Latest Dillon Danis News
Dillon Danis is an American Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, submission grappler, and mixed martial artist. A black belt under the legendary Marcelo Garcia, Danis rose to prominence as one of the most successful brown belt competitors of his generation before transitioning to elite-level submission grappling and mixed martial arts. He is known for his dynamic attacking style, particularly his leg locks, back attacks, and submission-oriented approach.
Born on August 22, 1993, in New Jersey, Danis began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a teenager before relocating to New York to train full-time under Marcelo Garcia. His rapid progression through the ranks culminated in a dominant brown belt career, earning major IBJJF and UAEJJF titles before receiving his black belt from Garcia in April 2015.
Danis enjoyed considerable success in submission grappling, competing in promotions including Metamoris, Polaris, and ADCC. He earned notable victories over accomplished opponents such as Joe Lauzon at Metamoris 6 and Jackson Sousa at Polaris 4, while also qualifying for and competing at the ADCC World Championships. His performances established him as one of the leading American grapplers of his era.
Outside of competition, Danis became widely known as a grappling coach and training partner for former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor ahead of UFC 202. He later transitioned into mixed martial arts, competing professionally under the Bellator MMA banner before pursuing boxing and other combat sports opportunities.
Major Achievements:
- IBJJF No-Gi Pan American Champion (Black Belt, 2016)
- IBJJF New York Spring Open Champion (Black Belt, 2016)
- IBJJF Boca Raton Open Champion (Black Belt, 2015)
- IBJJF World Champion (Brown Belt, 2014)
- UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion (Brown Belt, 2014)
- IBJJF No-Gi World Champion (Brown Belt, 2014)
- Two-time IBJJF Pan American Champion (Brown Belt, 2013 & 2014)
- Two-time IBJJF No-Gi Pan American Champion (Brown Belt, 2013 & 2014)
- ADCC World Championship Competitor
- Metamoris and Polaris submission grappling veteran