The CPI Stem Cells Podcast

The Official Podcast of CPI Stem Cells, the world’s MOST ADVANCED Stem Cell Therapies located in Playa de Tijuana, Mexico! 🌴🎙️🧫

https://cellularperformanceinstitute.com/

Rafael Lovato Jr made history in August of 2004, shortly after turning 21, by becoming the youngest American to receive a black belt in BJJ at that time and was the second American, after B.J. Penn, to win the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship as a black belt. Rafael has continued to make history in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, becoming the most decorated American BJJ competitor today.

In 2013, Rafael made history in Brazil once again, this time winning the prestigious Black Belt Absolute division at the Brazilian Nationals, crowning him the best in Brazil. At that moment, not only did Rafael become a 2-time Brazilian National Champion, but he achieved a much greater accomplishment as the first non-Brazilian to ever win a major Black Belt Absolute title.

Later Rafael decided to take a shot in the MMA cage where he amassed a perfect 10-0 record in his first 3 years and became the Bellator Middleweight World Champion in 2019.

Becoming a BJJ & MMA world champion isn't easy and it's near impossible if you aren't willing to push your body to the absolute limit. Unfortunately, that also involves picking up a few injuries along the way, and often if not addressed combat sports injuries can ruin the quality of life for a fighter later in life.

Rafael was left with elbow, shoulder, and neck injuries plus chronic pain and limited mobility to match. A serious shoulder mobility issue prevented him from even raising his hand above his head and as you can imagine this had a tremendous impact on his quality of life.

After coming down to visit The Cellular Performance Institute (@cpistemcells) and having stem cell injections and stem cell IV's done, Rafael is experiencing a new quality of life that might have seemed impossible through conventional surgery methods and without stem cells.

(Learn more about Rafael at www.lovatojr.com)

Why stem cells for chronic pain and sports injuries?

There are many reasons that someone would experience chronic pain: body injuries, car accidents, failed surgeries, and debilitating diseases are just a few. No matter the reason, the process is almost always the same.

THE TRADITIONAL SOLUTION – try rehab, see a pain management specialist or get temporary relief by other means. This might work at first, but many times the pain comes back. Patients end up in an unhealthy cycle of needing stronger and stronger pain medications just to maintain a normal day-to-day routine.

Scientists now believe that they have a longer-lasting solution to manage chronic pain. They are using Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC’s) to regenerate damaged tissue and tackle the source of the pain by repairing cell damage.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) may support positive patient outcomes for those suffering from chronic pain.

You can visit www.cpistemcells.com or call us at 1 (855) 227-1411 to learn more about our unique and world-class stem cell treatments, many of which are only found right here at The Cellular Performance Institute.

Ep 2. Rafael Lovato Jr. – Bellator World Champion/BJJ Black Belt

CPI Stem Cells Podcast Episode 2: In this episode of the CPI Stem Cells Cellular Performance Institute podcast, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion and former Bellator MMA fighter Rafael Lovato Jr. discusses his journey overcoming a genetic brain condition, Cavernoma, and how stem cell treatments at CPI have helped him continue competing and stay healthy. Rafael shares personal stories about his career, mental toughness, and the power of regenerative medicine in extending his athletic longevity.

The Early Days of Lovato’s Career

Rafael Lovato Jr. has been a dominant figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for decades. From a young age, he was already competing and winning in some of the most prestigious tournaments. His early connection with CPI co-founder Scott Nelson and the support of the On the Mat (OTM) team helped provide him with access to key resources, including training tapes and guidance, which was critical in his development as a competitor from his hometown in Oklahoma.

Despite coming from a region not traditionally known for producing top-tier BJJ athletes, Rafael rose through the ranks, thanks to his hard work, determination, and the connections he built with pioneers of the sport. However, his ambitions didn’t stop with BJJ—he soon transitioned into mixed martial arts (MMA) and became a world champion in Bellator, one of the premier MMA promotions globally.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

In 2019, just as Rafael was preparing for the biggest fight of his MMA career—a Bellator title fight—he received devastating news. A routine scan revealed that he had Cavernoma, a genetic brain condition that creates abnormal blood vessels in the brain, putting him at risk for serious complications, including brain bleeds, seizures, and other life-threatening conditions.

Understandably, the diagnosis threw Rafael’s future into uncertainty. He had no idea what Cavernoma was, and the research painted a terrifying picture. Doctors advised him that continuing to fight could be dangerous. However, despite the diagnosis, Rafael was eventually cleared to fight, and he went on to win the Bellator world title. Yet, the victory was bittersweet.

Shortly after, a European medical commission, following further review of his scans, declared that he should retire from professional fighting due to the risks posed by his condition. Faced with this harsh reality, Rafael was forced to relinquish his title and step away from the sport he loved. It was a turning point in his life and career, but it wasn’t the end of his journey.

CPI and the Power of Stem Cell Therapy

Enter Cellular Performance Institute (CPI), where Rafael found hope for recovery. CPI’s focus on stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine offered Rafael a chance to heal and extend his career in martial arts, despite the serious challenges posed by his condition.

Rafael’s first visit to CPI was back in 2016, before the institute had fully transitioned to its focus on cellular regeneration. He later returned multiple times for stem cell treatments to address a range of issues, from shoulder and elbow injuries to overall health optimization. Rafael credits CPI with helping him maintain his body and keep competing at the highest levels of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling.

As Rafael put it, “There’s no price you can put on doing what you love.” With the help of CPI, he has been able to avoid more invasive procedures, like surgeries, which would have sidelined him for long periods. Instead, CPI’s treatments have allowed him to recover faster, manage pain, and maintain his mobility. This has been crucial for Rafael, especially as he continues to compete in grueling tournaments like ADCC, the most prestigious submission grappling event in the world.

Mental Toughness and the Will to Keep Going

Rafael’s journey isn’t just a physical one—it’s deeply mental and emotional. The challenges he faced with Cavernoma could have easily ended his competitive career, but he refused to give up. Instead, Rafael focused on what he could control: his training, his recovery, and his mindset.

Training in Brazil with legendary fighters like Wanderlei Silva, Rafael pushed himself beyond his limits, sparring with some of the toughest competitors in the world. Those experiences helped build his mental resilience, something he credits with keeping him focused even when facing the uncertainty of his condition.

At CPI, Rafael found not only physical healing but also the support to keep his mind strong. Regular treatments, combined with recovery methods like NAD+ therapy, ozone treatments, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, have kept him feeling sharp and energized.

The Final Chapter? Not Yet

Though Rafael retired from MMA, his competitive spirit hasn’t wavered. In 2022, he won the IBJJF European Championships, one of the biggest tournaments in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world, and became one of the oldest competitors to ever win a major title. This victory came 15 years after his first European title, a testament to his longevity and dedication to the sport.

He’s also preparing for his final run at ADCC, a prestigious grappling tournament, and is hoping to go out on top as the oldest ADCC champion ever. His drive to succeed and his resilience in the face of challenges continue to inspire others in the martial arts community.

The Future: A Legacy Beyond the Mats

Rafael’s connection to CPI doesn’t just end with his personal recovery. He has become an advocate for Cavernoma awareness, partnering with organizations like the Angioma Alliance to help bring more attention to the condition and support others who face similar health challenges. As Rafael continues to compete, teach, and inspire, he carries with him the knowledge that he’s doing everything he can to stay healthy and active.

As Rafael says, “There’s always a reason, and sometimes you can’t see it right away. But everything leads to something greater.”

Conclusion: Perseverance and Partnership at CPI

Rafael Lovato Jr.’s journey is one of perseverance, not only as an athlete but as a person overcoming incredible challenges. Through his partnership with CPI, he has been able to continue living his dream, competing at the highest level, and sharing his story with the world. CPI’s stem cell therapies, combined with holistic treatments, have been instrumental in extending Rafael’s career and helping him recover from injuries faster than ever before.

For those looking to overcome their own physical or health challenges, Rafael’s story serves as a reminder that, with the right mindset and the right care, you can keep pushing forward—even when the odds are stacked against you.

If you or a loved one are interested in learning how stem cells can help you please visit https://cellularperformanceinstitute.com or call us at +1 (855) 227-1411 for a FREE consultation with our doctors.

Ep. 2: Rafael Lovato Jr. – Bellator World Champion/BJJ Black Belt