Galvao Stops Palhares In ACBJJ 23 Rematch

Andre Galvao forced a stoppage over Rousimar Palhares in the main event of ACBJJ 23, repeating his 2011 ADCC final victory in a rematch held under Battle Jiu-Jitsu rules in Rio de Janeiro.

Palhares, who carried more MMA experience into the contest, opened by pressing forward with punches and kicks while Galvao circled the ring. Sherdog reports that midway through one of Palhares' advances, Galvao secured a double-leg takedown and seized control. He swept, passed guard, advanced to mount and took Palhares' back. Palhares attempted a footlock, but the Atos Jiu-Jitsu leader defended and continued his attack with body punches.

Galvao Forces Stoppage After Nine Minutes

Near the end of the nine-minute bout, Galvao jumped over Palhares' guard and landed with both feet on his opponent's midsection. With Palhares visibly spent, the referee waved off the contest and awarded Galvao the win.

The event featured 20 matches, 11 of which pitted Brazilian grapplers against Russian opponents. The home side rallied late to claim a 6-5 edge in the head-to-head competition. In the co-main event, Rodolfo Vieira finished Andre Sergipano quickly with a kata-gatame after securing mount in a no-gi matchup.

Former UFC fighters Gleison Tibau and Philip Rowe also competed in a Battle Jiu-Jitsu contest. Tibau controlled from top position for most of the bout, landing repeated body punches under rules that permit strikes below the head, and earned a decision. Two-time PFL champion Antonio Carlos Jr captured the All-Stars no-gi belt with a points victory over Ivan Shtyrkov after threatening a rear-naked choke.

According to former UFC fighter Davi Ramos, who helped promote the Rio card, ACBJJ is expected to return to the city in early 2027.

Photo: Rhdesantana / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Original reporting:

• sherdog.com — Andre Galvao overwhelms Rousimar ‘Toquinho’ Palhares in ACBJJ 23 stoppage