In an unexpected crossover of sports worlds, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert recently showcased his versatility by stepping into the boxing ring with former UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane. The MMA Factory in Paris shared captivating footage of the unlikely duo engaging in a friendly sparring session, demonstrating that Gobert’s athletic prowess extends beyond the basketball court.
The video, which quickly circulated on social media, displays Gobert’s impressive reach and agility as he trades jabs with Gane. Despite the stark contrast in their primary sports, the NBA star held his own against the seasoned mixed martial artist, highlighting the benefits of his cross-training regimen.
This isn’t Gobert’s first foray into combat sports. The French-born basketball player has been incorporating boxing into his off-season training since at least 2018. At that time, Gobert explained to the Deseret News that boxing was actually his first love before he dedicated himself to basketball. He emphasized that his training sessions with local trainer Matt Peña were far more than just cardio workouts, focusing on techniques that could translate to his performance on the court.
“It’s really like he’s teaching me to use my reach and how to defend against guys in different ways they will go at me. The footwork, the skills … so yeah, it’s really great to learn some different stuff,” Gobert said of his boxing training.
The four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year has also explored other martial arts disciplines. In 2020, he shared that he had begun training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under French black belt Samuel Monin, a multiple IBJJF medalist and former professional soccer player.
While Gobert’s primary focus remains dominating the paint for the Timberwolves, his commitment to diverse training methods demonstrates his dedication to continual improvement. As Minnesota aims for championship contention in the upcoming NBA season, Gobert’s enhanced agility and defensive instincts honed through combat sports training could prove invaluable.
