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Dana White Pledges $12 Million investment in UFC to take over grappling
In a major shift for the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the UFC is no longer just a place where grapplers go to become MMA stars—it’s becoming a grappling home itself. The sport’s premier organization has officially planted its flag in pure jiu-jitsu, with Mikey Musumeci recently becoming the first exclusively signed UFC grappler. But he won’t be alone for long.
UFC President Dana White revealed the promotion is going all-in on grappling in 2025, announcing a $10-12 million investment into the sport with a bold mission: “Take over jiu-jitsu.” Now, that vision is quickly coming into focus with the addition of Ffion Davies, one of the most dominant pound-for-pound athletes in all of BJJ.
Ffion Davies Set for Polaris 32 and UFC FPI 11
Although an unfortunate shoulder injury prevented Ffion Davies from making history as the first-ever female headliner for a UFC Fight Pass Invitational (FPI), the setback hasn’t slowed her momentum. The 30-year-old Welsh powerhouse is already booked for two major events—Polaris 32 on June 28 and the upcoming UFC FPI 11.
Details on FPI 11 remain scarce, but the UFC has confirmed an exciting lineup: Ffion Davies, Mikey Musumeci, Mason Fowler, Raquel Canuto, and William Tackett are all set to compete. While her opponent is yet to be announced, many are speculating that the UFC will rebook the previously planned main event between Davies and ADCC double champ Adele Fornarino. Not only is it a dream match-up for jiu-jitsu fans, but it was a big win for the UFC to beat out other promotions for it.
Meanwhile, at Polaris 32, Davies will return to the fan-favorite Polaris Squads format, captaining Team Europe against Team North America, which is led by 17-year-old BJJ sensation Helena Crevar. But as noted by Polaris, this event will mark Ffion’s final appearance on their mats. The reason? She’s officially signed exclusively with the UFC.
UFC’s Grappling Roster Grows: The Beginning of a New Era
Ffion Davies’ exclusive UFC deal is a landmark moment, signaling the UFC’s serious intentions to not just feature grappling—but own it. She joins Mikey Musumeci, the reigning ONE flyweight submission grappling champion, as part of the UFC’s first wave of signed grappling specialists. And they’re not just competitors—they’re pioneers.
Davies’ recent run speaks for itself. A 2022 ADCC World Champion, she’s unbeaten in her last 16 matches, and most recently dominated UFC star Mackenzie Dern at the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational (CJI)—a breakout event that forced the grappling world to reckon with fighter pay and gender equality.
In fact, it was partly due to CJI—and Davies herself—that ADCC was pushed to increase athlete compensation and match women’s purses to men’s in 2024. Now, she’s bringing that same energy to the UFC platform.
What’s Next?
With UFC Fight Pass Invitational events growing in scale, and Polaris gradually transitioning under UFC’s expanding grappling umbrella, the direction is clear: Grappling is no longer a sideshow—it’s a headliner.
Dana White isn’t hiding his ambitions. Between signing top-tier athletes like Musumeci and Davies, funding events with millions in prize money, and creating new platforms for pure grappling, the UFC is actively changing the landscape of competitive BJJ.
As for fans, this is a win on all fronts. Elite jiu-jitsu matches, elevated production value, better pay for athletes, and a growing roster of the sport’s best—all under one banner.
UFC isn’t just in the grappling game. They’re aiming to run it.
Stay tuned to Fight.TV for more updates on UFC’s grappling revolution, fighter signings, and event breakdowns.