Devhonte Johnson

Record: 69-43-1 (W-L-D)

Nick Name: Bones

Black Belt Under: Murilo Santana

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda › Carlos Gracie › Helio Gracie › Rickson Gracie › Marcelo Behring › Mario Yamasaki › Murilo Santana › Devhonte Johnson View in the tree →

Weight Class: Meio-Pesado (88,30 kg / 195.0 lbs)

Team: Bones BJJ

Did you know?

Devhonte Johnson has a perfect record against Lucas Norat, going 4-0 across 4 recorded meetings. That kind of clean sweep against the same opponent usually means a stylistic matchup that just favors one guy.
Two opponents have had his number on record: Guilherme Augusto and Max Gimenis have each met Johnson 3 times and won all 3. Worth studying what those two were doing that others weren't.
Johnson's game leans heavily nogi, with 64 nogi matches on record against 39 in the gi. That tracks with a resume built around IBJJF Nogi Worlds and Pans titles.
Of Johnson's 69 recorded wins, only 17 came by submission, a 25 percent submission rate that sits below the site average of 40 percent. He wins a lot on points and decisions, which fits a control-heavy, positional style.
2019 was by far Johnson's busiest recorded year at 44 matches, and it shows up across his event list with 5 or more appearances at the European Nogi, Worlds Nogi, Pan Nogi, and New York Fall Nogi Open that year.

Early Life and Athletic Background

Devhonte Johnson was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, specifically in the crime-afflicted 4th ward area on Godwin Avenue. From an early age, Johnson demonstrated a passion for athletics, initially competing in baseball and basketball during his freshman and sophomore years at Eastside High School. He eventually chose to focus exclusively on baseball, a sport he deeply enjoyed. However, during his senior year, Johnson discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, quickly recognizing its potential and shifting his athletic ambitions entirely toward martial arts training.

Training Evolution Under Edson Carvalho and Murilo Santana

Foundations with Edson Carvalho

Johnson began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey under the guidance of Edson Carvalho, progressing from white belt to purple belt. Carvalho's instruction provided Johnson with a solid technical foundation and instilled a disciplined approach to training.

Advancement at Unity Jiu-Jitsu

In 2015, seeking a more competitive and structured training environment, Johnson transitioned to Unity Jiu-Jitsu in New York City, training under renowned instructor Murilo Santana. Santana's methodical and analytical coaching style significantly elevated Johnson's technical proficiency and competitive mindset. After a highly successful competitive run at brown belt, including victories at major IBJJF tournaments, Johnson earned his black belt from Santana in August 2018.

Establishing Bones BJJ Academy

Johnson began his coaching career as a purple belt at Unity HQ in Manhattan, initially teaching a limited number of classes. As demand grew from friends requesting private lessons for their children, Johnson expanded his teaching responsibilities. Recognizing the opportunity to further develop his coaching philosophy, he established Bones BJJ, a Unity Jiu-Jitsu affiliate located in New Jersey. At Bones BJJ, Johnson serves as head coach, balancing his instructional duties with an active competitive career.

Competition Style and Superfight Presence

Johnson is recognized for his dynamic and versatile competition style, effectively adapting his game to both gi and no-gi formats. He frequently participates in superfight events, including appearances at BJJ Stars and Place of Peace Invitational, showcasing his technical versatility beyond traditional IBJJF competitions. Additionally, Johnson represented Team North America at Polaris Squads, securing multiple victories under the team-based ruleset and further solidifying his status as an elite competitor.

ADCC Trials and Pursuit of ADCC Qualification

Johnson actively pursues qualification for the prestigious ADCC World Championships, consistently testing himself against top-tier grapplers. In 2023, he secured a bronze medal in the 99kg division at the 2023 ADCC North American East Coast Trials, marking a significant milestone in his ongoing quest to compete at the highest levels of submission grappling.

Personal Life and Renewed Competitive Motivation

In late 2024, Johnson became a father, an event he credits as a profound source of renewed motivation. Inspired by the birth of his daughter, Johnson captured gold in the absolute division at the 2024 IBJJF Pan No-Gi Championship. Fatherhood has provided Johnson with additional drive and purpose, positively influencing his competitive mindset and enhancing his performance on the mats.