Rafael Lovato Jr., arguably the greatest American born BJJ grappler in history, is now looking to make his MMA debut in 2014. Lovato made the announcement on the third episode of the Save Jiu Jitsu Podcast. Check out the full podcast below, Rafael’s segment about MMA starts around the 58:30 mark.

Rafael is more than qualified to make an MMA run, as he says in the podcast his Muay Thai coach is Mark Beecher, who is also the Muay Thai coach of Matt Brown, who is making a title run in the UFC’s welterweight division.

Besides Lovato’s coach being Mark Beecher, he grew up around a standup striking background, his father was a martial arts instructor who taught Lovato boxing and kickboxing.

Only time will tell when and where Rafael Lovato’s MMA debut will be and how he fairs.