Fight Ministry students benefit from Migliaccio training sessions
Migliaccio – who holds black belts in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is an Olympic-standard wrestler – offered training sessions for members of Neal Lofts' stable in Bradley's Corner.
Humberston-based mixed martial arts (MMA) professional James Bateman, as well as Louie Chapman, Adam Thompson, Gavin Lofts, Andy Crave and Jack Grant, were among the students who received advice from Migliaccio, who is from the renowned Renzo and Ryan Gracie Jiu-jitsu Academy in New York.
Migliaccio is also an active professional MMA fighter with six wins from six fights. His last two bouts saw him represent Brazil on the internationally recognised M1 Challenge circuit – a team-based competition series in which MMA clubs from across the world compete against each other.
His appearance at Fight Ministry comes after former Renzo Gracie Academy student and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) black belt Neil Owen visited the gym last month.
And Lofts hopes to secure more proven MMA experts who are prepared to offer their expertise to Fight Ministry members, with a view to ensuring more fighters from his stable will join Bateman in the pro ranks.
"It's great to bring this calibre of coaching into the gym," Lofts said.
"I found Renato to be very relaxed and humble creating a great training atmosphere.
"He has a deep understanding of grappling and jiu-jitsu and he's able to transfer his knowledge over really well.
"This guy has not yet fought on the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship, America's equivalent to MMA), but I wouldn't be surprised to see him make an appearance within the year.
" I hope to help bring more guest instructors over in the near future. Our training alliance is quite far-reaching – which being able to bring guys like Renato over proves.
"We have a strong training team and strong training alliances with other gyms, which is what is needed to produce a successful professional MMA fighter.
"My aim is to provide a service and training facility to foster potential pro fighters within our region."
Lofts added that Migliaccio would be a tough man to beat if he does join the UFC – because of his roots in New York.
"Renato is from the Renzo and Ryan Gracie Jiu-Jitsu training academy with its headquarters in New York," he said.
"Ryan made a huge impression in the MMA world, fighting in Japan.
"He became a crowd favourite on the Pride event before his untimely death at the age of 33.
"He was billed as the 'bad boy of BJJ' and reportedly gained experience fighting on the streets of Brazil.
"Renzo is still actively fighting and the Pride veteran has just signed with the UFC.
"Renato is from this stock and will be hard to beat at the very highest level."
Comment on this story