The UFC, known for revolutionizing MMA, is now setting its sights on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) with ambitious plans to launch a reality show and establish a professional grappling league. UFC President Dana White unveiled these initiatives during the 2024 SBJ Media Innovators conference, signaling a major step in consolidating combat sports under the UFC’s parent company, TKO, by 2025.

A Reality Show to Elevate BJJ

The planned reality show marks a strategic move to bring BJJ to mainstream audiences, following the success of The Ultimate Fighter, which played a pivotal role in MMA’s rise to prominence. White emphasized the UFC’s intention to build a grappling ecosystem that rivals its MMA promotion in professionalism and reach. The show will serve as a platform to showcase the skills and stories of top grapplers, potentially catapulting them into the limelight.

FloGrappling’s Who’s Next previously explored this format on a smaller scale, spotlighting rising stars like Dan Manasoiu and Andrew Tackett. However, the UFC’s larger budget, global influence, and ability to attract elite talent could push the concept to unprecedented heights.

Mikey Musumeci Joins the UFC

Mikey Musumeci, one of the most decorated names in BJJ, has already signed with the UFC, transitioning from ONE Championship to join this new venture. Musumeci praised the UFC’s plans to professionalize the sport, citing its rigorous PED testing, financial stability, and global reach.

Musumeci envisions the UFC’s involvement as a game-changer for grappling. “The shadiness of some promotions has held BJJ back for too long,” he remarked. “This is an opportunity to create a legitimate, professional future for athletes.” While he anticipates some backlash from traditionalists, Musumeci is focused on providing sustainable careers for grapplers worldwide.

Grappling League: The Next Frontier

The UFC’s foray into professional grappling began with the UFC Fight Pass Invitational, which quickly became one of the premier events in the sport. Building on this momentum, the new grappling league aims to establish a centralized and professionalized structure for the sport. With exclusive contracts already being signed, the league is expected to feature a mix of established stars and rising talent.

White explained the broader vision: “By 2025, the TKO umbrella will encompass all combat sports, from MMA to grappling and beyond.” This aligns with TKO’s strategy to dominate combat sports, following its success with UFC and WWE.

A Growing Appetite for Combat Sports

The move into BJJ comes at a time when global interest in combat sports is at an all-time high. White pointed to the unexpected success of ventures like Power Slap as evidence that the right execution can make niche disciplines thrive. The UFC’s grappling league seeks to capitalize on this momentum, bringing BJJ into the mainstream.

Beyond Grappling: Expansion into Boxing

White also hinted at the UFC’s ongoing discussions to enter the boxing market, with announcements expected in early 2024. This diversification underscores TKO’s mission to unify and dominate all aspects of combat sports.

A Promising Future for BJJ

With the UFC’s resources and expertise, the future of BJJ looks brighter than ever. From a reality show to a professional league, these initiatives promise to elevate the sport, offering athletes a stable platform and fans a new way to engage with grappling. If successful, the UFC’s entry into BJJ could be as transformative as its impact on MMA, ushering in a new era for the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.