gold after his emphatic debut at ONE 173.

The 42-year-old left a lasting statement when he outclassed his much younger foe, Giancarlo Bodoni, via unanimous decision in a middleweight submission grappling match on Nov. 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

Now, Lovato Jr. hopes that massive victory positions him for a possible world title opportunity in the home of martial arts.

After the match, the Oklahoma native told combat sports journalist Nick Atkin his wish for the establishment of a middleweight submission grappling world title.

He already has an opponent in mind. Lovato Jr. said:

“This would have been perfect, but Bodoni lost another match this year against a kid that I’m a big fan of, Roberto Jimenez, ‘El Natural’. He’s a great kid. I’ve talked to him, super respectful, and if they wanted to make a title fight, I think that would be a good one. Me and him. It would be amazing for the fans, and he deserves it. I would totally take that one.”

Lovato’s performance certainly puts him in pole position for the belt if ONE decides to go that route.

Check out the full interview:

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Tye Ruotolo hopes to fight Rafael Lovato Jr., but not in grappling

Tye Ruotolo was immensely proud to see his fellow BJJ superstar Rafael Lovato Jr. defy Father Time at ONE 173.

The 22-year-old, who got his second MMA win at ONE 173, hopes to entice the 42-year-old legend back to mixed martial arts.

The reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling king said in his own interview with Nick Atkin:

"I would love to. He's an undefeated MMA fighter, right? Yeah. So yeah, he's still got plenty, I see him. He's still got fight left in him, you know, plenty of it, you know, so it's sick to see for sure. He's such a legend."