Brazilian grappling legend Andre Galvao is preparing to step back onto the major competitive stage to face a familiar and formidable rival. Galvao is embracing a daunting challenge as he prepares to square off against Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares at ACBJJ 23, scheduled for Nov. 13 in Rio de Janeiro. The high-profile encounter will serve as the headline attraction at the Farmasi Arena, bringing together two of the most decorated and feared submission specialists of their generation in a clash that has already generated immense excitement within the global combat sports community.
The upcoming matchup marks a highly anticipated rematch of their legendary 2011 ADCC final. However, unlike their first historic encounter, this renewal of hostilities will take place under significantly altered conditions. Most notably, the ruleset for ACBJJ 23 permits legal strikes to the body, introducing a distinct element of mixed martial arts danger into a pure grappling and combat jiu-jitsu environment.
Galvao, who is 44 years old, recently spoke with Sherdog to discuss the motivations behind his return to active competition. According to the Atos Jiu-Jitsu leader, a renewed personal desire to test himself once again at the highest level, combined with an attractive and compelling offer from the ACBJJ promotion, prompted him to sign on the dotted line. Initially, Galvao approached the booking under the assumption that the rematch would strictly follow the traditional grappling rules of their previous encounter. However, as fight preparations progressed and the official parameters were finalized, the format evolved in unexpected ways.
“First they got my yes, then came the surprises,” Galvao recalled during his interview with Sherdog. Explaining the progressive evolution of the bout agreement, the veteran grappler detailed how the terms shifted over time. “Later on they told me it would be up to 100kg [220 pounds]; then that it would be nine minutes of fighting instead of seven; and finally they informed me that punches and kicks would be allowed.”
The introduction of strikes to the body fundamentally changes the dynamic of the contest, raising the stakes significantly for both competitors. When the details of the updated ruleset became public, the prospect of facing a powerhouse like Palhares under those specific conditions caused genuine concern among several of Galvao’s close friends, peers, and students. Palhares has long held a fearsome reputation within the grappling and mixed martial arts worlds due to his extraordinary lower-body strength and his proficiency in securing rapid, devastating submission holds. Hearing that strikes would also be permitted led some within Galvao’s inner circle to question the wisdom of taking the fight on short notice and under such punishing rules.
Despite the understandable apprehension from those close to him, the decorated Atos Jiu-Jitsu founder remains supremely confident. Galvao firmly believes that his extensive background in mixed martial arts has thoroughly prepared him to handle the unique physical demands and psychological pressures of competing with strikes enabled.
“Several friends came to me and said, ‘You’re crazy, coming back right away against Toquinho and with strikes allowed?’” Galvao recounted. Addressing those doubts, he pointed to a chapter of his athletic career that many modern grappling fans frequently overlook. “The fact is that since I built my career more in Jiu-Jitsu and grappling, the youngsters forget that I’ve already had seven MMA fights, and during that period I was training with champions like Anderson [Silva], Rafael Feijão, and Ronaldo ‘Jacaré’ [Souza], so taking punches isn’t exactly something that scares me that much.”
That high-level background in elite MMA gyms across Brazil provided Galvao with invaluable preparation for enduring physical punishment while maintaining technical composure. Training alongside some of the greatest mixed martial artists in the history of the sport ensured that facing a dangerous opponent who can throw body strikes is a challenge he is well-equipped to manage, even after stepping away from active MMA competition to focus entirely on elite submission grappling.
At the same time, Galvao harbors no illusions regarding the sheer magnitude of the threat that Rousimar Palhares presents. Known for his thick frame, relentless pressure, and terrifying leg-lock capabilities, Palhares remains one of the most physically intimidating competitors to ever step onto the mat. Galvao acknowledged his opponent’s unique attributes with a mixture of professional respect and characteristic humor.
“Toquinho is a monster, he’s incredibly strong. I joke that I’m prepared to face a monster on Friday the 13th,” Galvao said, leaning into the ironic calendar coincidence of the event date. Looking back at their storied history, the Brazilian champion reflected on what made their first meeting so special and expressed total confidence that their upcoming clash will capture that same magic. “That fight of ours in the ADCC final in London in 2011 is still considered one of the best in history. I’m sure we’re going to put on another great fight and make history again.”
Their initial encounter took place at the 2011 ADCC World Submission Fighting Championships in Nottingham, England. Competing in the under-88-kilogram division final, Galvao put on a tactical masterclass to secure a 9-4 victory over Palhares, earning a prestigious gold medal and etching their names into the annals of grappling lore. Now, more than a decade later, the narrative shifts from the mats of Nottingham to the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, where the stakes are elevated by heavier weight limits, extended time limits, and the inclusion of body strikes.
As ACBJJ 23 approaches, the combat sports world turns its attention toward Rio de Janeiro to witness how this high-stakes rematch will unfold. With Galvao bringing his legendary technical precision and hardened MMA background, and Palhares bringing his trademark explosive strength and submission danger, the event promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle for fans of grappling and combat sports alike.
