In the intricate world of combat sports, certain names stand out, resonating beyond the mats and rings. In recent times, one such prodigy making waves in the jiu-jitsu arena is Dorian Olivarez, a 17-year-old phenomenon. Balancing the rigours of high school and a budding jiu-jitsu career, Olivarez’s recent accolade as the EBI combat jiu-jitsu world champion is nothing short of commendable.
Being under the tutelage of his father, Mike Olivarez, and representing Team Olivarez, Dorian’s foundational training is rooted in family and legacy. However, understanding the importance of diverse training experiences, he has ventured to Austin’s internationally acclaimed B-Team. Here, alongside luminaries like Ethan Crelinsten and Damien Anderson, Dorian’s skills were further honed, an invaluable experience for any athlete striving for international recognition.
The contemporary jiu-jitsu sphere is not new to young prodigies. We’ve witnessed the likes of Cole Abate, the Funegra siblings from AOJ, Helena Crevar from New Wave, and the dynamic Ruotolo twins affiliated with Atos, all making significant strides. Within this emerging group of young talents, Dorian Olivarez’s accomplishments are particularly remarkable.
Eddie Bravo’s EBI Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds holds a revered position in the jiu-jitsu community. This platform, which adeptly integrates jiu-jitsu techniques with open-handed strikes, attracts a broad spectrum of martial artists — both elite jiu-jitsu practitioners and those at the cusp of breaking into the MMA scene. Dorian’s sterling performance at the CJJ Worlds is emblematic of his budding potential. His prowess, however, is not limited to this singular event. Previously, at the ADCC Dallas Open, Dorian showcased his mettle by clinching a significant victory in the advanced category. Such achievements, especially at a tender age of seventeen, exemplify his mettle in the no-gi submission grappling arena.
Delving deeper into his performance on July 30th at the Bantamweights segment of the CJJ Worlds, one witnesses the precision and strategy Dorian brought to each bout. While his intensive training as a high school wrestler and BJJ blue belt from Austin’s B-Team laid the foundation, his experience and mental tenacity propelled him to set an unparalleled record — becoming the youngest CJJ world champion.
Charting his path through the tournament, Dorian commenced with a tactical masterclass. Utilising his well-refined rear-naked choke technique, he clinched resounding victories against formidable opponents like Manuel Priego and Yuki Takahashi. The semi-finals ushered in a more rigorous challenge, Richard Alarcon, a previous CJJ world champion. Alarcon, with his extensive wrestling pedigree and BJJ black belt status, was undoubtedly a formidable opponent. The bout, intense and riveting, saw both athletes pushing their boundaries. However, Dorian’s strategic edge and relentless pursuit of victory emerged supreme, landing him a spot in the finals with a game-changing move in overtime.
The grand finale of the tournament was no less dramatic. Dorian faced off against Zack Schneider, a revered student of Robert Drysdale. Schneider, with an impressive record of consecutive rear-naked choke victories, was an adversary worthy of a championship bout. Nonetheless, Dorian’s consistent technique and aggressive strategy culminated in a triumphant rear-naked choke, earning him the prestigious bantamweight CJJ world title.
The journey of Dorian Olivarez, from his initial training days under his father’s guidance to becoming the youngest champion at the CJJ Worlds, serves as an inspiring narrative. His unwavering dedication, exposure to diverse training environments, and expert mentorship have shaped him into an athlete of promise. As we look forward to the future of jiu-jitsu and combat sports, it’s unequivocal that Dorian Olivarez’s influence will be both significant and long-lasting.
