UAE Jiu-Jitsu And MMA Federation Reveals 2026 Season Calendar With Major International And Local Events

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation has confirmed its 2026 competition calendar, outlining more than 30 events across jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts. The schedule balances domestic and international tournaments, and aims to improve athlete performance, create clear pathways for development, and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s role as a major hub for combat sports.

Among the headline events are the 18th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, the IMMAF Youth World Championship, the JJIF Youth World Championship, and multiple Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour stops. These sit alongside national-level tournaments that focus on building depth in club structures and identifying promising talent across different age categories.

The 18th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship will be staged in November and is expected to draw leading jiu-jitsu athletes from around the world. Abu Dhabi will also welcome the JJIF Youth World Championship in August, gathering youth delegations from several countries and supporting the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation’s strategy to develop athletes from early stages.

The IMMAF Youth World Championship returns to the UAE in August for the fifth straight year, bringing elite youth mixed martial arts competitors from various regions. Abu Dhabi will additionally host the final leg of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour 2025–2026 in May, which will determine the final Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro rankings for that season.

Key dates and events in the 2026 competition calendar for jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts are summarised below.{TABLE_1}

The 2026 jiu-jitsu season begins in January with the Mother of the Nation Jiu-Jitsu Cup and the opening round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship. February will feature the Nad Al Sheba Ramadan Tournament, followed in March by the first round of the President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup, continuing a structured pathway for local competitors.

In May, the Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup will be held, alongside a leg of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour. Throughout the year, domestic events will cater to multiple age groups, giving emerging athletes regular opportunities to gain experience, adjust to competition pressure, and prepare for selection to national teams and international campaigns.

The third edition of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship will span eight rounds during the 2026 season. The format includes five Gi rounds and three No-Gi rounds, designed to mirror international formats. This structure helps clubs and athletes gear up for continental competitions and world-level championships by providing consistent, high-level domestic contests.

2026 competition calendar jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts MMA and national teams

The 2026 competition calendar for jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts also features five rounds of the UAE National MMA Championship. These rounds are scheduled for January, February, April, August, and December, giving mixed martial arts athletes a clear ladder for progression and regular chances to test skills under official rules.

UAE national teams are set for busy international assignments in 2026. Planned events include the 7th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, the Asian Games in Japan, the Asian Beach Games in China, and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships across several divisions. Participation in these tournaments is aligned with long-term plans to maintain and improve continental and global results.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said the 2026 calendar reflects the Federation’s long-term plans for developing both sports.

He said, "The 2026 calendar is a crucial step in strengthening jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts in the UAE. We have built a balanced programme that combines local championships, which are essential for athlete development, with international participation focused on building on the teams’ consistent results. At the same time, we continue to host major global events that position the UAE as a leading destination for international championships."

"Hosting the IMMAF Youth World Championship for the fifth consecutive year reflects the confidence international federations place in our organisational capabilities. Local and international jiu-jitsu championships remain key to identifying and developing talent and preparing athletes to compete at the highest level. Hosting the JJIF Youth World Championship also reflects our focus on developing younger age groups and positioning Abu Dhabi as a centre for building future champions," he added.

The 2026 competition calendar for jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts therefore combines youth-focused events, elite championships and structured national series. With Abu Dhabi hosting several global tournaments and the UAE national teams entering major multi-sport events, the programme maintains continuity in the country’s development plans while offering athletes regular, meaningful competition opportunities.

With inputs from WAM