Pedro Valente, a prominent figure in the Valente Brothers team, recently shared insights on the growing popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu during his appearance on the “Connect Cast” podcast.
Valente highlighted how the sport’s increasing entertainment value has attracted more sponsors, pointing to the public’s preference for dynamic, submission-focused matches – comparing the excitement of a submission in BJJ to scoring a goal in soccer.
Valente mentioned Mica Galvao, a young BJJ phenom, as a prime example of this trend, likening him to the legendary football player Ronaldinho Gaucho:
The essence of sports Jiu-Jitsu is something that has been around for a long time in the commercial aspect, it is entertainment.A professional competition fighter cannot do without the entertainment factor.
I saw some of Mica Galvao’s fights and he really puts on a show, it is something that amazes you with his speed, transition, ability to take advantage of opportunities to finish.
Valente stressed that the audience’s primary interest lies in seeing fighters achieve submissions rather than winning by points or advantages:
Within this concept of entertainment, that’s what it should be.
Mica is Ronaldinho Gaucho, he’s the guy who puts on a show, because that’s what sells tickets and attracts sponsors.
