Tyron Woodley’s win over Darren Till at UFC 228 on Saturday night had extra meaning for the welterweight champion.
Woodley submitted Till with a D’Arce choke in the second round of the UFC welterweight championship fight at American Airlines Center in Dallas. After his submission win, Woodley was awarded his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.
Tyron Woodley's coach just awarded him with a bjj black belt. #UFC228 pic.twitter.com/Z4eBVkHcFB
— MMA mania (@mmamania) September 9, 2018
That is a major milestone accomplishment for Woodley. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu belt system does not operate on a linear base, and one can spend multiple years on a given belt level, while achieving others much quicker. Achieving black belt status can take a decade.
Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood discusses the BJJ belt system:
“It can take upwards of 10 years to achieve the dan (black belt) grade, and requires not only technical knowledge, but also verifiable ability in sparring. Competition experience is also often expected. And as there are only a few belts, you will spend a long time on each one. Also, your progress will not be linear. You might spend 1 year at one belt and 5 years at another. It’s both an extremely challenging and rewarding institution, and it’s no surprise that the community pounces on anyone who messes with it.”
Woodley (19-3-1) was already an accomplished wrestler. Now he has the jiu jitsu belt to match his status as an incredible fighter.
