Mairbek Taisumov is set to make his return to competition under grappling rules, facing UFC veteran Gleison Tibau. The bout will take place under the ACB Jiu-Jitsu banner.
Mairbek Taisumov is set to return to competition in a grappling contest against Gleison Tibau, with the bout scheduled to take place under the ACB Jiu-Jitsu banner.
Taisumov, known by the nickname Beckan, carries a professional MMA record of 27-6 and is 37 years old. The Russian lightweight, who trains out of Team Taisumov, built his reputation primarily as a striker, landing nearly three significant strikes per minute at a 39 percent accuracy rate across his MMA career. His submission attempts in MMA have been virtually nonexistent, making the shift to a pure grappling format a notable change of terrain for him. He stands five-foot-nine with a 73-inch reach.
His opponent, Gleison Tibau, is a seasoned Brazilian veteran who competed extensively in the UFC. Now 42, Tibau holds a 33-14 record and trains out of American Top Team. The southpaw has historically been one of the more wrestling-oriented lightweights in the sport, averaging over four takedowns per 15 minutes during his MMA career. At five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, the Brazilian brings legitimate grappling credentials into this matchup.
Why it matters
- Taisumov stepping onto the mat under grappling rules represents a rare departure from the striking-based style that defined his MMA career.
- Tibau's wrestling pedigree gives him a meaningful edge on paper in a format that removes Taisumov's most dangerous weapon.
- The bout adds to a growing trend of veteran MMA fighters testing themselves in submission grappling events between or after their cage careers.
