Galvao Says Rules Changed After Accepting Palhares Rematch

Andre Galvao says the ruleset for his rematch with Rousimar Palhares shifted after he committed to the bout.

The Brazilian grappling legend told Sherdog the ACBJJ 23 matchup on Nov. 13 in Rio de Janeiro will now permit punches and kicks to the body, a wrinkle he learned only after accepting the fight. The promotion also adjusted the weight limit to 220 pounds and extended the duration from seven minutes to nine, according to Galvao's account. He described the process as agreeing to the match first, then discovering the format changes piece by piece.

Galvao's MMA Background Eases Concerns

The 44-year-old Atos Jiu-Jitsu founder said friends questioned his decision to face Palhares under the revised format, but his seven-fight MMA career gives him confidence. He trained alongside Anderson Silva, Rafael Feijao, and Ronaldo Souza during that stretch, so absorbing strikes is familiar territory. "Taking punches isn't exactly something that scares me that much," Galvao said. He acknowledged the Friday the 13th date and the challenge his opponent presents, calling Palhares both strong and dangerous.

Galvao beat Palhares by decision in the 2011 ADCC final in Nottingham, England, a match that took place at 88 kilograms. Their rematch headlines ACBJJ 23 at Farmasi Arena, with both men competing at 220 pounds for nine minutes under the expanded ruleset that now includes body strikes.

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• Sherdog — Andre Galvao says rules changed after he accepted Rousimar Palhares rematch