Max Gimenis

Biography

Max Gimenis is a Brazilian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Master Julio Cesar Pereira and one of the top representatives of GF Team in the super heavyweight and ultra heavyweight divisions. His competitive career is distinguished by elite performances in the gi, and he has successfully transitioned his grappling skills into mixed martial arts.

Born in Brazil, Gimenis began his martial arts journey at age 10 with judo, which built the foundation for his grappling before he discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He trained under Herman Santos and later committed fully to the sport at the GF Team headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, where he lived inside the academy during his development.

Gimenis earned his black belt on the podium of the 2016 IBJJF World Championship after a standout colored belt career that included major titles such as the No-Gi Worlds and No-Gi Pans.

His technical style centers around GF Team’s signature pressure-passing system, using relentless top pressure and calculated control to break down opponents’ guards and secure dominant positions.

More recently, he has transitioned to professional MMA, where he has compiled a record of 6-2 as of late 2025 and signed with the UFC heavyweight division, demonstrating his versatility across combat sports.

In addition to competing, Gimenis is a head coach and co-founder of the Culture of Jiu Jitsu academy in Maryland, USA.

Personal

* Legend status is reserved for retired athletes with outstanding achievements and a lasting impact on the sport.

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