UFC BJJ Opens Bring the UFC Brand to Amateur Jiu-Jitsu: What Academy Owners Need to Know
For two decades the amateur jiu-jitsu calendar has been built around the IBJJF and a handful of regional promotions. Now the UFC is running open tournaments for everyone from first-time white belts to black belts, with its own ruleset and a pathway it describes as leading to the professional UFC BJJ series. For academy owners that is a new option for students, a new ruleset to coach, and a brand parents already recognise.
The facts in brief
- What: the UFC BJJ Opens, which UFC BJJ calls “the official entry point into UFC BJJ.” Announced by UFC CEO Dana White in May 2026.
- Where and when: the first Open ran in Las Vegas on 22–23 August 2026 (no-gi Saturday, gi Sunday). UFC said four Opens would run in 2026, with more in 2027; event listings have named Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale, Indianapolis (24 October) and Atlanta.
- Who: youth, adult and masters competitors, white belt to black belt, gi and no-gi.
- Cost: $150 early registration and $175 regular for Las Vegas, with a second division at $75; the Indianapolis listing shows a $150 entry.
- Prizes: medals for the top three in every division; cash for first place in adult brown and black belt divisions.
Divisions and format
| Group | Ages | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Youth | 8–17, by birth year (Las Vegas); the Indianapolis listing separates Kids and Youth | Multiple matches through round-robin or consolation brackets |
| Adult | 18+ | White, blue and purple belts get multiple matches; brown and black belts compete single elimination |
| Masters | 30+, 40+ and 50+ | As adult |
According to the Indianapolis event listing, absolute divisions are open only to competitors who placed in the top three of their weight class, and white belts are not eligible for the absolute.
A different ruleset
UFC BJJ says the Opens use a ruleset “slightly adjusted” from traditional formats to reward offence, a faster pace and attempts to finish. The Indianapolis event listing summarises the main differences as:
- guard passes worth 2 points rather than the usual 3; mount and back control worth 4;
- negative points, for competitors aged 13 and over, for stalling, disengaging or coasting in a dominant position;
- guard pulling allowed only with immediate engagement, such as an attacking guard, grips or an instant sweep or submission attempt;
- black belt gold-medal matches submission-only in regulation, with an overtime period if no one finishes.
Check the official rulebook on the event registration page before you prepare a student; organisers can change rules between events.
What it means for academy owners
- A second competition calendar. Students who compete now have a UFC-branded option alongside IBJJF and regional events. Decide which calendar your academy team will follow, and tell families why, before they decide for you.
- Coach to the ruleset. Cheaper guard passes, stalling penalties from age 13 and limits on guard pulling reward a different game. A competitor drilled only for IBJJF scoring can be caught out.
- Know what is not published. The materials we reviewed do not state any academy-registration, affiliation or rank-certification requirement of the kind IBJJF enforces. If you are used to IBJJF rules, read our guide to the IBJJF rank rules your academy has to follow, and ask UFC BJJ directly how it verifies rank before sending students.
- Budget for families. At $150 to $175 a division plus travel, one Open is a real expense for a family with two competing children. A published competition policy — who is ready, which events, what the academy covers — prevents awkward conversations.
- Use the brand carefully. “Our students compete in UFC BJJ Opens” is a fair marketing line once they have. Implying any affiliation with the UFC that does not exist is not.
- Youth safeguarding still applies. Travel to an out-of-state event with minors needs the same supervision, consent and two-adult rules as any other trip.
“Create opportunities where competitors can start locally,” is how Claudia Gadelha, UFC BJJ’s Senior Director of Jiu-Jitsu Strategy, described the goal. UFC BJJ adds that success in advanced divisions is not a guaranteed route into its professional events.
More for academy owners on our BJJ academy owners desk.
Frequently asked questions
Can kids compete at UFC BJJ Opens?
Yes. Las Vegas offered youth divisions for ages 8 to 17 by birth year, and the Indianapolis listing shows Kids and Youth divisions.
How much does it cost to enter?
Las Vegas charged $150 early and $175 regular, with a second division at $75. The Indianapolis listing shows a $150 entry. Fees are generally non-refundable.
Are the rules the same as IBJJF?
No. Guard passes score 2 rather than 3, mount and back control score 4, stalling draws negative points from age 13, and guard pulling requires immediate engagement, according to the Indianapolis event listing.
Does winning an Open lead to a UFC BJJ contract?
Not automatically. UFC BJJ describes the Opens as an entry point and says advanced-division success can attract its attention, but is not a guaranteed route into its professional events.
Sources
- UFC, “UFC BJJ Announces Launch of UFC BJJ Opens.”
- BJJEE, “UFC BJJ Announces First-Ever Open Tournaments for Amateur Competitors,” 23 May 2026.
- Wodify, “2026 UFC BJJ Opens: Las Vegas,” 27 July 2026.
- Let’s Roll, UFC BJJ Open Indianapolis listing (divisions, fee and rules summary).
Dates, fees and rules are taken from the organiser’s announcements and published event listings, which can change. Confirm on the official registration page.
