UFC BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU Launches on International Fight Week

The UFC has always had Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as part of its identity. The first UFC event ever was won by BJJ Legend, Royce Gracie, using the art in what would be the catalyst that would spark the fire of what would become the premier promotion in mixed martial arts.

Today, the UFC announced the launch of UFC BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU.

Former UFC strawweight, Claudia Gadelha, has been named Senior Director of Jiu-Jitsu Strategy & Business Development and said, “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.”

The rules seem similar to MMA in that there are three, five-minute rounds, and will be using the 10-point must scoring system. She also said, during the UFC 316 weigh-in show, that the area they will be competing in, “is like a UFC octagon with walls.” Whether that means a pit like Karate Combat and the Craig Jones invitational remains to be seen, but it is said to force action to make it fan-friendly. 

UFC BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU 1 will take place on June 25 as part of International Fight Week to crown the inaugural lightweight and welterweight champions. The event will air on UFC Fight Pass.

Leading up to the inaugural event, fans can follow “UFC BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU: Road to the Title,” which will feature two teams competing for the inaugural welterweight and lightweight titles. Mikey Musemeci and Rerisson Gabriel will serve as coaches in this “Ultimate Fighter” style format, and they will both compete for the bantamweight title at the inaugural event.

“UFC BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU: Road to the Title” will air for free on UFC’s YouTube channel daily at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT beginning on Monday, June 16.

These are the competitors for the welterweight and lightweight divisions:

Lightweight Cast:                       Welterweight Cast:

Keith Krikorian                               Andrew Tackett

Gianni Grippo                               Jason Nolf

Kyvann Gonzalez                         Andy Varela

Carlos Henrique                           Davis Asare

Danilo Moreira                               Elijah Carlton

Mauricio Rios                                Aaron Wilson

Isaac Doederlein                         Austin Oranday

Josh Cisneros                               Nathan Haddad

Do you think this will have more of an impact on the growth of BJJ?

Edward holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Bachelor’s degree in Communications. Along with over 30 years of martial arts experience, he co-hosts The Coast-2-Coast Combat Hour podcast, and also writes for Spectation Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @Carbazel

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