What:
The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is the season-ending event of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF).
The Abu Dhabi World Pro, as its popularly known, draws the biggest participation in terms of numbers, including some of the world’s best black belts, both men and women. It offers the biggest prize fund of Dh2.5million.
When and where:
The Year of Tolerance Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is the 11th staging of the event and takes place at Zayed Sports City’s Mubadala Arena April 20-26.
World titles:
At the end of championship, the fighters with the highest world ranking points in the UAEJJF events will be crowned the world champions.
The UAEJJF conducts 80 competitions around the globe, including the Abu Dhabi World Tour’s five Grand Slams in Tokyo, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, Abu Dhabi and London.
What they said:
Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, vice chairman of UAEJJF: “Last year the competition was staged over two weeks to allow maximum participation but this time we have cut it down to seven days to focus only on the best fighters. We now have many high profile competitions to provide all others the opportunity to compete.”
Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, chief executive officer of UAEJJF: “We have reached a point where we are going for quality in every category on the fight-card we have announced.”
The fighters to watch:
Brazilian Joao Gabriel Batista arrives as the highest ranked male fighter in the world but only just ahead of compatriot Diego Ramalho.
In the women’s competition, Brazilians Gabrieli Pessanha and Mayssa Bastos hold the top two ranking spots.
Faisal Al Ketbi spearheads the host nation’s challenge in the black belt division, with youngsters Omar Al Fadhli and Hamad Nawad to watch in the blue belt.
Schedule:
Saturday, April 20: White belts and para jiu-jitsu fighters
Sunday, April 21: World Cup for girls
Monday, April 22: Youth World Championships
Tuesday, April 23: Masters
Wednesday and Thursday, April 24 and 25: The Abu Dhabi World Pro men and women elite preliminary rounds up to semi-finals.
Friday: Finals
Entrance
Free on all days.
How to watch:
Abu Dhabi Sports will have daily live coverage.