The UFC is making waves in the combat sports community once again, this time with a significant financial commitment to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. UFC President Dana White recently announced an investment ranging between $10 to $12 million in the sport over the next year, a move that signals the organization’s intent to elevate BJJ to new heights.
Prioritizing Jiu-Jitsu’s Biggest Stars
While many fans have speculated about dream grappling matchups featuring UFC champions like Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev, White clarified that, for now, the focus will be on showcasing the best Jiu-Jitsu athletes rather than immediate crossover competitions.
“If those big fights are available that we could make, we would definitely do it,” White stated. “But I think you’re going to see more of the jiu-jitsu guys, the big stars in jiu-jitsu before you see UFC fighters.”
This suggests that rather than forcing UFC athletes into grappling matches, the organization is aiming to build a platform that highlights the pure artistry of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through its existing elite competitors.
Expanding UFC’s Combat Sports Portfolio
This substantial investment aligns with the UFC’s broader strategy to expand its reach across multiple combat sports disciplines. With the backing of TKO Group, the UFC appears poised to consolidate its influence in martial arts beyond MMA and boxing. By bringing BJJ under its umbrella, the organization hopes to mainstream the sport in a way that has never been done before.
A Reality Show to Elevate BJJ
One of the most exciting revelations from White’s announcement is the development of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu reality show. Speaking at the 2024 SBJ Media Innovators conference, White revealed that they are “literally launching a reality show and then gonna start putting on shows” in the Jiu-Jitsu space.
This reality show is expected to function similarly to The Ultimate Fighter but tailored specifically to BJJ, potentially featuring high-profile athletes such as Gordon Ryan and Mikey Musumeci. Kade Ruotolo recently hinted at this, stating that White and Musumeci could be involved in an Ultimate Fighter-style series, bringing further legitimacy and entertainment value to the sport.
The Rivalries and Storylines That Could Shape BJJ’s Future
The potential inclusion of Gordon Ryan and Mikey Musumeci in this project is particularly intriguing given their contrasting views on performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in the sport. Musumeci has been vocal about advocating for stricter testing, whereas Ryan has argued for a more permissive approach, emphasizing that enhanced athletes bring a higher level of competition. This rivalry could provide an additional layer of drama and intensity to the show, much like previous seasons of The Ultimate Fighter did for MMA.
The Future of BJJ Under UFC’s Banner
While immediate crossover grappling matches featuring UFC fighters might not be on the horizon, White’s investment marks a pivotal moment for Jiu-Jitsu. This move not only recognizes BJJ’s significance within MMA but also aims to propel it into mainstream sports entertainment.
By investing millions into the sport, launching a dedicated reality show, and putting on professional Jiu-Jitsu events, the UFC is positioning itself as a major player in the grappling world. This initiative has the potential to revolutionize the sport, creating new opportunities for athletes, expanding BJJ’s global audience, and solidifying its place within the combat sports hierarchy.
For fans and practitioners alike, the next few years could be game-changing as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu steps into the limelight like never before.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
