Cole Franson is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Maurício Mariano, being also one of the main representatives of the Tinguinha BJJ association in the sport's adult black belt division. Franson built his reputation as one of America's rising BJJ athletes while competing in the lower belt divisions of the sport, a time when Cole conquered important titles in the IBJJF Pan American Championship, the UAEJJF Continental Pro tournament, and the SJJF World Championships. Cole's status was cemented during his very first few months at black belt with more important podium placements.