The UFC heavyweight division has welcomed another grappling specialist to its ranks, as Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Max Gimenis has officially signed with the promotion. The 32-year-old black belt brings an impressive pedigree from the mats, boasting over 100 victories in grappling competitions alongside his multiple BJJ world championship titles.
Manager Brian Butler announced the signing on Monday, marking a significant career milestone for Gimenis, who currently holds a 6-1 professional MMA record. The Brazilian expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating on Instagram: I’m very excited for this new phase, let’s go all in.
Gimenis arrives in the UFC riding momentum from back-to-back first-round knockout victories on the regional circuit, showcasing that his skill set extends well beyond his renowned ground game. However, his path to the octagon has raised some eyebrows within the MMA community, as none of his seven professional opponents have maintained winning records. Combined, his previous adversaries held a collective 25-39 record at the time they faced him.
The timing of this signing comes as the UFC heavyweight division faces ongoing challenges with depth and talent. The roster remains smaller compared to other men’s divisions, and recent roster moves have sparked debate about the promotion’s direction at heavyweight. The division saw the controversial release of Martin Buday, a 16-2 ranked contender, following his victory over debuting BJJ World Championship Record Holder Marcus Buchecha.
Current undisputed champion Tom Aspinall presides over the division after Jon Jones announced his retirement in June, though ‘Bones’ has since reversed that decision, adding uncertainty to the championship picture.
The MMA community’s reaction to Gimenis’ signing has been mixed, with many drawing comparisons to other BJJ champions who have transitioned to mixed martial arts with varying degrees of success. Social media responses have ranged from skepticism about his untested competition level to acknowledgment that the heavyweight division needs fresh talent.
Gimenis’ arrival coincides with roster changes elsewhere in the promotion, as Indonesian featherweight Jeka Saragih was recently removed from the UFC roster following a 1-3 run that included back-to-back defeats. Saragih’s departure came after suffering a 28-second knockout loss to Joo Sang Yoo at UFC 316. BJJ’s Mahmed Aly is also expected to sign with the UFC soon, he will compete on the Dana White’s Contender Series in near future.
