The Head of ADCC Middle East, Wezzi, has publicly endorsed BJJ Girls Mag investigative coverage of abuse and misconduct in jiu-jitsu. The statement was sent directly to our newsroom and authorized by the source for full publication.
The endorsement arrives at a critical moment in our coverage, weeks after the arrest of coach Melqui Galvao and the revelation that Andre Luis Siqueira Pinheiro, known as “Andre Motoca”, remains a fugitive in the United Arab Emirates with an active arrest warrant issued by the Brazilian justice system for rape.
The Statement in Full
“To the team at BJJ Girls Magazine,
I want to commend your team for the professionalism and courage shown in bringing these allegations to light.
This work is not easy, but it is essential. By giving a voice to those affected and holding individuals accountable, you are helping make the grappling community safer and more transparent.
As Head of ADCC Middle East, I stand firmly against any form of abuse or misconduct. ADCC Middle East has always been committed to giving women the opportunity to compete, including equal access to competition platforms and prize money, and they are always welcome within our events and community.
You have our full respect, and we support efforts that prioritize athlete safety, truth, and accountability.”
Wezzi, Head of ADCC Middle East
Why This Position Matters
The ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) is one of the most influential grappling organizations in the world. Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, it organizes the ADCC World Championship, regarded by many as the most prestigious submission grappling event globally. The Middle East division covers a region where sensitive cases involving Brazilian athletes have been gaining relevance, especially after Andre Motoca flight to the territory.
An institutional position from an organization of ADCC caliber validates the work of specialized journalism and sets an important precedent. In a sport that has historically protected abusers in the name of communal silence, public statements from reference organizations help shift the moral baseline.
What Comes Next
Our coverage continues. Currently in development: the Brazilian Federal Police stance on a potential Interpol Red Notice in the Andre Motoca case, follow-up on Melqui Galvao legal proceedings, and mapping of other sports organizations expected to take a public position.
BJJ Girls Mag thanks ADCC Middle East and Wezzi for this public statement. We reaffirm our commitment to continue our coverage with the same journalistic rigor, always giving voice to victims and demanding institutional accountability.