It was announced Friday that former ADCC Submission Fighting world champion Orlando Sanchez passed away the previous evening at the age of 40.

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Known as one of the fastest to ever achieve a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, earning the rank in just four years, Sanchez was originally a college football player from California. He would suffer from depression, alcohol and drug abuse but credited taking up jiu-jitsu with turning his life around.

Earning his black belt in 2012, Sanchez rose to prominence with his win at the 2015 ADCC world championships capturing the 99+ kg division and defeating former ADCC champions Dean Lister and Vinny Magalhaes in the process. Returning two years later, he captured a silver medal at the 2017 ADCC championships.

Sanchez also compiled a 5-0 record with 1 no contest in mixed martial arts. No cause of death has yet been released.