The Detroit Lions' star running back, Jahmyr Gibbs, is expected to lead the offense's backfield. But before that, he has enrolled himself to MMA legend Rafael Cordeiro's training. His MMA skills may help him in football, as he receives praise from the legendary MMA coach.

During this offseason, Gibbs trained with Cordeiro at Kings MMA Gym in Huntington Beach, California. He spent months sharpening his skills through mixed martial arts training, where Cordeiro was very impressed by Gibbs.

"He shows zero fear," Cordeiro told Eric Woodyard of ESPN. "Zero hesitation. And this is the most important thing. I can teach techniques. I can teach punches, kicks, jiu-jitsu. But to make people keep eye contact until they get to the end of the fight, this is something."

While appreciating Gibbs' athletic profile, Cordeiro linked him to former UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones, a legendary fighter in MMA history, reported Woodyard.

The MMA coach has been running his gym for 18 years and has worked with many champions, including Mike Tyson, Wanderlei Silva, and Cris Cyborg. Having that experience, he is impressed with Gibbs' athleticism and flexibility.

Gibbs has mental strength that separates him from all other elite competitors. He maintains focus and confidence during sparring exchanges, and this trait cannot be taught.

The running back began his MMA training in March and has completed more than 20 hour-long sessions. The workouts improve his body control, balance, endurance, and hand placement, the skills that directly translate to football.

Gibbs himself observed great benefits from the unique training session.

“It helps with body control. Your base and all that, and faster hands. I would say with blocking, I get my hands up before they hit me,” the running back told Woodyard. “I feel like my body’s gotten in better shape, like physically it looks better.”

Gibbs shared more about his fighting background and his interest since childhood.

Jahmyr Gibbs wishes he started MMA sooner

Gibbs was introduced to combat sports by his grandmother, Angela Willis, when he was 7 or 8 years old. His uncle also taught him Karate tricks, which made him curious.

"I don't know why I didn't start earlier. I wanted to, I just didn't, and then I just started doing it this year," Gibbs said of his fighting background to ESPN's Eric Woodyard. "I wouldn't say this is new to me. The stuff I do is pretty natural, so it's not very hard for me."

Gibbs participated in wrestling for one season during middle school. One of his friends referred Cordeiro to him, as Gibbs was looking for a trainer.

With David Montgomery no longer in the mix, Gibbs is set for a bigger 2026 role and is expected to take on an every-down workload after splitting carries early in his career.

What are your views on how the MMA training will help Jahmyr Gibbs in the 2026 season? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Detroit Lions Community.

Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar