UFC featherweight contender Norma Dumont sat down with MMA Hoje this week and spoke at length about the Melqui Galvao case, sharing her personal experiences in martial arts and what she believes the fallout means for the sport.
When asked directly about the case, Dumont didn’t hesitate. She made it clear that, in her view, Melqui Galvao should remain behind bars.
“He’s in jail, I don’t believe he’ll get out of this temporary detention, and I hope he doesn’t, especially with the level of accusations that are surfacing now.”
Dumont reflected on the culture that allows abuse to go unreported, noting that predators are calculated in who they target.
“The predator also knows where he’s messing, because generally predators go after girls who are quieter, more reserved. They don’t have a stronger personality to confront. They know very well where they’re going.”
On the specific accusations emerging in the Galvao case, Dumont did not hold back.
“Did you hear the testimony of that girl who said she was 12 years old when he abused her? He promised her a kimono. I’ll pick you up after school and we’ll go get the kimono for you. It makes me sick to my stomach. He knows her needs.”
Dumont said the case carries a warning that extends beyond the gym.
“I always tell all the parents of teenagers and children, put these kids in jiu-jitsu, put them in judo, take them to train. I think jiu-jitsu is very good for children to start with, especially with coordination and such. And then you see situations like this happening repeatedly with big academies, big names. I think this will generate a little fear in parents.”
Dumont expressed concern about how institutions protect their reputations over those who come forward.
“The Galvao case only blew up because there was audio, there was concrete proof.”
Beyond the initial allegations, the case has drawn attention due to the response from those closest to Galvao. Olympic gold medalist Amit Elor, who is part of his extended family, broke her usual upbeat tone to address the situation publicly.
“I am still so disturbed and angry, but extremely proud of the brave girls and their families that spoke up,” she said, urging others with information to come forward.
Meanwhile, Galvao’s son, decorated jiu-jitsu athlete Mica Galvao, acknowledged his personal ties while stressing the need for accountability. “My gratitude and love for him are real and do not change,” he wrote, before adding, “let the facts be investigated seriously and let Justice fulfill its role… I repudiate any form of harassment against women and children.”
[Editor’s Note: Quotes have been translated and edited for readability and clarity.]
