UFC BJJ Open - Phoenix
Organized by UFC BJJ Open
September 12, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ brings the UFC BJJ Open, with divisions for all belts and ages under the UFC BJJ program.
Event Description
UFC BJJ Opens are the newest tournament series in the sport, launched in 2026 as the amateur entry point to UFC BJJ's broader competitive ecosystem — a stated pathway from local brackets all the way to a UFC BJJ world title. The series runs a modified ruleset built to reward action: adjusted scoring encourages competitors to push the pace and go for finishes rather than stall out a points lead, and it's open to athletes of all ages and skill levels. This Phoenix stop is the second event on the 2026 calendar, following the series debut in Las Vegas on August 22, and runs September 12, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ. Registration and full event details are available at ufcbjjopens.com — worth a look for competitors curious about UFC BJJ's modified scoring system before stepping on the mat.
Divisions
Registration deadline: August 25, 2026
About UFC BJJ Open
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 in Phoenix?
- September 12, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ.
- How do I register?
- Through ufcbjjopens.com.
- What makes UFC BJJ Open's ruleset different?
- It uses a modified scoring system designed to reward action and finishes, encouraging a faster pace than traditional points-based BJJ scoring.
- Who can compete?
- Athletes of all ages and skill levels, from first-time competitors to advanced athletes.
- Is this part of a bigger series?
- Yes — UFC BJJ Opens launched in 2026, with the first event in Las Vegas on August 22 and Phoenix as the second stop, with more planned through 2027.
- Does this lead anywhere bigger?
- UFC BJJ has positioned the Opens as a pathway for competitors to build toward UFC BJJ's higher-level events and, eventually, a UFC BJJ world title.
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