“After winning every possible title in jiu-jitsu, my heart was racing to test my jiu-jitsu and MMA wrestling,”
Galvao wrote.
“I came to decide that I would make my debut at Shoto Brasil… but after conversations with my parents, I realized I still have a lot to add to Jiu-Jitsu.”
Family Intervention
The young grappling star cited significant parental influence in his decision-making process. According to Galvao, his father believes he’s “too young to make this transition now” and that with his current visibility, he “can help Jiu-Jitsu grow even further.”
Perhaps more tellingly, Galvao mentioned his mother’s reluctance to see him compete in striking-based competition:
“My mom also said she’s not ready to see me get punched in the face yet and that weighed heavily on the decision.”
Missed UFC Opportunity?
This decision comes at a particularly interesting time in combat sports. The UFC had previously shown interest in Galvao, bringing him to attend events in what many industry insiders saw as early courtship of the Brazilian star.
With UFC’s increasing involvement in professional grappling—highlighted by their historic exclusive contract with Mikey Musumeci—many expected Galvao to be next in line for similar opportunities that would bridge his transition into MMA.
Musumeci’s deal with the UFC has been positioned as groundbreaking for jiu-jitsu, with the American champion hinting at
“big plans to grow the Jiu-Jitsu sport”
and potential implementation of enhanced PED testing protocols.
PED Considerations
The mention of enhanced testing raises another interesting dimension to Galvao’s decision. In 2022, Galvao was stripped of his IBJJF World title and received a one-year suspension after testing positive for clomiphene.
With Musumeci openly advocating for stricter PED testing in jiu-jitsu under the UFC banner, questions naturally arise about whether this factored into Galvao’s decision to remain in the relatively less stringent testing environment of professional grappling competitions.
Focus on Growing the Sport
In his announcement, Galvao emphasized that his contract with Flograppling isn’t solely focused on his competitive career:
“This contract isn’t just for me, it’s also for the growth of Jiu-Jitsu. I want to help FloGrappling grow in Brazil and ensure that the Brazilian people have better and better conditions within the platform.”
“I STILL HAVE MORE STORIES TO TELL WITHIN JIUJITSU 🔥
From the beginning of my career, every decision has been made based on the values I learned from my parents. And at this important moment, it could not be different.
After winning every possible title in jiu-jitsu, my heart was racing to test my jiu-Jitsu and my wrestling in MMA. I came to decide that I would make my debut at Shoto Brasil, the master’s event @dede_pederneiras, because if I were to migrate to MMA, my debut would have to be in Brazil – this is where I grew up, and it’s the Brazilian audience that has always been by my side.
But after conversations with my parents, I realized I still have a lot to add to Jiu-Jitsu. My dad believes I’m too young to make this transition now and with the visibility I have today, I can help Jiu-Jitsu grow even further. My mom also said she’s not ready to see me get punched in the face yet and that weighed heavily on the decision. 😊😊😊
So happy to announce that I have signed with @flograppling for the next two years! I will continue to fight kimono and non kimono Jiu-Jitsu to defend my titles and move up to other categories seeking new challenges.
This contract isn’t just for me — it’s also for the growth of Jiu-Jitsu. I want to help FloGrappling grow in Brazil and ensure that the Brazilian people have better and better conditions within the platform. This will be my focus for the next two years.
I would like to especially thank my friend @eduardoturrisadvogado for donating several hours of his life and putting his office at my disposal. He accompanied me throughout these months, giving me complete security so that I could have the best possible contract.
Thank you to everyone who has always supported me. The future is now and I’ve still got a lot to deliver in Jiu-Jitsu!”
