What makes UFC BJJ Opens' ruleset different?

It uses negative points and stricter anti-stalling and illegal-guard-pull penalties than many traditional formats, to reward athletes who actively push for finishes.

Who can enter the Absolute division?

Only the top three finishers in their weight class are eligible, and Absolute is separated by belt with no white belts.

When does registration close?

Four days before the event; brackets are posted three days out.

At ufcbjjopens.com or through the Smoothcomp link on this page.

UFC BJJ Open — Fort Lauderdale No-Gi Tournament, FL 2026 | Let's Roll

UFC BJJ Open - Fort Lauderdale No-Gi

Organized by UFC BJJ

September 26, 2026 brings the UFC BJJ Open to Fort Lauderdale for a no-gi tournament open to every belt level. The event is part of UFC BJJ's expanding regional tournament series in South Florida.

Saturday, September 26, 2026Fort Lauderdale, FL0 registered

No-Gi

UFC BJJ

Event Description

UFC BJJ Opens is the UFC's new grassroots tournament series, designed as a pathway from local competition all the way to a UFC BJJ world title. This Fort Lauderdale stop is a no-gi-only event, run under UFC BJJ's adjusted ruleset that penalizes stalling and illegal guard pulling more aggressively than traditional formats, rewarding athletes who push the pace. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, FL, open to youth, adult, and masters competitors of both genders across all weight classes. Absolute divisions are limited to the top three finishers in their weight class, separated by belt with no white belts eligible. Registration closes four days before the event, with brackets posted three days out -- sign up at ufcbjjopens.com or via the Smoothcomp link on this page.

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About UFC BJJ

UFC BJJ Opens is the amateur, grassroots tier of UFC BJJ — the professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu promotion the UFC (TKO Group Holdings) launched in 2025. The Opens series, announced for 2026, is designed as a pathway into the professional UFC BJJ events.

Rules

UFC BJJ Opens, launched in 2026, run under UFC BJJ's own ruleset — an adjusted points system deliberately tuned for pace and offense. Positional scoring will look familiar (takedowns, sweeps, knee-on-belly, mount, and back control all score, with mount and back worth 4), but guard passes are worth 2 points instead of the traditional 3, nudging athletes toward finishing positions rather than pass-and-hold.

The biggest difference is negative points, applied to competitors aged 13 and up: stalling, avoiding contact, disengaging, failing to progress — even coasting from a dominant position — can subtract points directly from your score. Pulling guard is legal but must come with immediate engagement (an attacking guard, real grips, or an instant sweep or submission entry), otherwise it's penalized.

Format also varies by division: youth, white, and blue belt competitors are guaranteed at least two matches via round robin or consolation brackets, while adult brown and black belts compete single elimination with cash prizes on the line. Black belt gold-medal matches run submission-only in regulation, going to an overtime period with positive and negative points if nobody finishes.

Always confirm the official rulebook before you compete — organizations update rules between seasons. See the official event page for current rules.

Community results

No results logged yet. Results show up here once competitors log them after the event.

Frequently asked questions

When and where is the UFC BJJ Open - Fort Lauderdale No-Gi?: Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Is this a gi or no-gi event?: No-gi only.
What makes UFC BJJ Opens' ruleset different?: It uses negative points and stricter anti-stalling and illegal-guard-pull penalties than many traditional formats, to reward athletes who actively push for finishes.
Who can enter the Absolute division?: Only the top three finishers in their weight class are eligible, and Absolute is separated by belt with no white belts.
When does registration close?: Four days before the event; brackets are posted three days out.
How do I register?: At ufcbjjopens.com or through the Smoothcomp link on this page.

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