The prestigious ADCC World Championship is set to make history with its 2026 edition as exclusive details emerge about the tournament’s next destination. According to Renato Santos, one of the key organizers behind the renowned grappling competition, the event will most likely head to Poland for what promises to be a groundbreaking chapter in the tournament’s legacy.
“The next ADCC, they haven’t announced it yet, but from what I’ve heard, it’s going to be in Poland,”
Santos revealed during a recent interview, confirming that while official announcements are still pending, Poland has emerged as the favored location for the 2026 championship.
The selection of Poland represents a major shift for the ADCC, which has typically rotated between established martial arts markets. Santos acknowledged the unexpected choice, noting how the European nation has become a serious contender in the grappling world.
“I expected it to be the United States, Brazil and so on but, man… I tried, right? I submitted my name. I wanted it to be in Brazil, but honestly I’m happy it went there.”
Poland’s emergence as a premier grappling destination reflects broader changes in the global martial arts landscape. The country has built a thriving jiu-jitsu scene that’s caught the attention of international organizers and athletes. This growth represents a major transformation from three decades ago when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was a niche discipline outside of Brazil and Poland was navigating economic and political transition.
The Polish martial arts ecosystem has produced notable champions across different styles. Athletes like Adam Wardzinski have become elite grapplers, with impressive performances at major international events. His wins at tournaments like the IBJJF Europe Open and AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro have helped put Polish grappling on the map.
Poland’s combat sports success isn’t limited to grappling. Polish MMA stars and traditional martial artists have made strong impressions globally. The country’s all-around development in martial arts has fostered a competitive environment where high-level training and events thrive, making it a top pick for global tournaments. “Each KSW event has an average of 200,000 PPV sold. We are bigger than Pride.” KSW owner said on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show a while ago.
Looking ahead, Santos has bold plans for the tournament’s future.
“And 2028, there’s a 99% chance it’ll be here, right? I want to make it happen in Rio de Janeiro. I’ve got some ambitious plans — things that have never been seen before, chasing iconic photos.”
A 2028 event in Rio would carry special meaning, marking the 30th anniversary of the ADCC.
“It’s 30 years of ADCC, so it’s the cherry on top,”
Santos said, pointing out how the milestone would be a perfect backdrop for a major celebration of the sport.
Santos and his team — including top figures from the ADCC — are already building excitement for the anniversary.
“So my team, my ADCC side, including Mo and people from the board, are super excited for 2028 to be here.”
The expansion of the ADCC’s international presence shows the sport’s tremendous growth and global reach. From its origins to its status as the premier no-gi grappling event, the tournament continues to evolve into new markets where jiu-jitsu is gaining serious momentum.
