Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares ACBJJ 23 on November 13 in Rio de Janeiro.
The Brazilian wrestler will face Palhares in a rematch of the 2011 ADCC Finals, this time under rules that allow kicks to the body.
Andre Galvao prepares for ACBJJ 23 against Rousimar Palhares under rules that allow body kicks
Galvao, 44, told Sherdog that his return motivated him to compete again and the promotion’s attractive offer. He originally expected the rematch to follow the rules of their previous encounter, but the format changed as plans evolved.
“First they got my yes, then the surprises came,” Galvao said. “Later I was told it would be up to 100kg (220lb); then the fight would be nine minutes instead of seven; and finally they informed me punches and kicks were allowed.”
The prospect of facing Palhares on such terms concerned some of Galvao’s friends and students. However, the head of Atos Jiu-Jitsu believes his MMA experience has prepared him for the challenge.
“Several friends came up to me and said, ‘You’re crazy, you’re coming right back against Toquinho and strikes are allowed?'” Galvao recalled. “The fact is that because I built my career more in Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling, young people forget that I have already had seven MMA fights and during that period I trained with champions like Anderson, Rafael Feijão and Ronaldo Jacare, so I don’t feel as intimidated by punches.”
Still, Galvao acknowledges the danger Palhares poses.
“Toquinho is a monster, he’s incredibly strong. I’m joking that I’m ready to face a monster on Friday the 13th,” Galvao said. “That fight we had at the ADCC finals in London 2011 is still considered one of the best in history. I’m sure we’re going to have another great fight and make history again.”
Galvao won his first match 9-4 in the under-88kg ADCC finals in Nottingham, England. Their rematch is headlined by ACBJJ 23 at the Farmasi Arena.
