Wellington “Megaton” Dias won his 20th World Master title in Las Vegas, extending a run at the IBJJF’s masters championship that now spans multiple competitive eras.
Dias, who competes for Gracie Humaita Phoenix, previously won World Master gold in both 2024 and 2025. An IBJJF feature at the time credited him with 18 World Master titles following his 2024 win, putting this latest result at 20.
The masters division draws competitors who continue training and competing well past the typical age range for adult black belt competition. Staying competitive at that level over two decades requires managing recurring demands: finding training partners, cutting weight, traveling to events, and preparing for new opponents each cycle, all while adjusting to rule changes and shifts in the sport over time.
Dias’ record also reflects on the masters division itself. With veteran competitors like Dias still winning consistently against opponents who have spent years refining their own game, the bracket functions as an active, competitive tier of the sport rather than a lower-stakes category for retired competitors.
A freelance journalist with more than seven years of experience covering a wide range of topics, with a focus on delivering accurate, engaging, and well-researched reporting. He studied at the University of Birmingham, where he developed a strong foundation in journalism and communications. Martin is a 10th Planet BJJ brown belt and has been training for approximately 10 years and a keen follower of submission grappling.
