Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert is stepping up his off-court training in an unconventional way—by adding mixed martial arts (MMA) to his workout routine. On Monday, Paris-based MMA Factory posted footage of Gobert sparring with former UFC interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane. The sight of the 7’1″ center exchanging blows with an elite fighter quickly went viral, showcasing Gobert’s growing interest in combat sports.
Gobert’s love for boxing isn’t new. Back in 2018, he shared videos of himself training in the ring, revealing that boxing was his first passion before basketball took over. In an interview with Deseret News reporter Eric Woodyard, Gobert explained how his sessions with trainer Matt Peña went beyond typical cardio workouts.
“He doesn’t train me just to do cardio or like the Instagram models do,” Gobert said. “He’s teaching me to use my reach and how to defend against guys in different ways. The footwork, the skills—it’s really great to learn something different that applies both in the ring and on the court.”
Gobert’s MMA interest extends beyond boxing. In 2020, he began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under black belt Samuel Monin, a third-degree black belt and former AS Monaco FC goalkeeper. Monin is also a highly decorated competitor in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, with multiple International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) medals to his name. Although Gobert later deleted the video of his jiu-jitsu training, it became clear that he’s seriously committed to sharpening his mental and physical edge through martial arts.
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Despite his defensive dominance, tying an NBA record by securing his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023, Gobert faced criticism during the postseason. His performance against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals came under scrutiny after the Timberwolves were outmatched and eliminated in five games. Opponents took advantage of his vulnerabilities, raising questions about how the Timberwolves could better utilize his defensive skills moving forward.
Gobert’s foray into MMA training could be an attempt to bolster his athletic versatility and resilience. The footwork, balance, and mental focus required in martial arts could translate well onto the basketball court, making him an even more formidable presence in the paint. By enhancing his ability to defend and react quickly to various offensive strategies, Gobert may be looking to fill in some of the gaps that were exposed during the playoffs.
As the Timberwolves prepare for the 2024-25 NBA season, Gobert’s additional training could be a key factor in their pursuit of a championship. The team is hopeful that these new skills will not only improve Gobert’s game but also make him more durable and adaptable in high-stakes situations. With Gobert sparring with top MMA talent like Ciryl Gane, it’s clear that the center is serious about refining his craft—both as an NBA star and as a well-rounded athlete.
The viral video of Gobert sparring has led to playful warnings for NBA rivals, most notably Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, who has had notable confrontations with Gobert in the past. Fans took to social media to joke that Green should be on the lookout, given Gobert’s growing skill set in martial arts.
As Gobert continues to diversify his training, it will be interesting to see how his MMA regimen impacts his game on the court. With an eye on another deep playoff run, the Timberwolves will be hoping that this extra training helps elevate Gobert and the team to new heights.
