The Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 are coming to Al Ain
From August 1 to 3, the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 will make its debut at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain, bringing together hundreds of elite athletes from more than 20 countries.
The high-energy, three-day tournament marks a major milestone for the UAE's rapidly growing combat sports scene – and it's the first event of its kind on the global calendar.
Organised by International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) and backed by Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), the championship is held under the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) banner – the same team behind the world's biggest jiu-jitsu tournaments. But this time, it's grappling that takes centre stage.
What to expect
Whether you're a diehard martial arts fan or just curious about the sport, this event is set to be a hit (pun intended). The championship is open to all skill levels – from up-and-coming youth fighters and weekend warriors to seasoned pros and world-class grapplers. Divisions range from U14 to 35+, with both amateur and professional brackets.
The stakes? 2,000 global ranking points, international recognition and cash prizes – not to mention the bragging rights of winning at one of the most anticipated combat sports events of the year.
Day one will see the professional bouts kick off, followed by youth and amateur divisions on day two. It all builds up to finals and third-place playoffs on the closing day, with intense matchups expected throughout.
Why Al Ain?
While Abu Dhabi has become a heavyweight in the global fight game – think UFC Fight Nights, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, Power Slap competitions and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships – this event puts the spotlight on Al Ain Region as a rising destination for world-class sports events.
Set against the backdrop of mountains, heritage sites and palm-filled oases, Al Ain offers a striking stage for combat sports and adds another dimension to the emirate's growing sport tourism appeal.
Aug 1-3. ADNEC Centre Al Ain. ajptour.com
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