This week saw UFC veteran Matt Lindland promoted to the rank of black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by the legendary Renzo Gracie. This promotion took place in Renzo Gracie’s iconic New York City gym. Upon receiving his black belt, Lindland wrote “Honored to receive my blackbelt from Renzo Gracie! Always act like a white belt The jujitsu journey goes on”
It’s been a long road to black belt for Lindland, who has been grappling for years and made his MMA debut way back in 1997 and featured in promotions such as Strikeforce and UFC, retiring with a record of 22-9. Whilst fighting, he also had a successful wrestling career – earning silver in the 2000 Sydney Olympic games. These days, when he’s not on the BJJ mats, he can be found teaching both MMA and wrestling.
Lindland is not the first, nor will he be the last in a long line of Renzo Gracie black belts but for now he is the latest to join such a special club.
