Skip to article

THE ART. THE CULTURE.
THE JIU-JITSU LIFE.

Success

Ozzy Rivera: The Armbar That Changed His Life

After an armbar exposed what he didn't know, Ozzy Rivera found jiu-jitsu—and transformed his body, confidence, and life along the way.

Ozzy Rivera stands shirtless with his arms extended after his weight-loss transformation.
Ozzy Rivera after his transformation.

From the Jiu-Jitsu Magazine Archives

Originally published in the June 2015 issue of Jiu-Jitsu Magazine (Issue 33). This Success profile is presented in its original editorial context, with light copyediting and a layout adapted for online reading. Ages, ranks, weights, competition plans, diet, and training details reflect the subject's circumstances at the time of publication.

Age: 26
Height: 5' 7"
Starting weight: 345 lbs.
Current weight: 160 lbs.
Belt rank: Purple belt
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Home school: Laselva MMA & Fitness
Instructor: Marcio Laselva (3rd-degree black belt)