UFC Just Shook Up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — Here’s What is Happening!
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The UFC is making a significant move into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) with the launch of its new promotion, UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (UFC BJJ). This initiative aims to elevate BJJ to a mainstream sport, offering fans a fresh perspective on grappling competitions.
“I first got into MMA through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,”
UFC CEO & President Dana White, UFC Press release
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has long been a foundational element of mixed martial arts, and the UFC is now spotlighting it through a dedicated platform. UFC BJJ is set to debut with a reality series and a championship event, marking a new era for the sport.
- Reality Series Launch: “UFC BJJ: Road to the Title” premieres on June 16, 2025, on UFC’s YouTube channel, featuring daily episodes at 12 p.m. ET.
- Coaching and Competition: Renowned grapplers Mikey Musumeci and Rerisson Gabriel will serve as coaches on the reality series and compete for the bantamweight title at UFC BJJ 1.
- Championship Event: UFC BJJ 1 is scheduled for June 25, 2025, during International Fight Week, to crown inaugural champions in bantamweight, lightweight, and welterweight divisions.
The UFC’s foray into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu represents a strategic expansion of its combat sports portfolio. By launching UFC BJJ, the organization seeks to provide a dedicated platform for grappling enthusiasts and athletes. The reality series “Road to the Title” will showcase emerging talent, with participants competing under the guidance of elite coaches Musumeci and Gabriel. This format mirrors the successful “The Ultimate Fighter” series, aiming to build narratives and fan engagement around BJJ athletes.
The inaugural event, UFC BJJ 1, will be a landmark occasion, featuring title bouts across three weight classes. The inclusion of high-profile competitors and the timing during International Fight Week underscore the UFC’s commitment to elevating BJJ’s profile. The event will be accessible via UFC Fight Pass, ensuring broad visibility for the sport.
While the initiative has been met with enthusiasm, it has also sparked discussions within the grappling community. Some figures, such as BJJ star Craig Jones, have expressed concerns over contractual terms and the potential for exclusivity to limit athletes’ opportunities. Jones criticized the pay structure, highlighting issues with performance-based compensation models. These debates reflect broader conversations about athlete rights and the commercialization of martial arts disciplines.
The launch of UFC BJJ signifies a pivotal moment for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering a platform that could transform the sport’s reach and recognition. As the UFC leverages its promotional capabilities, BJJ athletes have an opportunity to gain unprecedented exposure. However, the success of this venture will depend on balancing commercial interests with the values and traditions that have long defined the BJJ community.
“I am so excited for people to see what we are going to do with UFC BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU,”
said Senior Director of Jiu-Jitsu Strategy & Business Development Claudia
However Some athletes in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community have voiced mixed reactions to the UFC’s new BJJ promotion. While many are excited about the increased exposure and professional platform, others—like Craig Jones—have raised serious concerns about the structure of fighter contracts. Jones criticized the UFC BJJ deals as “exploitative,” pointing out that performance-based compensation and exclusivity clauses could limit athlete freedom and earnings. His comments have sparked broader discussions about fighter rights, pay transparency, and whether this move will benefit or commercialize the sport at the expense of its core values
“I would say most of the time when people move to the UFC their not thinking of their own bank accounts. Most people who start jiu jitsu are massive MMA fans. the reason UFC has such is such a dominant force is because its been every kids dream to be part of the UFC, and the sad realization everyone thinks their going to be connor mcgregor, make connor mcgregor money. its rough its though out there, you know? like MMA as a whole theres not a very high paying sport.”
Craig Jones on @thebteamjj
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