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Santino Marella Wins Jiu-Jitsu World Title
6 Sep
Summary
- Santino Marella won gold at the 2026 IBJJF World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
- He competed under his real name, Anthony Carelli, with a purple belt.
- Marella also won gold in the same event in 2025.
Former WWE Superstar Santino Marella, known legally as Anthony Carelli, has added another martial arts accolade to his name. On September 3-5, 2026, Marella earned a gold medal at the IBJJF World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship held in Las Vegas.
Competing in the Master 5 Men's Purple belt Super-Heavy division, Marella, wearing his purple belt, defeated Gavin Alexander Falk in the final. This victory marks a significant milestone, especially considering the high level of international competition at the prestigious IBJJF event.
Marella's commitment to combat sports is evident in his consistent success. Just last year, in 2025, he also captured gold at the World Master event, winning both the Master 5 Blue Belt Super Heavyweight division and the Open Class. He had received his blue belt at that competition, setting the stage for his subsequent achievements.
Marella's journey in professional wrestling included a memorable debut in 2007 on Monday Night RAW, where he surprisingly defeated Umaga for the Intercontinental Championship, earning him the nickname 'The Milan Miracle.'
