When the UFC Meets The Bjj.
The UFC's Move Into Jiu-Jitsu
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The UFC has recently made an announcement that they will be getting into the Jiu-Jitsu space with UFC Bjj. UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 1 will take place Wednesday June 25th, headlined with three title matches. The UFC will be crowning it’s first Bantamweight (135 lbs), Lightweight (155 lbs.), and Welterweight (170 lbs.) champions.
Additionally, there will also be a show entitled, “UFC Bjj: Road To The Title, airing free on YouTube starting June 16th.
The question now is, what does this do for Jiu-Jitsu as a whole?
The Audio Companion..
The Upside: More Visibility, More Eyes
Visibility - This will always be a bright spot for a niche sport that struggles for attention against more traditional sports. So having a big brand like the UFC step and put some high-end production value and branding is going to be a massive benefit. It may even inject more interest at Jiu-Jitsu academies at the local level.
Financial Potential - As with most thing, done right, this can create an avenue for a livable wage for many Jiu-Jitsu professionals who are struggling to make a living out of the sport. The sponsorships, branding deals, and potential super-fights could really lift our athletes out of poverty.
Mainstream Legitimacy - Much the same way that the UFC and MMA in America are now common place, the UFC could carve out a more mainstream lane for the sport and art I love. The fan in me certainly hopes so.
My Concerns: Culture, Contracts, and Control
While most are excited about what this could mean for the sport, I’m looking at the MMA landscape and genuinely have some concerns.
Culture Clash - Not saying that we don’t have elements of this already, but the UFC is all about eyeballs and money. Intensity, brashness, and trash talk fuel engagement. How does that affect the way of the sport, not just the Martial Art?
Exclusive Deals - Jiu-Jitsu is just now getting it’s financial footing underneath it. Athletes have been able to leverage one promotional company against another for a better paycheck. If the UFC locks down the top grapplers, what does that do for ADCC, IBJJF, Fight2Win and others? MMA as a whole is already struggling underneath the weight of having to deal with a monopoly.
Gyms Large and Small - I’m curious how this will affect the business of gyms. I imagine that it will drive more foot traffic to the larger more well known gyms, but it may also make it harder for the smaller gyms to entice or keep their athletes. Students with dreams of becoming professional may choose to go to gyms that can get them noticed.
Rulesets vs Development - This is going to be an interesting side effect. The UFC is a business and as the biggest MMA promotion around, it can and maybe even will incentive flashy entertainment over positional understanding and fundamentals.
Propaganda Arm - With how the UFC has been used as an extension of MAGA, does this new venture push people out who need Jiu-Jitsu in their lives?
As A Fan, What I Find Exciting
I will say this, as just a fan trying to turn off my analytical brain.. this all sounds fun and cool. The idea of a TUF Style reality show driven by the UFC is something that I would never have predicted for Jiu-Jitsu. The White Belt version of me loves the idea.
The Pit alone peaks my interest. I loved CJI’s approach but this also awesome.
Last Thoughts
I have valid concerns, some of which may never come to reality. I genuinely hope that my concerns are unfounded but, looking at the UFC’s track record, this may become that pivotal moment that we all look back and think.. Maybe this wasn’t the route to go. Similar to Judo becoming entangled with the Olympics. The art has never quite looked the same since.
Thank you for reading.
David Figueroa-Martinez
Founder, DFM Coaching
Coach | Writer | Grappler
DFM Coaching is dedicated to helping you overcome mental hurdles and achieve your full potential in BJJ. Whether through in-person instruction, seminars, private lessons, remote coaching, or video analysis, I provide personalized support tailored to your needs. Keep pushing forward, and let’s grow together!
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