UFC BJJ launches with Mikey Musumeci vs Rerisson Gabriel for inaugural bantamweight title

UFC’s latest venture, UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is shaking up the combat sports landscape with the launch of a dedicated grappling league, and all eyes are on five-time world champion Mikey Musumeci as he headlines the inaugural event. Musumeci, known for his technical brilliance and dominance in both gi and no-gi competition, will face Rerisson Gabriel in the main event for the first-ever UFC BJJ bantamweight title.

The new UFC BJJ series features a reality show format reminiscent of The Ultimate Fighter, with top grapplers competing for championship belts across multiple weight classes. The competition will use a unique ruleset: three five-minute rounds scored with the 10-point must system, emphasizing nonstop action and athlete safety Musumeci, now an official UFC athlete, has expressed excitement about the league’s potential to rival established tournaments like ADCC and IBJJF.

Looking ahead, UFC BJJ will introduce drug testing for all title matches starting in 2026, aiming to ensure a level playing field as the league grows With Musumeci leading the charge and UFC’s promotional power behind the project, the new champions crowned in this series could redefine the future of professional jiu-jitsu.