De'Alonzio Jackson

De'Alonzio Jackson (born 31 October 1988), known as DJ Jackson, is an American Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner and mixed martial artist based in Thailand. He is a multiple Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champions in IBJJF, ADCC, Pan American, Brazilian National and COPA de Bangkok. Jackson is the first African-American world Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion.

Background Jackson was born on 31 October 1988 in Maryland. He started sport with wrestling at DeMatha Catholic High School.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu career When DJ Jackson started practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu on the Team Lloyd Irvin, he immediately caught the attention of his coach, Lloyd Irvin. He entered the competition very soon at the request of his coach. In a short time, he shone in prestigious competitions and eliminated all of his opponents. His high level of athleticism earned him a black belt in 2012 in less than four years.

Mixed martial arts career While practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Jackson decided to practice and compete in mixed martial arts. He fought four times between 2015 and 2016, which resulted in four victories, including two submissions.

Coaching career Since 2019, Jackson has been an official Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts coach in Thailand. Under his leadership, his students, including Stamp Fairtex, Arash Mardani, Reza Goodary and Mark Abelardo, have won several international medals in important competitions including the Siam Cup BJJ and COPA de Bangkok.

Personal life Legal issues In 2008, while attending college, Jackson was charged with third-degree sexual assault of a 16-year-old and supplying alcohol to a minor. He pleaded guilty to serious assault and had to pay a fine.

Achievements World No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2015 California, -79.5 kg Black belt, No-Gi 2013 California, -79.5 kg Black belt, No-Gi 2012 California, -79.5 kg Black belt, No-Gi

Pan-American No-Gi Championship 2012 California, -98 kg Black belt, No-Gi

COPA de Bangkok 2019 Bangkok, -82.3 kg Black belt, No-Gi 2019 Bangkok, -85 kg Black belt, Gi 2019 Bangkok, Open weight Black belt, No-Gi 2019 Bangkok, Open weight Black belt, Gi

Mixed martial arts record Win

Bassil Hafez Decision (unanimous) CFFC 61 - Anyanwu vs. Pinto

New Jersey, United States Win

Stacey Anderson Submission (rear-naked choke) SF - Shogun Fights 14

Virginia, United States Win

Piankhi Zimmerman Decision (unanimous) SF - Shogun Fights 13

Maryland, United States Win

Roy Smith Submission (rear-naked choke) Fire & Ice Fighting Championships - Fight for the Troops

Maryland, United States

Grappling record