The landscape of professional No-Gi grappling is about to change in a big way. AJP has announced the AJP Grappling Grand Prix World Tour, a revolutionary circuit that eliminates the traditional point-based approach in favor of a submission-first format. This isn’t just another tournament—it’s a global movement aimed at creating the ultimate proving ground for grapplers of all backgrounds.
To break down what makes this new format different and what the future holds for AJP, BJJEE sat down with Rodrigo Valerio, Head of Operations at AJP. In this exclusive interview, Rodrigo reveals how the Grappling Grand Prix will shape the sport, provide career-changing opportunities for athletes, and bring together the best grapplers from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, judo, sambo, luta livre, and catch wrestling.
AJP Grappling Grand Prix: A New Era for Professional Grappling
No Points. No Politics. Just Pure Grappling.
BJJEE: Rodrigo, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. AJP is launching the AJP Grappling Grand Prix World Tour this year. What can we expect, and how is this different from existing No-Gi competitions?
Rodrigo Valerio: 2025 is going to be a game-changer for AJP. We’re not just adding another event to the calendar; we’re flipping the script on how professional No-Gi competitions work.
What can you expect?
❌ No points.
❌ No politics.
✅ Just pure grappling.
It’s submission or nothing—no stalling, no playing for advantages. We’re creating a space where styles clash, and we find out who the real submission artists are.
If you’re an athlete tired of the points game or a fan who wants to see grappling in its rawest form, this is where you need to be.
The AJP Grappling Grand Prix Roadmap
📍 Belgrade, Serbia – March 16 . Registration: https://ajptour.com/ru/event/1269
📍 Moscow, Russia – April 20
📍 Vienna, Austria – May 25
📍 Abu Dhabi, UAE – June 14-15
🏆 World Grappling Championship (Abu Dhabi) – July 10-13
The best-ranked athletes will qualify for the World Championship and even get a shot at ADXC, where the competition gets even tougher and the stakes get even higher.
How AJP Grappling Stands Apart from Other No-Gi Circuits
BJJEE: No-Gi grappling has grown significantly in the past few years, with many different tournaments worldwide. What makes AJP Grappling Grand Prix different?
Rodrigo Valerio: We’re cutting through the noise. This isn’t about gaming the system or playing it safe—it’s about finding out who the real finishers are.
Here’s what sets us apart:
🔹 No Point Fighting – Forget winning by holding a position or “strategic” stalling. You either submit your opponent, or the judges decide based on aggression, dominance, and control.
🔹 A True Pathway for Athletes – The Grand Prix isn’t a one-off event. Your performance determines your ranking and can launch you to the World Grappling Championship and ADXC, where the stakes are even higher.
🔹 Multi-Discipline Inclusion – We’re not just bringing in the same Jiu-Jitsu competitors. We’re breaking down barriers and inviting wrestlers, judokas, sambists, and catch wrestlers into the mix.
This is the next level of professional grappling—where only the best survive. If you’re here to stall and play safe, you’ll get exposed. But if you’re here to finish fights, this is your world.
Bringing Together All Grappling Martial Arts
BJJEE: AJP has made it clear that it wants to unify athletes from different grappling backgrounds. How does this work in practice?
Rodrigo Valerio: Grappling isn’t owned by any one sport. Judo, sambo, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, luta livre, catch wrestling—they all bring unique weapons to the fight.
We’ve removed the point system that traditionally favors one style over another. Now, instead of fighting the rules, competitors can focus on fighting each other.
This means:
- A wrestler doesn’t get penalized for focusing on control over sweeps.
- A sambo specialist doesn’t lose by “advantages” because of a guard pull.
- Everyone is judged on the same criteria: Who’s hunting the finish? Who’s imposing their will?
When you put a Judo black belt against a submission specialist or a freestyle wrestler against a BJJ champion, you get new techniques, new strategies, and new legends.
We’re breaking down the walls that kept these disciplines apart for too long.
The Future of AJP & Professionalizing Grappling
BJJEE: AJP has already cemented itself as a leader in professional grappling. Where do you see the organization in the coming years?
Rodrigo Valerio: I see AJP evolving beyond an event organizer into a global grappling ecosystem.
🔹 Expanding the Grand Prix – More locations, more international talent.
🔹 Bigger Prize Money & Sponsorships – Making grappling a real career choice.
🔹 More Live Events & Production – Enhancing the fan experience and building athlete brands.
🔹 Bridging Grappling Styles – Judo, wrestling, sambo, BJJ—all in one arena.
In a few years, I don’t just see AJP as the leader in professional grappling—I see it as the organization that redefined what professional grappling even means.
Jiu-Jitsu & The Olympics: AJP’s Role in the Global Sport Scene
BJJEE: Many people talk about Jiu-Jitsu making it to the Olympics. Is that still a realistic goal, and how does AJP fit into that vision?
Rodrigo Valerio: Olympic inclusion is still a long-term goal, but what matters right now is making grappling a legitimate professional sport—with or without the Olympics.
AJP is setting the foundation with:
✅ A structured global ranking & championship system
✅ Consistent, standardized rules
✅ International reach across disciplines
✅ Sustainable financial opportunities for athletes
The Olympics would be great, but AJP is already making grappling a professional career path—and that’s what truly matters.
Who Will Compete in the AJP Grappling Grand Prix?
BJJEE: Can you give us any hints about the lineup for the Grand Prix?
Rodrigo Valerio: Expect to see:
🔥 Top-ranked No-Gi submission specialists
🥋 Jiu-Jitsu world champions crossing over into No-Gi
🤼 Wrestling, Judo, and Sambo champions testing their skills in submission grappling
🌟 Dark horses and rising stars hungry to shake up the scene
Some names will be instantly recognizable, others will shock the world—and that’s the beauty of the Grappling Grand Prix.
Final Thoughts from Rodrigo Valerio
BJJEE: Any last message for athletes and fans following AJP Grappling?
Rodrigo Valerio:
To the athletes – This is your chance to be part of the biggest movement in professional grappling. You can test yourself, make a name, and change your career forever.
To the fans – You’re about to witness the most intense, high-level No-Gi circuit ever organized. Every match matters. Every fight is a war.
The Grappling Grand Prix is here. Get ready.
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