“We’re going to invest like 10 to 12 million dollars into Jiu Jitsu over the next year,”
White revealed during a recent media interaction. This substantial financial commitment marks one of the largest organizational investments in the growth of BJJ to date.
The investment comes as part of the UFC’s broader strategy to expand its footprint across various combat sports disciplines. Along with the BJJ initiative, White also discussed the organization’s continued focus on boxing and their core UFC operations.
White’s announcement aligns with recent revelations about UFC’s plans to launch a BJJ reality show. Speaking at the 2024 SBJ Media Innovators conference, White confirmed they’re
“literally launching a reality show and then gonna start putting on shows”
in the BJJ space. This development is part of TKO Group’s larger strategy to consolidate all combat sports under its umbrella by the end of 2025.
During a recent interview, BJJ star Kade Ruotolo inadvertently leaked information suggesting that the UFC is developing a project involving prominent grapplers Gordon Ryan and Mikey Musumeci.
“I think he’s doing something with Mikey Musumeci and him are possibly going to do some sort of like Ultimate Fighter type things for Jiu-Jitsu possibly I think,”
Ruotolo mentioned, providing the first concrete hint about potential participants in the UFC’s new venture.
The pairing is particularly intriguing given the ongoing rivalry between Ryan and Musumeci, especially regarding their contrasting views on PED use in the sport. Musumeci has advocated for stricter testing protocols, while Ryan has taken a more permissive stance, stating that
“people want to see the enhanced athletes give their best.”
While specific details about how the BJJ investment will be allocated remain undisclosed, this move could potentially revolutionize the sport’s landscape, creating new opportunities for athletes and practitioners worldwide.
This strategic investment in BJJ reflects the growing global interest in the discipline and its fundamental role in mixed martial arts, potentially paving the way for enhanced development programs and competitive opportunities in the sport.
