André Galvão is that rare case of a strong, fast and technical man! Just that move with a 1 minute fight against toquinho brucutu. https://t.co/1z9rgoVUFD
— Biaozinn (@biaobjj)
November 14, 2026
Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Russian wrestling and sambo have produced some of the most exciting matches in modern mixed martial arts. This rivalry came to a head at the 23rd edition of ACBJJ in Rio de Janeiro, where wrestlers from Brazil and Russia competed under different rules.
11 of the 20 matches of the event were played by the Brazilians against the Russians. With the hometown crowd behind them, the Brazilians rallied late to win the back-to-back 6-5.
A rematch of the 2011 ADCC finals in the main event, Other Galvao once again defeated Rousimar “Toquinho” Palharesthis time by the rules of Battle Jiu-Jitsu.
Galvao dominates Palharest Battle Jiu-Jitsu rematch as Brazil tops Russia 6-5
Palhares, nicknamed “Toquinho,” entered as the favorite because of his greater MMA experience. He pressed on from the opening bell, looking to use his punches and kicks as Galvao circled the ringside.
Midway through one of Palhares’ advances, Galvao scored a double-leg takedown and took full control. He swept, passed the guard, ascended the hill, and retook Palhares.
Palhares attempted a leg lock, but Galvao, head of Atos Jiu-Jitsu, defended the submission and continued to attack, landing a series of kicks to the body.
Near the end of the nine-minute contest, Galvao jumped over Palhares’ guard, landing both feet on his opponent’s stomach. With Palhares visibly exhausted, the referee stopped the fight and awarded the win to Galvao.
Multiple world champion in the co-main tournament Rodolfo Vieira quick job done Andre Sergipano no-gi collusion. Vieira scored a takedown, got to his feet and finished the fight with a kata-gatame, or arm-triangle choke.
Another Battle Jiu-Jitsu match featured the former
Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters Gleison Tibau and Philip Rowe. Brazilian veteran Tibau defeated the American by decision after controlling the upper hand for much of the contest.
Tibau secured an early takedown and maintained control for most of the match. Taking advantage of the rules that allow headbutting, he repeatedly punched Rowe’s body.
Herdeson Batista also delivered a dominant performance against the former UFC fighter and “The Ultimate Fighter” winner Kelvin Gastelum.
Batista took Gastelum to his back twice and threatened several times. Gastelum’s best chance came when he managed to switch positions and take Batista back, but the Brazilian eventually secured the points win.
One of the biggest highlights of the night came from the two-time PFL champion Antonio Carlos Jr.who gave the hometown audience energy with the victory Ivan Shtyrkov.
The Brazilian tried to fly into a triangle, passed the guard, took Štýrkov off his back and threatened a naked choke from behind. Although he was unable to secure the performance, Antonio earned a points victory and won the All-Star no-gi belt.
Former UFC fighters in another Battle Jiu-Jitsu competition Edson Barboza and Rashid Magomedov participated almost entirely in standing combat.
Both traded body shots and kicks throughout the match, rarely trying to start a fight. Magomedov eventually landed the more powerful punches and earned a points win.
Despite the intense rivalry between Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Russian sambo, the atmosphere behind the scenes was particularly friendly. Athletes and representatives of both countries interacted with mutual respect throughout the event.
Held in Rio de Janeiro, the city closely associated with the origins of the Gracie family’s jiu-jitsu legacy, the event also attracted an impressive array of combat legends.
Among those in the VIP area was Jose Aldo,
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, Fernando Augusto, Carlos Rosadoblack belt Carlson Gracie from the first generation and Leonardo Castello Branco.
According to the former UFC fighter David Ramoswho helped promote the event in Brazil, ACBJJ will return to Rio de Janeiro in early 2027.