Eight-Time BJJ World Champion Leandro Lo Shot to Death in Brazil

The IBJJF and Jiu Jitsu community are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Leandro Lo. Lo was one of the greatest athletes our sport has ever produced. An example of a true black belt, martial artist and champion on and off the mats. Rest in peace legend. pic.twitter.com/lHK3n8pF4K

— IBJJF (@ibjjf) August 7, 2022

The jiu-jitsu world is in mourning following the death of Leandro Lo early Sunday morning.

Lo, one of the most respected champions of Brazilian jiu-jitsu history, was shot to death by a police officer during a concert in Sao Paulo. According to a police report, officer Henrique Otávio Oliveira Velozo shot Lo once in the head after an altercation near Lo’s table. The incident allegedly began when witnesses saw Velozo take a bottle from Lo’s table, which led to the jiu-jitsu champion taking the officer down and holding him. The two men were separated, and at that time Velozo pulled a gun and shot at Lo’s forehead, according to the report.

Lo was taken to Dr. Arthur Ribeiro de Saboya hospital after the shooting but was declared brain dead a few hours later. He was 33 years old.

A black belt under Cicero Costha, Lo was one of the most successful jiu-jitsu competitors of all time, winning eight IBJJF World Championships. A black belt since 2012, Lo crossed three generations fighting in multiple different weight categories (lightweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, heavyweight and absolute). Coincidentally, his two most frequent opponents, UFC middleweight Rodolfo Vieira and One Championship talent Marcus Almeida, later became two of his closest friends.  

Lo’s death was mourned throughout the combat sports community, as a number of notables from the MMA community paid tribute to the grappling standout.

Saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Leandro Lo. One of the greatest Jiu Jitsu players ever. Absolutely tragic. My condolences to his family and friends

— John Gooden (@JohnGoodenUK) August 7, 2022

A very sad day for the BJJ community. Leandro was a legend. https://t.co/zxbCP2E2SK

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) August 7, 2022

The word legend is thrown around way to much in sports but it can’t be thrown around enough when it comes to your name in Jiu Jitsu || Leandro Lo, My heart and prayers to your family my brother. Rest easy my friend pic.twitter.com/XkLOCXNZHz

— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) August 7, 2022

RIP my brother Leandro Lo l pic.twitter.com/ILLISdynhi

— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) August 7, 2022

Wow. Unbelievably tragic news about Leandro Lo. RIP to a jiu jitsu legend. Shocking.

— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) August 7, 2022