BJJ legend Andre Galvao plans return to MMA, a decade after last fight

One of the all-time greats in jiujitsu is planning a return to mixed martial arts competition. Andre Galvao, who has six BJJ world championships…

By: Anton Tabuena | 3 years ago
BJJ legend Andre Galvao plans return to MMA, a decade after last fight
Bloody Elbow 2.0 | Anton Tabuena

One of the all-time greats in jiujitsu is planning a return to mixed martial arts competition.

Andre Galvao, who has six BJJ world championships and six ADCC titles to his name, announced that he plans to return to MMA. It’s been a decade since his last MMA fight, but the 38-year-old says he’s looking forward to showcasing a far more improved wrestling and grappling game.

If you didn’t know about it…now you you know it.

7 fights 5-2-0 in 2.5 years. Between 2008-2011 I did MMA. Yes. Lots of bjj fighters was happy about that during those years. They had the chance to win my world titles.

“I didn’t fight worlds 2009-2012. Yeah! They all super happy about it. I could win couple more world titles in bjj. Haha!

Back in the day I had no wrestling and no ADCC World Titles. My no gi game is different now.

I competed only against top fighters never thought about making my cartel…I was ready for anyone.

Much respect to all my opponents ✊ .

@jeremiahmetcalf72 @mikeygb #johnalessio #LukeStwart @jorgepatinomacaco @jason_highwalker @twooodley

All of my opponents has way more experience than me.

I want to show the world I can do it!

I want to get back and show the world I can do it well.

God’s plan…not my plan ✍ .

Galvao competed in MMA from 2008 to 2010, where he compiled a 5-2 record competing in promotions such as Strikeforce and DREAM. His final bout was a loss a future UFC champion in Tyron Woodley.

Galvao was already a three-time BJJ world champion as a black belt when he started his MMA career, but he’s an even more decorated grappler now. As he noted on his post, Galvao still took several more prestigious grappling accolades in the years after, including three more IBJJF world championships and all of his ADCC titles.

He is also now a world renowned coach, with numerous other jiujitsu world champions now coming from his Atos team in San Diego. (Israel Adesanya has also been training with them in recent weeks.) Interestingly enough, Lucas Barbosa, one of the top BJJ stars under his stable, is now also planning a switch to MMA.

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About the author
Anton Tabuena
Anton Tabuena

Anton Tabuena is the Managing Editor for Bloody Elbow. He’s been covering MMA and combat sports since 2009, and has also fought in MMA, Muay Thai and kickboxing.

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