"Dustin is a great person, excellent fighter and coach. He is a master in the triangle choke, the best in this submission."
Murilo Bustamante, Former UFC Champion
Murilo Bustamante, Former UFC Champion
BJJ / MMA Triangle King - Dustin Denes
Above pic // 1999 Rio de Janeiro with training partners, just to name a few Carlos Santos, Wallid Ismael, Gabriel Gladiator, Paulo Filho, Pateta, and Master Carlson Gracie. I'm the one in Gi on a knee with hang loose in the left hand, in front of and to Carlson's right. My friend, brother, and long time training partner, Paulo Filho, is the one who first called me "King of the Triangle."
Above pic // 2001 Arnold Classic unleashing one of many triangle attacks on Jeff Monson. The match was featured as a main event. I up against raw power, but Monson was up against the best triangle in the business. After 15 minutes I was awarded the victory for being on the attack, the entire time via Triangle.
Above pic // 2001 Ohio with Marcelo Silveira and the victory plate after beating Jeff Monson. 72 hours prior I was in Rio de janeiro, flew out to kick ass in mainland USA, then back to Rio. Good times! Marcelo was my first Jiu-Jitsu instructor, and he planted technical seeds which played a major role in me earning the status "King of the Triangle."
Above pic // 2002 Rio de janeiro with training partner Moacir Omena de Oliveira, aka Boca. Pic was taken at the AABB training facility - Brazilian Top Team. Moacir was from the de la Riva academy, so I knew him very well, technical and strong. Our mutual friendship with Paulo Filho and regular training schedule quickly had him in agreement that I was "King of the Triangle."
Above pic // 2004 Kakutougi Tsushin featured with friend and training partner Din Thomas. I first met Din at a professional cage fighting event. First approach from Din, I didn't even know him yet, and I was welcomed with "King of the Triangle."
Above pic // 2008 São Paulo with training partners Marcelo Mafra, André Galvão, and Demian Maia. Post-training at Demian's academy in Alto de Pinheiros. Demian and I competed against each other in 2001, but years after we re-connected to train together. Just ask Demian, and he'll tell you why I'm considered to be "King of the Triangle."