Toquinho warns Galvão: “I’m going for the finish”
In an exclusive interview with VF Comunica, Rousimar Palhares says he always expected the rematch, 15 years after the 2011 ADCC final: “Everybody knows I’m going for the finish”
Fifteen years after the 2011 ADCC final, Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares gets his rematch against André Galvão, and he says he’s stepping in without a single doubt. In an exclusive interview with VF Comunica, the Brazilian talked about the November 13 rematch, the main event of ACBJJ 23 at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro.
Asked about his confidence facing Galvão again, Toquinho kept it simple: “If I had any doubt, I wouldn’t fight. I’m predictable. Everybody knows I’m going for the finish.”
A rematch he saw coming
For Toquinho, the rematch was only a matter of time. The 2011 final left a mark on grappling, and he says fans never stopped asking for the second fight.
“I was already counting on this rematch, to be honest. I just didn’t know when it would happen. Because it was one of the most watched and talked-about matchups in the fight world,” he said.
In that final in Nottingham, England, the two fought for the under-88kg title. Toquinho reached the final after tearing through his bracket with leg locks, the weapon that made him feared in grappling and MMA. Galvão won 9-4 on points and also took gold in the absolute at the same event.
Now at 100kg, with body strikes
The rematch looks very different. It will be contested at 100kg and, according to promoter Davi Ramos, a former UFC fighter, under combat jiu-jitsu rules: punches and kicks to the body are allowed, and strikes to the head are not. Rounds are scored on the 10-9 system, based on impact, control and aggression.
Toquinho built much of his career in MMA, with stints in the UFC and WSOF, but he is still remembered for his leg locks. Galvão, a five-time world champion and IBJJF Hall of Famer, returned to competition in October, at 44, at the IBJJF No-Gi Pans, shortly before signing with ACBJJ.
In the co-main event, Rodolfo Vieira makes his promotional debut against UFC veteran Kelvin Gastelum in a no-gi match at 90kg.
Do you think Toquinho gets the finish he promised, or does Galvão repeat 2011? Let us know in the comments.
Read also
More in Interviews
- 01
- 02
- 03
