A new BJJ grappling league is about to make a splash, and it could pose a real problem for the ADCC.
The UFC Expands Its Reach into the Grappling World
Dana White has announced that there will be a professional grappling league that many hope could propel professional grappling.
White said, “I’m also getting involved in grappling, in Jiu-Jitsu. We’re literally launching a reality show and then we’re gonna start putting on shows. TKO umbrella will have everything combat sports under it by 2025.”
It’s a massive move for the UFC, who more than likely watched how fans responded to ONE BJJ matches during their events.
According to reports, these events and tv show will be hosted on UFC Fight Pass.
The Evolution of the UFC Fight Pass Invitational
Initially, the UFC dipped its toe into the grappling world with a structured Quintet-style team competition, then quickly changed to a superfight one-on-one format.
Now, the UFC appears ready to take things to the next level.
Just like Dana plans to do in boxing, he wants to directly challenge no-gi organizations like ADCC and the Craig Jones Invitational.
However, if one group is in danger, it’s the ADCC. The CJI is all about providing great matchups and rewarding the grapplers with a decent incentive. The ADCC, on the other hand, lost a lot of clout following the dust-up with CJI. A lot of popular grapplers in the BJJ world dissed the ADCC for the CJI.
If you didn’t think the CJI was a problem, remember Mo was pretty much told to step down as head of the ADCC.
Official Announcement and Big Names to Watch
The wait for official confirmation is nearly over. The new grappling league was formally unveiled during the live broadcast of UFC 309, headlined by Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic.
The UFC has reportedly offered exclusive contracts to several top-tier grapplers. While most names remain unknown, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Mikey Musumeci is the first officially signed competitor. There are rumors that Gordan Ryan may also be signed.
A New Era for Submission Grappling
The creation of a UFC-backed grappling league could be a watershed moment for the sport, with hopes that these professional athletes can get the payday they deserve.
