UFC BJJ official: First event and reality show debut with Mikey Musumeci vs. Rerisson Gabriel headlining

The UFC has made a major move into the world of professional grappling by launching its own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu promotion, UFC BJJ. UFC BJJ 1 is set for June 25 as part of International Fight Week, featuring the debut of the new league and a highly anticipated title bout between Mikey Musumeci and Rerisson Gabriel at 135 pounds. This event marks a new chapter for

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fans and those who follow the sport's biggest names.

Along with its first event, the UFC is launching a reality show that will give fans an inside look at the athletes and coaching behind top-level Jiu-Jitsu competition. UFC BJJ 1 will also crown the first bantamweight, lightweight, and welterweight champions, bringing more attention to Jiu-Jitsu within the broader MMA community. To learn more about the event and the reality series, visit the official announcement.

With Dana White and the UFC expanding into professional grappling, the stage is set for new stars to emerge and exciting matchups to capture fans’ interest. The combination of live events and a reality show promises to push Jiu-Jitsu further into the mainstream, connecting the worlds of MMA and traditional grappling like never before.

UFC BJJ Launch: A New Era in Grappling

UFC has launched its official Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) promotion, marking a key milestone for grappling sports. The debut event and supporting reality show bring established champions and rising stars together at the center of UFC’s International Fight Week in 2025.

Official Announcement and UFC’s Vision

UFC President Dana White revealed the new BJJ promotion, aiming to make jiu-jitsu a central part of the Ultimate Fighting Championship product. This shift signals a commitment to growing martial arts and expanding their audience.

The announcement stressed delivering top-tier competition, featuring well-known grapplers alongside new talent. UFC is promising a high standard for these events, using their experience in organizing major combat sports spectacles.

UFC BJJ is designed to fit into the existing UFC brand but remains focused solely on pure grappling. This creates a space for both dedicated fans and newcomers interested in martial arts beyond MMA.

Integration with UFC International Fight Week

UFC BJJ 1 will take place during the annual International Fight Week, sharing the spotlight with events leading up to UFC 317. This placement helps draw more attention to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, aligning it with other high-profile UFC programming.

The event will crown initial champions in the bantamweight, lightweight, and welterweight classes. Matchups include Mikey Musumeci vs. Rerisson Gabriel for the 135-pound belt.

Fans attending International Fight Week can now watch world-class grappling alongside other events. This integration boosts the profile of BJJ as part of UFC’s broader combat sports offerings.

Mainstreaming BJJ and Combat Sports

By launching UFC BJJ, the organization aims to move Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu closer to the mainstream sports landscape. The new reality show, “BJJ: Road to the Title,” introduces viewers to top contenders and behind-the-scenes training, making the sport easier to understand and follow for a wide audience.

Bringing grappling specialists like Mikey Musumeci to center stage highlights the skill and technique of BJJ. This approach matches UFC’s history of making martial arts accessible to more fans.

UFC’s broad platform and marketing reach help elevate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s visibility. As a result, BJJ is likely to attract new practitioners and gain further respect as a core part of modern combat sports.

UFC BJJ 1: Event Details and Championship Format

UFC BJJ 1 brings high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition to the center stage, with top athletes fighting for championship titles. The event will introduce the bantamweight, lightweight, and welterweight divisions, all featuring their own title bouts.

Date, Location, and Event Structure

UFC BJJ 1 is scheduled for June 25, 2025. The event takes place during UFC International Fight Week, just days before the highly anticipated UFC 317 pay-per-view in Las Vegas.

The competition will feature a single-night format with multiple matches across three weight divisions. Each match will help determine the first-ever UFC BJJ champions in their respective classes.

UFC BJJ 1 will include both a live audience and a broadcast component, offering fans in-person and online access. Top competitors in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are expected to participate, setting a high standard for future events.

Divisions: Bantamweight, Lightweight, Welterweight

Three major divisions headline UFC BJJ 1: bantamweight, lightweight, and welterweight. Each division will crown its first UFC BJJ champion at this event.

• Bantamweight (135 lbs): Mikey Musumeci will face Rerisson Gabriel for the inaugural title.

• Lightweight: The field of contenders will be announced soon, promising strong competition for the first lightweight champion.

• Welterweight: The welterweight division will also crown its first champion at UFC BJJ 1.

These divisions bring together world champions, rising stars, and seasoned grapplers, ensuring that every bracket is highly competitive. UFC BJJ 1 follows in the steps of past events like the UFC Fight Pass Invitational, but adds its own official championship format.

Rule Set and Broadcast Partners

UFC BJJ 1 will use a submission-only rule set, putting the focus on grappling skill and finishing ability. Points are not awarded for positional control, making every match exciting and unpredictable.

The event will be broadcast on major UFC platforms, including UFC Fight Pass, giving fans global access to live events and replays. The format is modeled after successful partnerships with platforms such as Flograppling.

Both the event and the new BJJ reality show will highlight behind-the-scenes moments. This coverage will offer viewers a close look at both the athletes and coaches as they compete for a UFC BJJ title.

Spotlight: Mikey Musumeci vs. Rerisson Gabriel for the Bantamweight Title

Mikey Musumeci and Rerisson Gabriel meet for the bantamweight championship in the first UFC BJJ event. The match features a proven champion facing a fast-rising contender, making it a main focus of the card for grappling fans.

Profile: Mikey Musumeci

Mikey Musumeci is a multiple-time world champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Known for his technical skill and fast pace, he has developed a reputation for finishing matches with submissions, especially leg locks and back takes.

Musumeci has competed at the highest level, achieving titles in major gi and no-gi tournaments. He is respected for his detailed approach and ability to outmaneuver many opponents. Over the years, he has built a strong following thanks to his sportsmanship and dedication.

His move to the UFC BJJ event comes after success in organizations such as ONE Championship. Musumeci's experience and impressive list of titles make him a top favorite heading into this bantamweight championship bout. His technical approach and calm under pressure set him apart from other grapplers.

Profile: Rerisson Gabriel

Rerisson Gabriel is an emerging talent in grappling, quickly rising through the ranks with his aggressive and innovative style. He is known for his creative submission attacks and explosive scrambles.

Gabriel has won several important matches in regional and national tournaments, which caught the attention of the UFC BJJ promotion. His performances have shown he can compete with more established names, making him a legitimate threat in the bantamweight division.

Gabriel stands out for his confidence and ability to adapt mid-match. While he does not have as many world titles as Musumeci, his recent results point to rapid improvement and a fearless mindset. This match gives him the chance to show his skills against one of the best in the sport.

Significance of the Matchup

The bout between Musumeci and Gabriel highlights the UFC BJJ’s goal of matching proven champions with high-potential newcomers. A Musumeci victory would confirm his place among the top grapplers in the world, while a win by Gabriel would mark a shift in the division.

This match will also help set the tone for the newly launched UFC BJJ, showing how the organization blends legacy with emerging talent. The winner becomes the first bantamweight champion in UFC BJJ history, making this a high-stakes event.

The match is a showcase of elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu talent, drawing attention from both longtime fans and new viewers interested in the grappling scene. For more, see the UFC BJJ: Road to the Title announcement.

UFC BJJ: Road to the Title Reality Show

UFC BJJ has added a new reality show called "Road to the Title" to showcase top grapplers in a team-based competition. Mikey Musumeci and Rerisson Gabriel take the role of team coaches, putting the spotlight on elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu talent.

Format and Premise

The format of "UFC BJJ: Road to the Title" places focus on team competition, much like a sports league. There are two teams, each led by a standout bantamweight coach: Mikey Musumeci and Rerisson Gabriel. Each team is made up of athletes from the lightweight and welterweight divisions.

The competition is elimination-based, with grapplers facing off in tournament-style matches. Winners move forward while those who lose risk being sent home. The primary goal is to win for your team while earning the chance to be crowned the inaugural UFC BJJ champion for your weight class. The show is available to watch for free on YouTube, and it aims to bring jiu-jitsu action to a wider audience. You can find more details and updates about the launch and competition at UFC

BJJ: Road to the Title.

Confirmed and Rumored Cast Members

Several well-known and rising talents are either confirmed or rumored to participate in this first season. Mikey Musumeci and Rerisson Gabriel serve as team coaches and will also be featured competitors. Some possible cast members include Andrew Tackett, Jason Nolf, Andy Varela, Davis Asare, Elijah Carlton, Aaron Wilson, Austin Oranday, Nathan Haddad, Keith Krikorian, Gianni Grippo, Kyvann Gonzalez, Carlos Henrique, Danilo Moreira, Mauricio Rios, Isaac Doederlein, and Josh Cisneros.

These athletes bring experience from major BJJ and grappling tournaments. The cast selection provides a strong mix of fan favorites and emerging stars, covering multiple weight classes. Participant lists are still under wraps, but fans can expect international and domestic talent to compete for the new championship belts.

Comparison to The Ultimate Fighter

"UFC BJJ: Road to the Title" shares several similarities with the classic UFC series "The Ultimate Fighter." Both use a team-based approach with coaches guiding groups of competitors through elimination-style tournaments. The focus is on selecting and developing champions, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look.

However, while The Ultimate Fighter showcases MMA prospects across various skills, "Road to the Title" is strictly about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The episode structure, competitive stakes, and use of top athlete coaches give BJJ fans a familiar, yet unique, experience. The show is positioned to reach new viewers and create the same excitement found in TUF. Read more about the new format and its connection to traditional UFC shows at UFC BJJ official: First event and reality show revealed.