Murilo Bustamante received his BJJ coral belt on Sunday, marking his promotion to 8th degree black belt.
Masters Fernando Pinduka, Rosado, and Otávio Peixotinho presented the belt, honoring a career built around decades of competition and coaching.
Born in 1966, in Rio de Janeiro, Bustamante originally aspired to a career in surfing before starting Jiu-Jitsu around age 10, following an early confrontation.
He began competing at 15 and later added judo and boxing to his training, picking up boxing at 18.
Training under Carlson Gracie, he built an extensive competitive resume in Jiu-Jitsu, including a Mundials World Championship title in 1999 and four Brazilian National Championships.
He also competed at ADCC in the 194–216 lbs (88–98 kg) division in both 1999 and 2000, as well as the Absolute division in 1999, finishing with a 3-2 record across those appearances.
Bustamante’s MMA career reached its high point with a UFC Middleweight Championship run.
After signing a four-fight deal with the promotion, he debuted at UFC 25 on April 14, 2000, submitting Yoji Anjo in the second round. Following a controversial unanimous decision loss to future champion Chuck Liddell at light heavyweight in September 2001, he moved back to middleweight and earned an immediate title shot against champion Dave Menne at UFC 35 on January 11, 2002, winning by second-round TKO.
His first title defense, against Matt Lindland at UFC 37 on May 10, 2002, became one of the most disputed fights in UFC history.
Referee John McCarthy initially halted the bout in the first round after what looked like a tap to an armbar, but the fight was restarted following Lindland’s protest.
Bustamante went on to secure a clear submission in the third round to retain his title.
Beyond his competitive career, Bustamante co-founded Brazilian Top Team in 2000, which has since become one of the most respected teams in combat sports.
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