Long Island teen and his merciless armbar have designs on UFC future

Long Island has a true gem in jiujitsu star Diamond Armello. The Smithtown 16-year-old has a sparkling future ahead as the world’s second-ranked teen in the martial art, with a record that speaks for itself.“I’ve had over 400 fights — and it’s over 400 wins,” Armello told The Post after a training session at Vanguard Academy in Lake Grove.“I think I’ve lost maybe 12 times, or 20,” added the 5-foot-6, 130-pounder. Mighty Armello — opponents fear his merciless armbar — has earned the respect of the combat sports community, notably from Long Island UFC star Matt “Steamrolla” Frevola, who trains with the teenager.“This kid keeps me on my toes.… I always try not to use my strength and size on him, but then again, he’s so good sometimes I have to,” said the 155-pound Frevola, 36.“He’s in here every day, working his a– off.”Armello first hit the mats at 11, and he was promoted to adult classes just months into learning jiujitsu. He came in with a chip on his shoulder and said priority No.

1 was earning the respect of his older peers.“It took a while for them, but they eventually realized that I can handle myself,” Armello said. Things are at the point now where other fighters often come to him for advice or to watch him do a move right. “Even though I’m the youngest, I know a lot of stuff … normally, you can’t get your blue belt until the day you become 16.I got mine 10 months early.”There was something else Armello had been grappling with as a tween that led him to pursue jiujitsu and ultimately helped him discover his unrivaled skills.“I used to get picked on a lot.

I wanted to learn how to defend myself if I ever needed to,” he said.Armello ultimately learned peace through the art of war and never had to lay a hand on a bully.Dopey teens have been wise to back off after he gave a verbal warning of what could happen next. Armello attributes restraint and maturity beyond his years to what he learns in th...