Per a press release from UFC, UFC BJJ has been launched to become the world’s new premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu live event series.
The inaugural UFC BJJ event, UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 1, will take place during UFC International Fight Week, on Wednesday, June 25, with the event set to crown its first three world champions, with titles due to be awarded at bantamweight, lightweight and welterweight.
UFC BJJ shows will be streamed exclusively live on UFC Fight Pass.
Heading into the inaugural event, UFC BJJ will establish the weight classes with a brand new, The Ultimate Fighter style reality TV show, UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Road to the Title, which will feature two teams containing the top contenders in the lightweight and welterweight divisions.
The two teams will be coached by multi-time world champion Mikey Musumeci and Pan-American champion Rerisson Gabriel, with competitors facing off in a tournament-style bracket during the show to determine the finalists in both weight classes. Those winners will then compete at UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 1 for the inaugural titles in their respective divisions.
Then, after the new champions have been crowned, the two coaches will face off in the main event, as Musumeci and Gabriel go head to head for the inaugural bantamweight title.
“I first got into MMA through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,” said UFC CEO & President Dana White.
“It’s one of the true building blocks of martial arts and the athletes and the competition take it to another level. The reality show and live events are going to elevate this to a mainstream sport and I could not be more excited.”
“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 Gadelha.
“I believe that our ruleset, athletes and promotional power will make UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu the go-to event series for fans around the world.”
Per a press release, “UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will feature multiple divisions for both male and female competitors, with champions and rankings for each.
“All matches will consist of three five-minute rounds, which will be scored with the 10-point must scoring system and will take place in the new UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition space, which is designed to emphasise constant action and non-stop movement, while also prioritising athlete health and safety.”
