Grappling Report: Galvao to defend ADCC title, Maia to return to BJJ

A rundown of the biggest headlines and news from the world of competitive grappling. After much deliberation and even requests for a million-dollar purse, it seems as though Andre Galvao has finally decided to commit to defendin…


bloody elbow grappling report

A rundown of the biggest headlines and news from the world of competitive grappling.

After much deliberation and even requests for a million-dollar purse, it seems as though Andre Galvao has finally decided to commit to defending his superfight championship at ADCC 2022. Since winning the title back in 2013, Galvao has managed to defend it against the reigning absolute champion at three consecutive events, defeating elite grapplers Roberto ‘Cyborg’ Abreu, Claudio Calasans, and Felipe Pena.

The 38-year-old Galvao was considering retiring from the sport altogether before defending it for the forth time against Gordon Ryan. However, the news of Galvao returning has come a little too late as Gordon Ryan has recently announced an indefinite hiatus from the sport. Fans will have to hope that Ryan is able to solve his stomach condition in time to step onto the mats opposite Galvao at ADCC 2022.

Roberto Jimenez becomes Combat Jiu Jitsu Welterweight world champion

It took just a little over eight and a half minutes for Roberto Jimenez to crush his opposition and be crowned the Combat Jiu Jitsu Welterweight world champion, as he submitted all four of his opponents. He started out by submitting Adrian Madrid with an arm-triangle choke in just over a minute before moving on to the second round and locking up a beautiful triangle-armbar against Jim Alers.

In his longest match of the night, he took just over three minutes to take the back of Brazilian MMA legend Gesias ‘JZ’ Cavalcante and sink in a rear-naked choke to book his place in the finals. There, he met 10th Planet’s Nathan Orchard, who had also submitted all three of his opponents up until that point. He wasted no time at all in securing a triangle choke against Orchard and got the tap in one of the shortest matches of the night.

Full results for the event can be found here.

Demian Maia announces intention to return to BJJ

Demian Maia came up short in his most recent fight against Belal Muhammad at UFC 263 and lost a unanimous decision when he wasn’t able to get the takedowns he needed. Just prior to the event, Maia was open about his intention to retire from MMA competition relatively soon. That should really come as no surprise considering that he’s currently approaching his 44th birthday and his third decade as a professional MMA fighter.

After losing the decision, Maia completed his UFC contract and his next move is unclear. Even if he does retire, this won’t be the end of Maia in combat sports altogether, as he has revealed that he’ll be returning to his first love, BJJ. Despite being a former ADCC world champion, Maia has announced his intention to compete in superfight events for the likes of BJJ Bet and BJJ Stars instead.

Full lineup announced for Submission Underground absolute grand prix

As a result of Mason Fowler’s continued dominance at Submission Underground, the promotion has decided to gather together eight elite grapplers to compete in an absolute grand prix for $10,000 and the right to challenge him. In between the future-contender’s rise to the top of the pile, Amanda Loewen will be returning in order to defend her absolute title against Raquel Canuto.

The full lineup for the absolute grand prix is finally here and will feature the recently-crowned CJJ Welterweight world champion Roberto Jimenez, alongside one of his defeated opponents Jim Alers. Fellow MMA veterans Adam Smith and Ronny Markes will also be competing with Renato Tagliari and Tanner Weisgram. The other favorites to win will be Pedro Marinho and 10th Planet’s EBI overtime expert Kyle Boehm.

Quick Hits

Technique Corner

Belt Worm Guard sweep to Mount

Finishing details for the Arm-Triangle Choke

The Buggy Choke