American Top Team — Team History

Proven by World Champions.

American Top Team (ATT) is one of the most accomplished mixed martial arts teams in the world, recognized for producing world champions across every major MMA organization. Founded in 2001 in South Florida, the team began as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling competition group before expanding into full mixed martial arts training. That disciplined, team-first approach laid the foundation for what would become one of the most respected organizations in combat sports.

In its earliest years, American Top Team traveled extensively while building a reputation through competition success. As the roster of athletes grew, the academy expanded its facilities and training structure, ultimately developing a fully integrated system combining Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, and strength and conditioning. This comprehensive approach allowed fighters to prepare at the highest level within one environment and helped shape the modern MMA training model.

From those early beginnings, the organization continued to grow steadily, culminating in its current two-story, 40,000 square foot headquarters in Coconut Creek, Florida, now widely regarded as one of the premier professional MMA training facilities in the world.

Key Milestones

2001 – American Top Team is founded in South Florida, originally focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling competition, operating from a 1,200 square foot facility in Boca Raton.
2002 – American Top Team relocates into its first expanded warehouse training facility, marking the organization’s first major phase of growth beyond its original location.
2004 – Continued expansion leads to a move into an approximately 18,000 square foot training facility. The academy begins fully integrating BJJ, wrestling, and striking under one roof.
2006 – Major international championship victory at the K-1 HERO’S Grand Prix in Japan establishes early global recognition for the team.
2007 – Strikeforce tournament championship during one of North America’s premier eras of mixed martial arts competition.
2008 – First world title captured at WEC 36, widely recognized as the premier organization for lighter weight divisions.
2009 – Bellator world title victory adds another major promotional championship to the team’s record.
2010 – 2013 – American Top Team continues building its competitive foundation while achieving success across multiple fight promotions internationally.
2014 – First UFC world championship victory at UFC 181 marks American Top Team’s arrival at the highest level of the sport.
2015 – 2016 – Elite fighters from around the world increasingly relocate to train at American Top Team, marking a period of rapid roster growth.
January 2016 – American Top Team opens its current 40,000 square foot, two-story headquarters in Coconut Creek, Florida.
2016 – American Top Team earns its first MMA Gym of the Year award, beginning a historic run of six awards in seven years.
2018 – Athletes win three PFL tournament championships, capture the RIZIN Bantamweight World Championship, and secure multiple UFC victories.
Present – American Top Team athletes continue to capture championships and headline events across the UFC, PFL, Bellator, ONE Championship, and other major promotions worldwide.

Elite Fighters & Legacy

Over the years, American Top Team has trained elite competitors across multiple promotions, including champions and top-ranked athletes such as Alexandre Pantoja, Dustin Poirier, Kayla Harrison, Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Johnny Eblen, Kyoji Horiguchi, Jorge Masvidal, Movsar Evloev, Yaroslav Amosov, Dakota Ditcheva, Mateusz Gamrot, and Arman Tsarukyan, among many others.

These athletes represent the American Top Team standard of performance, preparation, and competitive excellence at the highest levels of mixed martial arts.

Beyond individual achievements, American Top Team’s legacy is reflected in its sustained team dominance. The academy has earned multiple MMA Gym of the Year honors, including six-time recognition, reflecting the depth of its roster, elite coaching staff, and continued championship production.

Today, American Top Team stands as a global leader in mixed martial arts, a team forged through decades of competition, championship milestones, and continued evolution, with a reputation established by results and carried forward by every athlete who represents the team.