The Vale Tudo (MMA) Monster They Tried to Forget | WHO IS IVAN GOMES?
WHO IS MMA
10,927 views
Episode 17 | Mini Documentary | Join Me | Learn MMA History
Before modern MMA had a name, there was Ivan Gomes.
A man who fought Carlson Gracie to a brutal draw, terrified Brazil’s Vale Tudo scene, and later carried his violence and innovation to Japan. While many pioneers helped build mixed martial arts, Ivan Gomes felt different. He wasn’t simply another champion — he was a problem.
Yet despite his impact, his name slowly faded from history.
In this episode of WHO IS MMA, we explore the life of Ivan Gomes — the cowboy from Paraíba who became one of the most feared men of his generation.
The man who scared the gods.
As a huge fan of mixed martial arts, I’m going back and learning about the legends who helped shape the sport — and I'm bringing you along with me.
Music Credits:
Music: “Wave Maker (Lofi, Dreamy, Retro)” by HoliznaCC0 — CC0 1.0
Music: "Reclaimed" — Ketsa
Source: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ke...
License: CC BY 4.0
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Licensed: Funky Lo-Fi Hip Hop | Funky by Alex-Productions
Music: "Lofi Chill Hop – 20 min mix" by Ketsa
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
20 Comments
P.S. I wish the videos could be longer!! 😂
-Kyuzo Mifune
-Masahiko Kimura
-Bruce Lee
-Masutatsu Oyama
-Ivan Gomes
-Miyamoto Musashi
all appeared to be invincible in their lifetimes
The Vale Tudo (MMA) Monster They Tried to Forget | WHO IS IVAN GOMES?
WHO IS MMA
10,927 views
Episode 17 | Mini Documentary | Join Me | Learn MMA History
Before modern MMA had a name, there was Ivan Gomes.
A man who fought Carlson Gracie to a brutal draw, terrified Brazil’s Vale Tudo scene, and later carried his violence and innovation to Japan. While many pioneers helped build mixed martial arts, Ivan Gomes felt different. He wasn’t simply another champion — he was a problem.
Yet despite his impact, his name slowly faded from history.
In this episode of WHO IS MMA, we explore the life of Ivan Gomes — the cowboy from Paraíba who became one of the most feared men of his generation.
The man who scared the gods.
As a huge fan of mixed martial arts, I’m going back and learning about the legends who helped shape the sport — and I'm bringing you along with me.
Music Credits:
Music: “Wave Maker (Lofi, Dreamy, Retro)” by HoliznaCC0 — CC0 1.0
Music: "Reclaimed" — Ketsa
Source: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ke...
License: CC BY 4.0
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Licensed: Funky Lo-Fi Hip Hop | Funky by Alex-Productions
Music: "Lofi Chill Hop – 20 min mix" by Ketsa
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
My brother, Alberto Miná, fought in the UFC with a 13–1 record and is now a Head Coach at the UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai. He is a living example of Ivan’s influence and legacy. Alberto is also from Campina Grande, Ivan’s hometown, and had the privilege of training with one of Ivan’s students, Sensei Roberto Fialho, himself a Coral Belt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbtgUTgWGI0
It’s amazing to see how Ivan’s teachings and influence have traveled through generations and across the world. As someone from Campina Grande and part of this story, we are incredibly proud to see this legacy being recognized and shared.
Thank you for telling this story! Oss! 🥋