Wellington "Megaton" Dias
The Eternal Warrior of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Name: Wellington Leal Dias
Current Rank: Black Belt under Royler Gracie
Notable Achievements:
2x Pan American Champion (2000*, 2001)
3x European Champion (2004*, 2005*, 2006)
World Silver Medallist (1996)
3x World Bronze Medallist (1999, 2001, 2002)
Pan American Silver Medallist (2002)
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda --> Carlos Gracie --> Helio Gracie --> Royler Gracie --> Wellington Dias
Wellington "Megaton" Dias is the only Jiu Jitsu fighter to have competed in all first 16 editions of the World BJJ Championships as a black belt. He is also the father of Brazilian jiu-jitsu star Mackenzie Dern and the president of the Arizona BJJ federation.
Wellington "Megaton" Dias Biography
Early Life and Martial Arts Beginnings
Born on October 2, 1967, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wellington "Megaton" Dias was destined for a life in martial arts. His journey began with judo under the guidance of Rogerio Camoes, a judo black belt who also had a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It was Camoes who introduced young Wellington to the world of submissions and grappling.
The Gracie Humaitá Connection
Megaton's friendship with Royler Gracie, whom he knew since childhood, led him to train at the Gracie Humaitá academy. Under the watchful eyes of Royler, Megaton earned his black belt at the age of 18 in 1985. This marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to BJJ and the Gracie Humaitá team.
Competitive Spirit and Achievements
Megaton's competitive drive is legendary. He is the only BJJ fighter to have competed in the first 16 editions of the World BJJ Championships as a black belt, from 1996 to 2018. His list of accolades is extensive:
2x Pan American Champion (2000*, 2001)
3x European Champion (2004*, 2005*, 2006)
World Silver Medallist (1996)
3x World Bronze Medallist (1999, 2001, 2002)
He competes in the Super Feather Weight and Feather Weight divisions and is renowned for his takedown slams, which earned him the nickname "Megaton."
The American Dream and Arizona BJJ Federation
Megaton moved to the United States with plans to open an academy in Los Angeles. However, he fell in love with Colorado and stayed there for two years. It was in Colorado that he met his future wife, Luciana, also a BJJ practitioner. The couple eventually moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where they opened their academy. Recognizing the growing BJJ community in Phoenix, Megaton helped form the Arizona Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (AZBJJF) and serves as its president.
Legacy and Family
Megaton's influence extends beyond his own achievements. He has awarded several black belts, including UFC standout Evan Dunham. But perhaps the student who makes him the proudest is his daughter, Mackenzie Dern, a rising star in women's BJJ. Despite his responsibilities as an instructor, a parent, and a family man, Megaton continues to compete at the highest levels, challenging younger rivals and proving that age is just a number.
Whether you're a budding martial artist or a seasoned competitor, the story of Wellington "Megaton" Dias serves as an inspiration—a testament to the enduring spirit of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wellington "Megaton" Dias
General Information
Q: Who is Wellington "Megaton" Dias in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?
A: Wellington Dias, commonly known as "Megaton," is a Judo and BJJ black belt renowned for his competitive drive. He is the only Jiu-Jitsu fighter to have competed in all first 16 editions of the World BJJ Championships as a black belt from 1996 until 2018. He is also the father of BJJ star Mackenzie Dern.
Q: Why is he called "Megaton"?
A: The nickname "Megaton" was given to him due to his take-down slam prowess, which were often so loud they resembled a megaton bomb.
BJJ Achievements
Q: What are some of Wellington "Megaton" Dias's notable achievements in BJJ?
A: Some of his main achievements include:
2x Pan American Champion (2000, 2001)
3x European Champion (2004, 2005, 2006)
World Silver Medallist (1996)
3x World Bronze Medallist (1999, 2001, 2002)
Q: What weight divisions does Megaton Dias compete in?
A: Megaton Dias competes in the Super Feather Weight and Feather Weight divisions.
Training and Background
Q: How did Wellington Dias get into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Wellington Dias started training Judo as a child under Judo black belt Rogerio Camoes. He later began training in BJJ at Gracie Humaitá alongside some of the world's BJJ elite and received his black belt from Royler Gracie when he was 18 years old, in 1985.
Q: Who are some black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Wellington "Megaton" Dias?
A: Wellington Dias has awarded several black belts, including UFC standout Evan Dunham and his wife Luciana.
Additional Information
Q: What is Wellington Dias's role in the Arizona BJJ community?
A: Wellington Dias is the president of the Arizona Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (AZBJJF), which he helped form to regulate the growing BJJ community in Phoenix, Arizona.
Q: What is Megaton Dias's relationship with Mackenzie Dern?
A: Mackenzie Dern is the daughter of Wellington Dias and is also a tough competitor in BJJ, making her father proud with her extensive list of medals.
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