Dieuseul "Tiger" Berto
Dieuseul Berto was born on March 24, 1958, in Modele, Haiti. He moved to Central Florida when he was 22, and began working jobs like picking fruit and restaurant service, but his love for martial arts led him on a different path. He practiced Shoodokan, Karate and Jeet Kune Do, until he was introduced to the world of professional wrestling where he was known as "The Caribbean Kid”.
Berto competed with some of the greatest martial artists in the world. Along with Ken Shamrock, he was one of the first Western MMA fighters to compete in Japan.
Several years into his career, he branched off into Battle Arts, becoming one of its pioneers in Central Florida and competing in organizations all around the world.
In 1996, Berto fought in UFC 9 and 10 back when the sport was still being introduced to the American public. Two years later, he suffered multiple broken bones in a terrible car accident. Doctors said he wouldn’t walk again. Berto resolved to prove them wrong. Not only did he regain the ability to walk, he opened a gym in Winter Haven called “Tiger’s World,” training many MMA fighters and creating fitness programs that are used by coaches nationwide.
Dieuseul Berto died at the age of 60 after battling with illness. Berto passed down his legacy to his children. His son Edson Berto and daughter Revelina Berto are both professional MMA fighters. Andre Berto represented Haiti in the 2004 Olympics and is a three-time welterweight champion.