Grappling Giants Collide: Giancarlo Bodoni and Rafael Lovato Jr. Set for High-Stakes Debut at ONE 173 in Tokyo

Submission grappling fans are in for a historic showdown this November as two of the most accomplished American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes—Giancarlo Bodoni and Rafael Lovato Jr.—prepare to make their long-awaited ONE Championship debuts. The middleweight submission grappling bout is scheduled for Sunday, November 16, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo as part of the action-packed ONE 173 fight card.

This clash of generations and styles not only marks a significant moment for ONE’s growing submission grappling division but also serves as a potential passing of the torch between one of the sport’s most iconic veterans and one of its brightest current stars.

At just 29 years old, Giancarlo Bodoni has already carved out a formidable legacy in the global grappling scene. A two-time ADCC World Champion, having captured titles in 2022 and again in 2024, Bodoni represents the next evolution of elite submission artists. Under the tutelage of the legendary John Danaher at New Wave Jiu-Jitsu, Bodoni has developed a style known for its precision, aggression, and clinical finishing ability. He has consistently overcome top-tier opposition, including multiple IBJJF and ADCC champions, making him one of the most dangerous competitors in the sport today.

Standing across from him in Tokyo will be the battle-hardened Rafael Lovato Jr., a name that commands respect across both grappling and MMA communities. Now 42 years old, Lovato made history in 2007 when he became only the third American to win the IBJJF World Championship as a black belt in the gi. Since then, he has remained a fixture at the highest levels of competition.

Lovato also transitioned into MMA with remarkable success, going undefeated and capturing a world title before returning his focus to grappling in recent years. Despite his age, Lovato is arguably competing better than ever. His 2024 campaign was highlighted by dominant gold-medal runs at the IBJJF No-Gi European and Pan-American Championships, showcasing his ability to submit elite competitors with surgical efficiency. Most recently, he added another historic milestone by winning the 2025 IBJJF No-Gi Brasileiros—completing a clean sweep of all four major IBJJF titles in both gi and no-gi formats.

His ability to stay relevant and dominant after more than two decades in the sport is nothing short of extraordinary. As Lovato enters the bout with momentum on his side, it becomes clear this is not just a veteran appearance but a serious test for Bodoni’s growing dominance.

The stylistic contrast only adds to the intrigue: Bodoni’s dynamic, cutting-edge approach meets Lovato’s experience, grit, and old-school mastery. This is more than a battle for bragging rights—it’s a bout that could redefine the hierarchy of submission grappling within ONE Championship and set the tone for future elite matchups under the promotion’s expanding grappling banner.

With both men aiming to make a resounding statement in their ONE debuts, fans can expect high-level technical exchanges, relentless submission attempts, and a tactical battle that showcases the very best of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.