There are striking parallels between the rise of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and the transformation of Abu Dhabi, the host city of the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Over the past two to three decades, both have experienced remarkable growth – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu establishing itself as a cornerstone of Dana White’s UFC, and Abu Dhabi emerging as one of the world’s most prestigious destinations for high-net-worth individuals. The World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship brings these two narratives together. Read on for a complete guide to the event.
A Brief Overview of the Event
The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC), often simply referred to as the Abu Dhabi BJJ world championship, is an annual international event which brings together some of the biggest names in the sport.
Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the event has, over the years, attracted competitors from more than 60 countries, and is considered to be the main event of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro tournament circuit.
The event is one of the highlights of the Abu Dhabi jiu-jitsu calendar and is supported personally by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Since its inception in 2009, the tournament prize purse has increased from a modest $150,000 to a reported $800,000, designed to attract some of the world’s most elite BJJ practitioners. The prizes are split across all belt levels (white, blue, purple, brown and black), with black belts taking the lion’s share of the pot. There is also a range of prizes in the youth categories.
Notable Competitors at the Championships
Over the years, the Abu Dhabi jiu-jitsu event has welcomed some of the most prestigious BJJ players in history.
Largely dominated by Brazilians (somewhat obviously considering the genesis of the sport), the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship has featured names such as current UFC heavyweight competitor Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida, former Strikeforce fighter and IBJJF Hall of Famer, Andre Galvao (one of the most decorated practitioners in the sport’s history) and the late, legendary Leandro Lo, who was tragically murdered in Sao Paolo in 2022.
As Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has spread rapidly across the globe over the past decade, the championships have occasionally been shaken by the rise of non-Brazilian competitors claiming gold in various weight categories. American Gianni Grippo became the first to win a title at the Abu Dhabi event in 2015, taking top spot in the 65kg category, then repeating the feat two years later in the 69kg category. His compatriot, the legendary Mikey Musumeci Jr., just 29 years old but already regarded as one of the best to ever take to the mats, claimed the top prize in the 62kg division in 2017.
Other notable alumni include Rizin Lightweight champion Roberto de Souza, current UFC welterweight (and one of the UFC’s best grapplers) Gilbert “Durinho” Burns and middleweight Rodolfo Vieira, who has, unsurprisingly, won five of his six UFC bouts by way of submission. UFC strawweight Mackenzie Dern, as well as renowned Brazilians Beatriz Mesquita, Mayssa Bastos and Gaby Garcia, have competed in the women’s event over the years.
A Look at the Venue
The event is held at Zayed Sports City in Al Rawdah, a sprawling multi-use complex offering a wide range of sports. The jiu-jitsu section, located on the southern edge of the complex, features a dedicated academy, a jiu-jitsu shop stocked with equipment and apparel, and the Mubadala Sports Complex, which hosts the championship itself.
A 6,000 capacity indoor venue, the facility provides a full calendar of events year-round, from conferences and orchestra performances, to sports events such as the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. The arena’s intimate setting makes it perfect for sport, allowing an electric atmosphere to build easily. The main floor is adjustable, ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 square metres, making it suitable for events of varying size and layout.
For VIP guests, Mubadala Arena offers an unrivalled experience, with eight sky boxes, a ‘Business Club’ and an exclusive VIP parking area. The arena also boasts three conference rooms with the capability of hosting 130 people, while AV facilities add further convenience.
Where to Stay While in Town for the Event
Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s most well-equipped cities when it comes to high-end accommodation. For those with an eye on convenience, there is the nearby Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, just a few minutes from the venue. Featuring some of the most immaculate grounds in the city and set against the backdrop of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the hotel boasts exclusive abodes such as the Club Executive and Garden Suites as well as the Ritz-Carlton Suite, while the Garden House, the Rabdan Pool Villa and the Plunge Pool Villa offer a slightly more elevated experience.
Just across the Al Maqta’a Bridge sits the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr - Abu Dhabi and the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, which both offer refined options for those looking for a sophisticated stay.
Further afield, Abu Dhabi Corniche boasts some of the city's best options, such as the elegant St. Regis Abu Dhabi, while Al Maryah Island, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island all present exceptional options for those who wish to experience the city’s retail, entertainment and cultural offerings.
Alternative Experiences While in Town
As one of the world’s most-visited cities, Abu Dhabi is replete with things to do for the discerning visitor. Yas Island stands as the city’s entertainment district, with three top-class theme parks, in addition to sporting venues such as the Etihad Arena – the UFC’s Emirati home – and the Yas Marina Circuit – where the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place.
Saadiyat Island is the city’s cultural heartland, showcasing a number of world-class museums such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The island also houses the interfaith complex of the Abrahamic House, a testament to the religious tolerance of the Emirati people.
Al Maryhah Island houses modern convenience in the form of The Galleria complex, where a range of retail, dining and entertainment options are available. With two top-class hotels – Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi – the facility affords access to some of the city’s best restaurants, such as the Michelin-starred 99 Sushi Bar.
Other highlights include the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Mangrove National Park, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque complex, and Qasr Al Hosn, showcasing a mix of the city’s cultural heritage, environmental initiatives, and waterfront leisure.
The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the global BJJ calendar, welcoming some of the sport’s finest names to the city. With a wide range of high-end accommodation options, exclusive tourist experiences and world-class sporting facilities, the event offers competitors and visitors alike an unforgettable combination of competition and culture.
