Max Gimenis Set for UFC Debut at Vegas 111 Fight Card

LAS VEGAS, NV — Max Gimenis, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert, is ready to make his UFC debut at UFC Vegas 111 against Josh Hokit. Gimenis, who boasts numerous accolades in grappling, began his journey in martial arts at a young age, spurred on by his father’s passion for MMA.

Gimenis started practicing jiu-jitsu at around 9 or 10 years old. Although he found success in the grappling scene, including being an ADCC qualifier and the IBJJF champion, he felt the desire to test himself in mixed martial arts. “I thought when I turn 28 years old I will do MMA fight at least one or two to prove my jiu-jitsu is good,” Gimenis stated.

After experiencing disappointments in jiu-jitsu tournaments, Gimenis decided it was time for a change. He finished second in his last adult world tournament at 28, which reaffirmed his decision to switch sports. “They had some problems on the bracket, and I was a little disappointed with jiu-jitsu, so I’m like ‘ah man, that’s I think it’s time to move on,’” he said.

While managing the Culture of Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Gimenis received encouragement from his business partner, Eric Philcox, to pursue MMA. After much contemplation, a conversation with a friend pushed him to take the plunge. “Maybe I will just focus on my school… but then I was talking with a friend and he was like ‘why don’t you try MMA?’”

Now, with seven professional MMA fights to his name, Gimenis is poised to step into the octagon. His fight against Hokit is part of the preliminary card at UFC Vegas 111, which starts at 4 PM ET, airing on ESPN+. Fans are looking forward to seeing how Gimenis, once primarily a grappler, adapts to the dynamic challenges of MMA competition.