Mike Beltran might be well-known as a UFC referee thanks to his long moustache, but he’s also an experienced grappler who just earned his BJJ black belt. Beltran is a veteran MMA referee but he’s also worked a number of other different combat sports rulesets as well, including Karate Combat and Combat Jiu-Jitsu. He’s shown time and time again that he’s one of the most accurate in the game and that’s exactly why he continually gets booked to work on some of the biggest shows in combat sports. Every referee makes a mistake from time to time of course, but Beltran definitely makes fewer than most.
He has worked fights that involve several of the best MMA fighters in the world, and even oversaw the first knockout in Combat Jiu-Jitsu history. Beltran has been a very important figure in the combat sports world over the last few years and although they are often overlooked, good referees are vital to the success of any promotion. Most MMA referees will also have experience in one more martial arts and Beltran is far from the only one to have a BJJ black belt. It’s a momentous occasion for anyone, but even more so when someone has had the journey that Beltran has had over the course of the last two decades.
UFC referee Mike Beltran announced the news that he had been promoted to black belt in BJJ in a recent post to his official Instagram account. He shared the following thoughts on a separate post:
Yesterday was an amazing day and a huge milestone in my life. I worked my butt off and received my Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Johnny Ramirez at New Breed Academy. My journey wasn’t an easy one. I’ve dealt with many injuries, illnesses, surgeries, life, work, being a single father, divorce, and a hectic schedule. However, one thing I knew I was never going to quit and not let anything get in the way of my goals. My journey and path was difficult but I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I’ve been training since 2002 and was a Brown Belt for 11 years. It was important to finish what I started and prove to myself, but most importantly to show my son the example to finish what you start regardless of setbacks. Thank you everyone who has supported me on my journey and believed in me. I sincerely mean that from the bottom of my heart. I remember when I was at a very low point in my life being hospitalized and recovering from my surgery (diverticulitis), one of my closest friends Marc Goddard would call me and tell me to get back on the mat and just show up. Eddie Bravo, Victor Davila, Chris Crail, Michael Bell, Aubrey Kellum, John Romero, and my cousin Kain would also do the same and push me. Also Coach Cal from the Treigning Lab, Kessler Family Welness who put me together after all my injuries and illnesses.”
“Being an MMA referee and officiating the highest level of fighting was also motivating to me and important to continue to grow so I knew what I was watching during fights and competition at Combat Jiu-Jitsu and EBI. You fighters and athletes are also a big part of my motivation. I thank God for all the blessings he’s given me and will continue my journey as a new Black Belt. Thank you my parents for leading by example by showing me and siblings the (never) quit atitude they have taught us. Gracias and ‘Si Se Puede’.”
