Sean Brady is a top welterweight contender in the UFC. He has revealed his plans to transition to professional grappling once his MMA career comes to an end.
In a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Brady discussed his passion for jiu-jitsu and grappling, and how he intends to compete at the highest levels even after retiring from MMA.
“When I’m done fighting, I’m 100% going to compete in jiu-jitsu,” said Brady. “That’s what I want to do. I want to compete, no gi.”
The 29-year-old Brady holds a 15-1 record in MMA, with recent wins over top-ranked welterweights Michael Chiesa and Gastelum and a loss to Belal Muhammad. However, Brady’s background is in jiu-jitsu, having earned his black belt under Daniel Gracie.
Brady talked about how he’s been doing BJJ for over 10 years and competed a lot when he was younger. He stopped competing as much once he started focusing more on MMA, but is excited to get back into BJJ competition after retiring from MMA.
He mentioned wanting to train with elite grapplers like Gordon Ryan when he visits different gyms. He sees guys like Gordon still competing and winning at the highest levels in their 40s.
On the podcast, Brady spoke excitedly about the growth of submission grappling competitions like those held by different promotions. He aims to test himself against the best grapplers in the world.
And he might actually have a chance. Back in 2021, Sean Brady secured an upset victory over Craig Jones at Fury Grappling 3.Neither managed takedowns, sweeps, passes, or submission attempts during the bout. Fury Grappling 3’s rules prohibited heel hooks in matchups against UFC athletes. Brady, used pressure and top game to win.
“Jiu-jitsu is getting so big now. I’m super excited to get into that too. I love jiu-jitsu, no gi. It’s so f***ing fun to me.”
Names like Gordon Ryan and Felipe Pena have built their reputations almost exclusively through grappling in recent years. Brady hopes to replicate their success and cement his legacy as an all-time great grappler.
Of course, Brady remains focused on capturing UFC gold before he hangs up the MMA gloves. He currently sits at #7 in the welterweight rankings, not far removed from title contention.
But with several years still ahead of him in MMA, it’s clear Brady has already envisioned what comes next. Once he completes his mission of becoming a UFC champion, the world of professional grappling awaits.
