Brazilian jiu-jitsu prodigy Mica Galvão is finally speaking out in detail about the PED violation that shook the grappling world and stalled his rapid ascent. In the new FloGrappling documentary “The Year of Mica,” Galvão opens up about the incident that led to his suspension — and places much of the blame on the adults around him during his teenage years.

“I Was 17… I Put My Trust in the Doctor”

Reflecting on the controversial positive test, Galvão paints a picture of a young athlete who was overwhelmed and misled.

“When I went to [the] US, they told me that my testosterone level was very low. They said that they could help me up just to bring it back to normal,” he says in the film.
“For me, I didn’t understand a lot. I was 17. I was just trying to compete and I put my trust in into the doctor at that time and I think it was a mistake.”

Galvão’s explanation suggests he was advised to undergo treatment under the guidance of medical professionals, but didn’t fully grasp the consequences. His account highlights a deeper issue: the vulnerability of teen athletes and the misplaced trust they often have to place in adults.

A Broken System in a Young Sport

At just 18, Galvão made history as the youngest IBJJF black belt world champion, cementing his status as a generational talent. But behind the scenes, he says, there was a lack of proper support and education about drug testing and anti-doping protocols.

“The truth is jiu-jitsu is still a sport that is very amateur. We don’t have a lot of concern about talking about [testing],” he says.
“That athlete is considered 100% responsible for anything that goes into your body. And at the time I didn’t know. I don’t use anything illegal. I don’t do anything that makes someone an advantage.”

Galvão’s comments reflect a growing concern within jiu-jitsu: a sport that’s becoming increasingly professional but still lacks the structure, resources, and accountability found in other athletic disciplines. He points to a culture where PED use is whispered about, yet rarely addressed.

“People think that it’s kind of normal for you to use stuff on jiu-jitsu. And I don’t want kids to grow up thinking about it,” he says.
“I don’t want adults looking into it and say, ‘Oh, no. It’s normal. Everybody’s on it.’ No, it shouldn’t be like that.”

PED Allegations Surrounding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

While Mica Galvão’s suspension caught headlines, it didn’t surprise many longtime observers of professional jiu-jitsu. The use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) has long been a whispered reality in elite grappling circles — especially among younger athletes coming up through Brazil’s most competitive teams.

High-level competitors, including Nicholas Meregali, have publicly questioned the legitimacy of certain athletes’ physiques and performances, alluding to unchecked PED usage without naming names. Meregali has taken to social media on multiple occasions to call out what he sees as hypocrisy in the sport’s culture — where PEDs are both denied and widely accepted in practice.

Though direct evidence is scarce, allegations and suspicions have often centered around gyms producing top-tier athletes at unusually young ages. This includes the gym Melqui Galvão, Mica’s father and coach, where a wave of young Brazilian stars have emerged — sometimes with rapid physical transformations and dominant competitive records that raise eyebrows among peers.

“People think that it’s kind of normal for you to use stuff on jiu-jitsu,” Mica himself states in the documentary.
“And I don’t want kids to grow up thinking about it.”

These remarks take on a heavier weight when placed in the context of a sport where testing is minimal and accountability is often nonexistent. The IBJJF only began testing in recent years at select major events, and many elite-level competitions — such as ADCC and many professional superfight organizations — still have little to no PED enforcement.

Veteran competitors and commentators have noted that many Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes in their late teens and early twenties exhibit physiques that would raise red flags in any heavily regulated sport. Mica Galvão’s failed test, while significant, is seen by some as just the tip of the iceberg.

Despite the cloud of suspicion, few athletes have faced actual consequences, and even fewer have come forward with a candid explanation like Galvão. Still, his remarks about the amateur nature of jiu-jitsu’s governance strike at the heart of the issue:

“That athlete is considered 100% responsible for anything that goes into your body,” Mica said.
“And at the time I didn’t know. I don’t use anything illegal. I don’t do anything that makes someone an advantage.”

Until testing becomes more consistent, and cultural attitudes shift toward transparency, the specter of PED use in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — especially among young rising stars — will likely continue to fuel controversy.

The Comeback Year

After serving his suspension, Galvão returned in 2024 with a vengeance — determined to prove himself once again. He notched major victories at the European Championships, Pan Championships, Brazilian Nationals, and finally reclaimed the IBJJF World Championship.

His dominant comeback reaffirmed his place at the top of the sport and showed his resilience after what many viewed as a career-defining scandal.

Community Divided on His Message

Despite the honest tone of the documentary, Galvão’s explanation hasn’t convinced everyone. Critics argue that while outside influence may have played a role, elite athletes — even at a young age — must ultimately take full responsibility for what goes into their bodies.

Some see the film as a genuine effort at transparency. Others believe it’s a strategic move — a carefully framed PR campaign to soften the damage and rebuild his image.

Looking Ahead

Whether fans accept his version of events or not, Mica Galvão is clearly eager to turn the page — both as an athlete and as a role model. His message is now focused on educating others and ensuring that future athletes don’t repeat his mistakes.

Time will tell how the jiu-jitsu world chooses to remember this chapter — as a cautionary tale, a redemption arc, or something in between.

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