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Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters might recall a moment when one of their own players squared off against a formidable English combat sports athlete. Wolves boast not only the highest number of Brazilian talents in their squad but also some of the most versatile individuals in the sport.
Among them is Joao Gomes, a midfielder who nearly swapped the football pitch for a career in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) after achieving a blue belt in the martial art.
Why Joao Gomes Stepped Away from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Joao Gomes, recently spotted with a fresh hairstyle, has always expressed a deep enthusiasm for BJJ.
The 24-year-old credits the disciplined practice with enhancing his athletic prowess, directly benefiting his performance as a footballer. “Training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu has elevated my game,” he explained to The Sun last year.
“It’s boosted my mobility and flexibility—areas where I struggled before. I used to deal with a lot of discomfort, but BJJ has built my resilience to that pain and improved my overall fitness.
It’s been a game-changer for my football.”
He went on to emphasize the broader appeal of the martial art: “Many view BJJ as just fighting, tied to aggression, but it’s so much more.
What drew me in was the strategy—using your opponent’s force against them. It’s less about brute strength and more about mental sharpness. In that way, it mirrors elite football, where the mind often matters more than the body.
Plus, it instills respect, self-discipline, and an understanding of structure within the sport.” However, when Wolves signed him from Flamengo in January 2023, Gomes had to scale back his BJJ pursuits due to the heightened injury risks it posed to his primary career.
“I haven’t found a training group here I can fully trust,” he admitted. “To practice BJJ in England, I need partners who are far more skilled than I am—people I’m confident won’t injure me. My football career comes first, so I need that assurance I’ll walk away unharmed.
” Fortunately, he eventually crossed paths with a Midlands-based expert who met his standards.
Facing Off with UFC’s Jai Herbert
Late last year, Gomes got the chance to train with UFC Lightweight Jai Herbert, who is gearing up to fight Chris Padilla at UFC London on March 22, 2025. The Wolves midfielder joined Herbert, alongside some young BJJ enthusiasts, for a session organized by the Wolves Foundation in Wolverhampton.
During the rollout, Gomes showcased his submission skills on the mats, holding his own against the seasoned fighter.
While he can’t commit to BJJ at Herbert’s competitive level, Gomes has still thrilled Wolves fans by delivering impactful performances—metaphorical “knockout blows”—on the pitch at Molineux.
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