In June 2025, the UFC officially launched UFC BJJ, its dedicated Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu promotion. With the debut of UFC BJJ: Road to the Title, the organization introduced two teams of elite lightweight and welterweight competitors coached by Mikey Musumeci and Rerisson Gabriel. The tournament culminated on June 25, 2025 at UFC BJJ 1: Musumeci vs. Gabriel—an historic event that crowned inaugural champions in bantamweight, lightweight and welterweight divisions, including Mikey Musumeci, Carlos Henrique, and Andrew Tackett .
But the momentum did not stop. Just last week, UFC BJJ 2: Tackett vs. Canuto took place on July 31, 2025, continuing the tournament format with thrilling title matches headlining the card . From this moment forward, UFC BJJ promises a series of events, broadcasting grappling competition at a new scale.
Highlights & Significance
On July 31, the second event delivered headline bouts including welterweight champion Andrew Tackett defending his title against Renato Canuto, as well as the opening of the lightweight championship bracket. Titles were on the line and leg locks, back takes, and dynamic grappling exchanges made it a compelling showcase .
This progression underscores that UFC BJJ is here to stay: this is not a one‑off concept, but a full season of Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu events, strategically sequenced and aimed at building champions, rankings, and audience engagement.
What UFC BJJ Means for the Growth of Jiu‑Jitsu
The debut of UFC BJJ marks a turning point in how BJJ is organized, marketed, and monetized. Whereas past grappling tournaments were community‑driven or pay‑per‑view niche events, UFC BJJ offers:
Structured weight classes and championship belts
Consistent event schedule via UFC branding
Scoring based on a familiar 10‑point system over three five‑minute rounds
Exposure on UFC’s platforms including YouTube and pay‑per‑view support
Potential for celebrity presence, as Dana White has hinted at contenders like Mark Zuckerberg, Tom Hardy, and Mario Lopez entering the bracket—elevating BJJ’s mainstream appeal
All of this accelerates growth: UFC BJJ transitions BJJ from being tournament‑centric to becoming spectator‑friendly, professionalized, and global.
Perspective from Ana Fernandes: Belief in Continued Growth
According to Ana Fernandes, wife of Mestre Júnior and co‑founder of Athlas Training Team in Fort Lauderdale, the surge in high‑profile UFC BJJ shows reflects a broader trend:
“When I see Jiu‑Jitsu on UFC today, I get emotional. The art that shaped our family and transformed lives is now shining globally. And we’re only at the beginning. Kids are starting younger, academies are more serious and structured. I deeply believe BJJ will continue growing in the coming years—inside and outside the UFC.”
Ana emphasizes the growth in youth participation, adult recreational practitioners, and competitors eyeing global stages. She believes the evolution of paid grappling shows and structured events reinforces BJJ’s legitimacy and sustainability.
The Explosion of High‑Pay Grappling Events
In addition to UFC BJJ, the broader BJJ world is entering a golden age of monetization and incentive:
The Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), debuting in August 2024, awarded $1 million prizes in each weight division and saw massive viewership on YouTube; the 2025 edition is already planned with even more expansion .
UFC BJJ may not compete directly, but it adds legitimacy and visibility. As more well‑paying shows like CJI and UFC BJJ proliferate, top grapplers have stronger incentives to train full‑time and remain in professional BJJ rather than migrating into MMA exclusively.
This ecosystem showcases BJJ as a career path, not just a stepping stone to MMA.
Fan and Community Reactions
Reactions from BJJ fans and newcomers reflect rising interest and entertainment value:
One Reddit user remarked about UFC BJJ’s main event:
“My wife watched with me and she loved Mikey’s kangaroo hops and footsie… you don’t see people move like that every day, so that makes it interesting.”
Meanwhile, others acknowledged that while some matches felt technical, the variety of styles and submissions—especially heel hooks and dynamic transitions—made the experience spectator‑worthy.
These reactions illustrate UFC BJJ’s power to attract both practitioners and casual viewers: high skill, fast finishes, and accessible scoring.
UFC BJJ & the Future of Athlas Training Team
At Athlas Training Team in Fort Lauderdale, we see a microcosm of what UFC BJJ represents:
Increased interest in UFC BJJ‑style training—from kids hoping to compete to adult practitioners seeking discipline
Structure and professionalism in class curricula that reflect high‑level preparation for submission grappling tournaments
Opportunities to host watch parties, seminars, and community events around.
Students train with awareness: they are not only learning self‑defense or recreation, but potentially preparing for professional grappling stages.
What’s Next: The Road Ahead
With UFC 1 launching on June 25 and UFC BJJ 2 following on July 31, the brand is establishing continuity and anticipation. The UFC has confirmed that more events are scheduled, with plans for seasonal titles, ranking systems, and additional divisions .
In parallel, the UFC president’s public openness to a celebrity grappler tournament expands possibilities: imagine tech leaders or Hollywood actors stepping inside the UFC BJJ dome—it broadens media attention and legitimizes Jiu‑Jitsu further .
Importantly, the trend of paid, structured grappling events continues to spread. Combined with UFC BJJ, this signals that BJJ may follow MMA in developing a robust global industry.
Why UFC BJJ Is Only the Beginning
A branded tournament series is more than just a competition—it’s a signal of transformation.
Elevates the sport with championship belts, structured rules, and high production values
Creates global visibility, featuring after‑shows, press conferences, and content distribution via UFC platforms
Incentivizes athletes with prize money, recognition, and clear career pathways
Engages casual audiences with dynamic grappling styles and short rounds
Integrates with the UFC ecosystem, bringing BJJ fans closer to mainstream martial arts culture
As Ana Fernandes notes, reflects a wave of growth that extends far beyond the octagon—affecting academies, youth programs, and the global BJJ community.
Whether you are a competitor aiming for gold, a parent signing up your child, or someone curious about world‑class Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu, is changing everything. The journey has only begun—and with regular UFC BJJ cards, celebrity involvement, and serious prize pools, the future is bright.
