Max Gimenis was born in Brazil on April 14, 1993. His journey in martial arts began at age 10 with judo at a local social club, laying the groundwork for his grappling skills. At this same club, Gimenis discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training under Herman Santos, a black belt affiliated with GF Team (then UGF). Santos's mentorship proved instrumental, inspiring Gimenis to pursue grappling at a competitive level from a young age.

During his teenage years, Gimenis's family moved to Guarapari, Espírito Santo. Arriving as a blue belt, he continued his development under Thiago Oliveira at the renowned Strike academy, a gym recognized for producing elite-level competitors. This period further refined his technical base and competitive mindset.

Motivated by the goal of becoming a professional athlete, Gimenis returned to Rio de Janeiro after two years in Espírito Santo. He rejoined the headquarters of GF Team, fully immersing himself in the team's rigorous training environment and even living inside the academy. Under the guidance of Master Júlio César Pereira, Gimenis's technical and tactical abilities flourished. His relentless work ethic and competitive results led to a series of belt promotions from Pereira, culminating in the awarding of his black belt on the podium of the 2016 IBJJF World Championship on June 2, 2016.

Technical Analysis: Pressure Passing Mastery

Gimenis is renowned for his mastery of the pressure-passing system, a cornerstone of the GF Team curriculum. His top game is defined by relentless forward pressure, precise weight distribution, and calculated control, systematically dismantling opponents' guards. This approach translates seamlessly between gi and no-gi formats, making him a threat in any ruleset.

Competitive Versatility

Gimenis distinguishes himself by maintaining elite performance across gi, no-gi, and MMA competition. His ability to adapt his pressure-based style to different formats sets him apart as one of the few athletes who compete year-round in all three disciplines without a drop in results.

Seeking to broaden his skill set, Gimenis relocated from Brazil to the United States, focusing on cross-training in wrestling to enhance his takedown proficiency for both gi and no-gi competition. This strategic move elevated his overall grappling game and prepared him for the demands of mixed martial arts.

Gimenis transitioned to professional MMA, compiling a 6–1 record as of September 16, 2025. On September 15, 2025, his manager Brian Butler announced Gimenis's signing with the UFC heavyweight division. He entered the promotion following consecutive first-round knockout victories on the regional circuit, with his seven opponents holding a combined record of 25–39 at the time they faced him.

In addition to his competitive career, Gimenis co-founded the Culture of Jiu Jitsu academy in Maryland, where he serves as head professor. He brings the signature pressure-passing methodology of GF Team to the East Coast, sharing his expertise through structured classes, seminars, and technical instruction. Gimenis balances his roles as active competitor, coach, and seminar instructor, while managing his own training camp and fostering the next generation of grapplers.

Gimenis's contributions to GF Team are recognized through his induction into the GFTeam Hall of Fame, honoring his achievements as a standout super-heavyweight competitor. He is widely respected for his influence on the team's competitive success and technical evolution, solidifying his legacy within the organization and the broader jiu-jitsu community.