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The UFC Is Launching A Grappling Only League to Rival ADCC
- Austin Jones
- Nov 17, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 5
UFC
The UFC is reportedly gearing up to announce a groundbreaking grappling division and league. This development is a natural progression for the world’s largest MMA promotion, which has already laid a strong foundation in the professional grappling scene.
Through partnerships with major promotions like Quintet and Polaris, and by broadcasting these events on UFC Fight Pass, the organization has tapped into the growing popularity of submission grappling.
UFC Fight Pass has become a premier platform for combat sports fans, offering more than just MMA action. The addition of grappling events has been a key driver of its success, making it clear that the demand for high-level grappling is booming.
Recognizing this trend, the UFC took matters into its own hands in 2021 by launching the UFC Fight Pass Invitational, showcasing the promotion’s ability to deliver exciting grappling content under its banner.
The Evolution of the UFC Fight Pass Invitational
Initially conceived as a Quintet-style team grappling event, the UFC Fight Pass Invitational quickly adapted to a superfight format, featuring individual matchups between elite grapplers.
According to the UFC CEO, Dana White, this evolution reflects the organization's commitment to elevating grappling competitions. By its third installment, the Invitational had cemented itself as a premier grappling event, drawing some of the biggest names in the sport.
This shift toward individual matchups allowed the UFC to feature compelling, high-stakes bouts, elevating the profile of grappling competitions.
However, the UFC appears to have even grander ambitions. According to inside sources, the promotion is now positioning itself to compete directly with established no-gi grappling powerhouses like ADCC and the Craig Jones Invitational.
This marks a bold step, as the UFC seems intent on becoming not just a participant in the grappling world but a dominant force. Exclusive contracts in the UFC’s new grappling league may limit talent availability for other organizations, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of the sport.
The UFC’s Expansion into Grappling
The UFC’s expansion into grappling is a calculated move to bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) into the mainstream spotlight. By 2025, the organization aims to consolidate various combat sports under its expansive umbrella, with grappling being a pivotal component of this ambitious plan.
The UFC’s parent company, TKO, has a storied history of investing in professional grappling, making this a natural progression. This move is a direct response to the surging popularity of submission grappling and combat sports, reflecting the UFC’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving sports landscape.
The Announcement and Big Names to Watch
Fans won’t have to wait long for official confirmation. According to an interview with UFC executives in the Sports Business Journal, this new league is part of a broader strategy to expand
the UFC's influence in combat sports. The new grappling league was unveiled during the live broadcast of UFC 309, headlined by Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic.
This highly anticipated event was the perfect stage for such a game-changing announcement, and the UFC is sparing no effort in assembling a world-class roster. The upcoming grappling league announcement is highly anticipated among fans and insiders alike, adding to the excitement surrounding UFC 309.
Exclusive contracts have already been offered to some of the world’s top grapplers, with several agreeing to join. While most names remain under wraps, Mikey Musumeci is the first confirmed competitor, as revealed by UFC President Dana White.
Known for his exceptional no-gi skills and innovative approach to jiu-jitsu, Musumeci’s involvement signals the UFC’s intent to attract the best talent in the sport. Musumeci transitioned from ONE Championship to join the UFC, further highlighting the league’s appeal to elite athletes.
Mikey Musumeci signed a landmark contract with the UFC as its first exclusive BJJ athlete, setting a precedent for future signings in the league.
The Concept and Format
The UFC’s new grappling league promises to bring a level of professionalism and structure that rivals its MMA promotion.
This league will feature a blend of established stars and emerging talent, with exclusive contracts already being inked to secure top-tier competitors. The format is expected to revolve around superfight events, showcasing individual matchups between elite grapplers.
By centralizing and professionalizing the sport, the UFC aims to provide a legitimate and promising future for athletes, elevating the status of grappling competitions to new heights.
A New Era for Professional Grappling
The launch of a UFC-backed grappling league could be a pivotal moment for the sport. Leveraging the UFC’s global reach, marketing power, and production quality, the league has the potential to bring grappling into the mainstream like never before.
By creating a centralized league with exclusive contracts, the UFC could elevate grappling competitions to the same level of prestige as MMA, giving athletes more opportunities to shine on a grand stage.
Mikey Musumeci has expressed optimism that the UFC model could eliminate shady promoters and provide financial stability for grapplers, making it a transformative force in the sport.
While details about the league’s debut event remain scarce, expectations are sky-high. The UFC has consistently delivered high-quality combat sports content, and fans can likely expect the same level of excellence in this new endeavor.
The UFC plans to establish a professional grappling league under the TKO brand by 2025, signaling its long-term commitment to the sport. Dana White indicated that TKO plans to expand into boxing along with grappling and other combat sports, showcasing the organization’s broader ambitions in the combat sports industry.
With the announcement looming, the grappling world is abuzz with speculation. Will this new league reshape the competitive landscape? Can the UFC achieve the same level of dominance in grappling that it has in MMA? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the UFC’s entry into professional grappling is set to be a game-changer.
Adding to the excitement, the UFC is reportedly planning a reality show similar to The Ultimate Fighter, aimed at bringing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to mainstream audiences, further expanding its influence in the sport.
Launch and Future Plans
The official announcement of the UFC’s grappling league is set to take place during the live broadcast of UFC 309, a highly anticipated event headlined by Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic.
With exclusive contracts already offered to some of the world’s best grapplers, the league is poised to make a significant impact. While details about the inaugural event remain under wraps, the anticipation is palpable.
This new grappling league is part of TKO’s broader strategy to dominate the combat sports arena, aiming to establish itself as a formidable force in the grappling world. The league’s potential to reshape the competitive landscape is immense, and expectations are sky-high.