“There’s Gonna Be a Winner but No Loser”: Wave Catching Phenom Kelly Slater Once Got Into It With a World Champ Boxing Trainer

Surfing fans consider Kelly Slater to be the greatest of all time. With 11, Slater has the most world championships under his belt. However, Kelly also delves into other sports besides surfing, like Golf and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The surfing legend has practiced BJJ for years and earned a blue belt.

Kelly’s love for BJJ has also made him a mixed martial arts fan. In a video uploaded to the “teamvitorbelfort” YouTube channel over a decade ago, Kelly Slater took on renowned boxing coach Jason Parillo in a grappling match. However, the results were surprising.

Kelly Slater the grappler

The video begins with Kelly and Parillo preparing to grapple. However, before they start their one-round bout, the man behind the camera asks everyone present who they think will win. One person says he thinks Parillo will.

Former UFC two-division champion B. J. Penn also picks the boxing coach. Penn also judged the bout. Former UFC light heavyweight champ Vitor Belfort acted as the referee.

The grappling match begins with both fighters on the floor. Parillo starts the bout and tries to establish wrist control. However, the world champion surfer shoots for a takedown.

While Kelly lands a successful takedown, the boxing coach reverses the position and gets on top of Kelly. Not to be out grappled, Kelly breaks guard and wraps one arm around Parillo’s neck.

However, B. J. Penn isn’t a silent judge and keeps shouting instructions to both fighters for the duration of the round. After a few failed submission attempts from both grapplers, Jason locks up Kelly’s legs with his legs.

Jason tries to land a rear naked choke. However, Slater proves his prowess by truing from the hip and putting his arm through the hold, which prevents Parillo from choking him.

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The man filming the video shouted, “There’s gonna be a winner but no loser,” Kelly finished the round on top, and Vitor raised both men’s hands.

Jason Parillo’s coaching record

Jason is a boxing coach who has trained several UFC champions in striking. Among them is the former two-division champ, B. J. Penn. Former UFC Middleweight champs Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold. Former Lightweight champ Rafael dos Anjos, and former UFC Light Heavyweight champ Vitor Belfort.

Parillo also trained former UFC Women’s Featherweight champ Chris Cyborg during her short stint with the UFC. Jason had a short-lived boxing career and has an undefeated 8-0 record.

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While it was a friendly match between two practitioners, Slater held his own against a seasoned coach.