“This feels like destiny” - Rafael Lovato Jr. on his return to Tokyo to compete in ONE Championship

American combat sports veteran Rafael Lovato Jr. believes fate played a major part in his successful ONE Championship debut.The 42-year-old MMA and BJJ legend outclassed two-time ADCC World Champion Giancarlo Bodoni via unanimous decision at ONE 173 on Nov. 16.It was quite a poetic moment for Lovato Jr., who last fought in Japan three years ago in his final MMA bout.Besting Bodoni in front of a packed crowd at Ariake Arena in Tokyo became a memory he will cherish forever.The Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu affiliate shared in his post-event interview with the Bangkok Post’s Nick Atkin:“Then they were talking about possibly Thailand. That’s exciting – I’ve never been to Thailand before. And then it came to Tokyo, and I thought, okay, this feels like destiny. This was where I did my last MMA fight about three years ago, that was such a special moment for me because I thought I would never fight MMA again."He added:“Then I had the opportunity to fight here, which was always a dream, and I got a victory over a tough undefeated kid on that night. When they said they wanted to do this in Tokyo, I was like, perfect, you know, this is the land of the samurai. I’m a 42-year-old samurai, and I couldn't ask for a better place to do it.”Watch the full interview:Rafael Lovato Jr. says 2025 has been the best year of his careerAt an age where most high-level competitors sail off into the sunset, Rafael Lovato Jr. continues to thrive and evolve.He is grateful to still be doing what he loves at this stage of his career."Man, amazing. So grateful, ready for more. 42 years old. I just had the best year of my career, basically. I made history this year on the IBJJF circuit, and then I finish it on this beautiful stage in an amazing place that I love so much, beating the number one guy in the world. Couldn't ask for more," Lovato Jr. told Nick Atkin.