Denver, Colorado martial arts fans will be treated to a submission grappling showcase when ONE Championship returns to the Mile High City. On August 1, ONE 173 will light up Ball Arena once more. As part of the festivities, two American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stars will meet in a middleweight contest.
Bodoni, Lovato Jr. Clash in Anticipated Grappling Showcase at ONE 173
Giancarlo Bodoni will meet Rafael Lovato Jr. inside the Circle. Both men enter after successful bids during the 2024 ADCC World Championships. American submission prowess will be put center stage in a dream matchup during ONE 173.
Rafael Lovato Looking to Build Off Silver Medal With Win at ONE 173
Lovato, recognized as the most decorated American competitor in the sport’s history, is coming off a silver medal performance at the ADCC Championships. It was proof he was still very much competing at the elite level. Mixed martial arts fans may recall Lovato’s undefeated run in the sport, including defeating Gegard Mousasi to become the Bellator Middleweight Champion before vacating the title and returning to jiu-jitsu.
Can ADCC World Champ Bodoni Defeat Rafael Lovato During ONE 173 in Denver?
However, Bodoni sits at the sport’s apex today. Bodoni has won back-to-back ADCC World Championships. The American star trains out of New Wave Jiu-Jitsu in Texas under the watchful eye of John Danaher. A win over Lovato at ONE 173 could be an official changing of the guard and mark him as the face of American Jiu-Jitsu.
This fascinating ground matchup will be a brilliant look into two all-time greats of submission grappling. With both men making their ONE debut in front of a global viewing audience, they will be intent on putting on a show. The matchup will surely be an explosive contest with both men hunting for finishes.
ONE 173 emanates live from Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Friday, August 1. More marquee matches will be announced in the weeks ahead. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
