UFC President Dana White introduced a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu division under the UFC brand in a move that changes the landscape of combat sports. The program called UFC BJJ marks a major shift for both the martial arts community and the UFC. It brings professional grapplers and well known faces together by blending the technical style of BJJ with the energy and presentation that the UFC is known for.
It also covers the role of innovation, celebrity involvement, and online media in shaping the current MMA scene.
The Value of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in MMA
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has always played an important role in mixed martial arts. In the early days of the UFC, the Gracie family proved that submissions and solid ground control could beat larger and stronger opponents. Over time, BJJ became a key skill for any serious MMA fighter.
Even with its importance, pure BJJ events were usually kept separate and often overshadowed by striking based styles.
Star Power on the Mats
The involvement of public figures is one of the most talked about parts of UFC BJJ. Dana White even challenged Mark Zuckerberg, a blue belt and long time BJJ student, to a match. Other names linked to the program include:
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Tom Hardy, a purple belt with several BJJ medals
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Mario Lopez, a brown belt and active competitor
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Ashton Kutcher, a brown belt under Rigan Machado
This mix of entertainment and martial arts has helped push BJJ into the spotlight on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts, giving it attention far beyond the usual MMA audience.
A New Step in UFC History
The first UFC BJJ event took place during International Fight Week 2025 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The format includes:
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A three round system using the familiar 10 point scoring method
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Weight classes
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Points based on control, pressure and attempts to finish the fight
The idea is to create a faster and more engaging version of BJJ. Traditional tournaments can sometimes feel slow or hard to follow. Dana White explained that the first time someone tries a Jiu Jitsu class, it changes how they see the sport.
The Champions of UFC BJJ
The first UFC BJJ champions have already been named. Some of the standout competitors include:
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Mikey Musumeci, the flyweight champion and ADCC athlete
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Andrew Tackett, a rising wrestler known for aggressive submissions
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Carlos Henrique, a strong middleweight with reliable pressure passing
These athletes will take part in future reality projects such as UFC BJJ Road to the Title which follows the UFC’s ongoing approach to storytelling and talent building seen in The Ultimate Fighter and Dana White’s Contender Series.
Technology and the Future of UFC BJJ
UFC BJJ is not only focused on competition. It also aims to introduce new technology to the experience. Dana White recently joined the board of Meta and the division is expected to play a role in future digital projects. Planned features include:
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VR broadcasts of grappling matches
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AI based fight predictions
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Smart rash guards that track live performance data
These ideas support Meta’s larger vision of a digital world where sports, fitness and interactive tech come together. Fans may one day watch a match through a headset and feel as if they are right on the mat.
Global Reach
UFC BJJ is designed for an international audience. It fits into a wider plan for growth, especially in countries with strong BJJ and grappling cultures such as:
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Brazil, the home of the Gracie family
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Japan, a major base for judo and early grappling arts
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India, Pakistan and the UAE, which are rapidly expanding through IMMAF events
Recent IMMAF competitions in Pakistan gathered more than 350 athletes and drew large crowds. UFC BJJ has the potential to give these regions even more exposure.
Criticism from Traditionalists
Not everyone is pleased with the new format. Some long time practitioners feel that the scoring may simplify the art. Others worry that celebrity involvement could shift the focus away from skill.
Still, many athletes and coaches believe the program can create better pay for grapplers, bring more attention to the sport, and inspire new students to join their local gyms.
New Possibilities for athletes and brands
The rise of UFC BJJ creates new business openings for athletes, gyms and companies. Some of these include:
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Affiliation programs for gyms
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Sponsorships and content deals for athletes
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Branded gi and rash guard lines
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Tech enhanced gear designed for televised grappling
Equipment companies like RDX, Hayabusa and Kombat USA can also expand into this space.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, UFC BJJ may introduce:
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International events in countries like Brazil, Japan and the UAE
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A world championship series for different divisions
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Amateur qualifiers linked to IMMAF, IBJJF and ADCC
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Digital training tools that connect with Meta’s virtual platforms
Dana White has even mentioned long term goals tied to Olympic recognition by positioning UFC BJJ as a modern format that connects tradition with global sports media.
Final Thoughts
UFC BJJ is more than a new division. It is a shift in how grappling is presented and promoted. With strong athletes, new technology, and interest from both fans and public figures, it brings BJJ into the spotlight in a way that has not been seen before.
For fighters, fans and business owners, this is a moment to pay attention or step onto the mat and take part in what comes next.
