Saved By The Bell actor Mario Lopez recently got promoted to purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after years of training at the previous rank of blue belt. Whilst some celebrities seem happy to train in a soft fashion to uphold their lifestyle away from the gym, this wasn’t the case for Lopez – in fact, it was far from it.
Whilst at blue belt, Lopez went on a tear and won a number of competitions whilst representing the Gracie Barra banner. Due to his successes on the competition circuit, some even speculated an actor-superfight against British blue belt, Tom Hardy.
Best known for his role as AC Slater in Saved By The Bell, Lopez had a successful wrestling record whilst at high school, so it’s no surprise to see him excel at grappling with BJJ. He was promoted at Gracie Barra Glendale at California by black belt Robert Hill. Upon getting his purple belt, Lopez claimed, “This purple belt has been a fun ride…Thank you to my Professors & training partners for elevating my game!”
