DETROIT — Jahmyr Gibbs has added mixed martial arts work with legendary coach Rafael Cordeiro as he prepares for an expanded role with the Detroit Lions in 2026, according to ESPN. Gibbs started the Lions’ offseason program in late May without longtime backfield partner David Montgomery after Montgomery was traded to the Houston Texans; Gibbs said it felt “weird” at first but he now talks with Montgomery every day, speaking to reporters during organized team activities on June 4.
The 24-year-old running back is expected to transition into an every-down role after sharing carries with Montgomery through his first three NFL seasons. Lions coach Dan Campbell said Gibbs “is going to be our bell cow now” and that Detroit will “hang our hat on him quite a bit,” noting the staff plans to feature plays that suit Gibbs’ skill set. Over the past three seasons Gibbs is one of three players with at least 5,000 yards from scrimmage, alongside Bijan Robinson and Derrick Henry; ESPN Research notes Gibbs accounted for 32% of Detroit’s touches since 2023.
Gibbs began MMA training in March and said the work helps with body control, hand placement and conditioning. “It helps with body control. Your base and all that and faster hands,” he told ESPN, adding that the training has improved his blocking technique and overall conditioning, and that the nonstop movement in MMA leaves him “barely… tired” compared with football.
Gibbs has completed more than 20 hourlong sessions with Cordeiro at Kings MMA in Huntington Beach, California, after a friend recommended the trainer following a social-media request. Their work has followed the routines Cordeiro uses with professional fighters — focusing on combinations, defense and movement — and has included three competitive sparring sessions, Cordeiro told ESPN.
Cordeiro, who has worked with fighters such as Fabricio Werdum, Wanderlei Silva, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Cris Cyborg and has trained Mike Tyson, praised Gibbs’ dedication and rapid learning. “He now has the vision that the fighters have inside the octagon,” Cordeiro told ESPN, likening Gibbs’ athleticism, flexibility and left kick to former UFC star Jon Jones and saying the running back shows “zero fear. Zero hesitation.”
