Former Bellator Champion Rafael Lovato Jr. Wins Three & Half Year Battle Against Brain Condition With Emphatic MMA Return

Three years ago, the veteran middleweight fighter, Rafael Lovato Jr., had to give up his title due to a serious brain condition. He was diagnosed with cavernoma, a malformation of blood vessels that occurs as clusters in the brain and spinal cord. The malformation causes hemorrhages, seizures, strokes, and various other neurological complications. Without a doubt, the Bellator champion vacated his position. However, Lovato surprised the MMA world by re-entering the cage after around 3.5 years of inactivity.

The professional mixed martial artist seemingly defeated his ailment and displayed excellent skills after his return. The fighter rose victorious over Taiga Iwasaki in the first round. He proved that he desires to take over, once again.

Rafael Lovato Jr. returns to MMA after 3.5 years

Lovato was diagnosed with cavernoma back in 2019. Undeniably, the fighter had to vacate his championship title and go on a long break. He previously claimed that he would focus on his health. Moreover, he believed that he would probably never enter the cage to fight again. 

However, the former Bellator champion took the MMA fans by surprise at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2022, Tokyo. He not only overcame the cavernoma but also the first fight after his return. The superior grappling skills and unstoppable action indeed won over the fans once again.

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Lovato landed against Iwasaki in the 195 lbs. category. Without a doubt, it completely petrified the MMA fans as the undefeated Lovato submitted his opponent with a kimura in the first round. Doubtlessly, the fighter’s return from retirement left a strong mark on the books of history. 

Still the undefeated fan-favorite Bellator fighter

Lovato remains undefeated in MMA with a stunning record of 11-0. The 39-year-old fighter fought Gegard Mousasi in Bellator 223, before deciding to retire due to his medical condition. However, the impression he made came not only from being an undefeated champion but also from surviving MMA giants.

The former Bellator champion has amassed victories over giant names like Kevin Holland and Gerald Harris. Owing to his high and mighty jiu-jitsu skills, the fighter became one of the greatest in Bellator. He indeed went through the toughest of fights and stood on top.

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Thankfully, probably due to the prayers, love, and good wishes he amassed, the fighter came back from retirement with a healthy body. What are your thoughts on the fighter’s return to fighting in the cage? Let us know in the comments down below.