BJJ in the UFC

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s global reputation was cemented in the early UFC events of the 1990s. Royce Gracie, representing his family’s art, shocked the martial arts world by defeating larger and stronger opponents with submissions and positional control. His victories against fighters from karate, boxing, wrestling, and kickboxing showcased BJJ as a practical and dominant system in real combat.

These early UFC moments had ripple effects across the martial arts world. Practitioners of every style suddenly recognized the need for grappling knowledge. Within a few years, BJJ training became essential for anyone aspiring to compete in MMA, and gyms across the globe began offering BJJ programs. The UFC’s success transformed BJJ from a niche Brazilian practice into a global phenomenon.