2025 World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championships: The Ultimate Grappling Showdown Returns to Long Beach

The mats are about to get wild again, folks. The 2025 World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championships are set to take over the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California, from May 29 to June 1. If you’re an MMA fan who appreciates the ground game, this is basically your Super Bowl.

I’ve covered combat sports for years, and let me tell you – there’s nothing quite like the electricity in the air when the world’s best grapplers converge under one roof. This isn’t just another tournament; it’s where legends are made and careers are defined.

Why the 2025 IBJJF Worlds Matter to MMA Fans

Look, we all love a good knockout, but true MMA aficionados understand that what happens on the ground often determines who walks away with their hand raised. The IBJJF Worlds showcase the pure essence of the ground game that’s become increasingly crucial in the octagon.

Many future UFC stars cut their teeth in these competitions. Remember when Ryan Hall was tying people in knots at IBJJF before hitting the UFC? Or how about Mackenzie Dern and Gilbert Burns dominating the mats before transitioning to MMA?

The Walter Pyramid: A Legendary Venue for Grappling Glory

There’s something special about the Walter Pyramid. Its unique architecture creates an atmosphere where every submission attempt echoes through the building. Having attended previous championships there, I can confirm the venue itself adds to the mystique of the event.

The blue exterior of this Long Beach landmark has become synonymous with jiu-jitsu excellence. When competitors walk through those doors, they’re stepping into hallowed ground where BJJ history has been written many times over.

What to Expect at the 2025 Championships

This isn’t just a tournament – it’s four days of non-stop grappling action across all belt levels. From blue belts making their mark to black belt legends defending their legacies, the range of talent is staggering.

The final day is what everyone waits for – Black Belt Sunday. It’s when the Gordon Ryans and Mayssa Bastos of the world put it all on the line. If you only catch one day, make it this one.

Names to Watch in 2025

While it’s still early to predict the full competitor list, you can bet the usual suspects will be there looking to add another gold medal to their collection. We’re talking the Ruotolo brothers, Ffion Davies, and Nicholas Meregali potentially defending their turf against hungry newcomers.

I’m particularly intrigued to see how the next generation of phenoms—those teenagers currently ripping through the colored belt divisions—will fare as they potentially move up to the black belt ranks by 2025.

The MMA Connection: Why UFC Scouts Will Be Watching

You better believe UFC talent scouts circle this event on their calendars. The explosive athleticism, problem-solving under pressure, and mental toughness displayed at IBJJF Worlds directly translate to MMA success.

Just look at the evolution of the UFC. The days when you could get by with just striking are long gone. Today’s elite fighters need that ground arsenal, and many built their foundations in competitions exactly like this.

Remember when Kron Gracie made his UFC debut? His jiu-jitsu pedigree, forged in IBJJF competition, immediately made him a dangerous proposition for anyone in his division.

How to Catch the Action

If you’re planning to witness the madness in person (which I highly recommend), tickets typically go on sale about three months before the event. The atmosphere is worth the price of admission alone.

Can’t make it to Long Beach? The IBJJF usually streams the event on their digital platform, with the black belt matches often getting additional coverage from specialized combat sports media.

Beyond Watching: The Full Experience

The championships are more than just matches. The surrounding expo features gear vendors, seminars with legends of the sport, and networking opportunities with everyone from gym owners to supplement companies.

It’s basically Comic-Con for jiu-jitsu nerds, and I say that with nothing but love as someone who’s spent hours wandering the expo floor hunting for the perfect gi.

Why This Matters for the Future of MMA

The techniques you’ll see tested and refined at the 2025 Worlds will inevitably make their way to the cage within months. It’s like getting a preview of MMA’s future ground game evolution.

Remember the berimbolo? It was a competition darling before fighters started adapting it for MMA. The same goes for the leg lock renaissance that transformed both sports.

As someone who’s watched both worlds closely, I can tell you the crossover is undeniable and increasingly important. The fighter who ignores these developments does so at their peril.

Mark Your Calendars, Grappling Fans

Whether you’re a hardcore jiu-jitsu practitioner or an MMA fan looking to deepen your appreciation of the ground game, the 2025 IBJJF Worlds deserves your attention. May 29 to June 1, 2025, at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach—be there or be square.

I’m already blocking those dates on my calendar. After all, there’s nothing quite like watching history unfold on the mats, knowing you’re witnessing techniques that will influence fight outcomes for years to come.

Are you planning to attend the 2025 IBJJF Worlds? Drop a comment below with which divisions or fighters you’re most excited to see. And if you’ve attended previous championships, share your experience!

Source: International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF)