The UAE Jiu-jitsu Federation, UAEJJF, the official authority for the sport of jiu-jitsu in the UAE, has announced the return of jiu-jitsu world tour, Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour Season 3 (2017-18). The Grand Slam will be held in five host cities, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, Abu Dhabi and London.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam is open to all nationalities, the medalists will be listed in the jiu-jitsu world rankings and combined cash prizes of more than $800,000 will be awarded to the top athletes of each division. The top three academies will also receive cash prizes in each host city, and top ranked competitors will receive prizes at the end of the season according to the UAEJJF World Ranking.
Commenting on the announcement, Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union and Senior Vice President of Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, said, "We are very pleased to announce the season 3 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. It has been an incredible journey so far in a very short space of time. Last season the grand slam was broadcast to 400m homes in 85 countries through our 14 TV network partners around the world, and I say this proudly, making the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam the most valuable jiu-jitsu TV show globally."
"The invaluable support and inspiration that our leadership, especially His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, provides to the sport of jiu-jitsu is unprecedented. We are really proud of the work we have done so far in developing the sport not just in the UAE and regionally, but globally."
For the first time in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam history, a new category of ‘Legends’ will be introduced, where legends of the art will be matched together for ‘super fights’.
"It is very interesting to see that the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam has introduced a Legends category. I competed in that category in Abu Dhabi at the World Pro and it was an incredible experience. It is really something to see how the UAE is helping to develop the gentle art. I look forward to participating at the grand slam this year," said Kenny Florian, former UFC fighter, analyst on Fox Sports.

Source: WAM