Five-time black belt champion A. Galvão has his last fight at ADCC 2019. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram André Galvão
Multi-time champion in jiu-jitsu, André Galvão decided to retire from the gentle art after 13 years of competitions as a black belt. He won several jiu-jitsu world titles as a black belt with and without the gi. The farewell fight will be at the 2019 ADCC against Felipe Preguiça in California, in the United States.
In an interview with the Tatame website, Galvão stated that from now on, the Brazilian will work exclusively with Atos Jiu-Jitsu as a mentor and coach for his representatives. “I want to make sure that they are not just champions on the mat, but that they can overcome challenges, becoming a better person, living their dream, just like I live my dream.”
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“My career as an athlete is beautiful. I have nothing left to prove as a fighter. Now I want to focus on my family, on the future of my career as a coach and entrepreneur, I want to continue making history in Jiu-Jitsu in another way. I'm feeling great, in excellent physical shape and very healthy. I don’t have any serious injuries, it was a decision based on my priority from now on”, explained André about the decision to retire.
The Brazilian fighter is a great example in jiu-jitsu and wants to inspire people with his retirement. “There are more than 20 years of dedication to the sport as an athlete. I think I achieved a lot. I think I inspired a lot of people, a lot of athletes and people who are not athletes, on and off the mat. I will always be a motivator for our entire sport. I did what no one has done to date, which was to become a world champion by fighting, coaching and as a leader. I built a history in sport, I dedicated myself to the maximum, I want to be an example for the rest of my life, inspiring many people. The legacy I leave as an athlete is this: you are capable of achieving, believe me”, he said.
André Galvão used social media to announce his departure from competitions on the mats.
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