The United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) awards big cash prizes to the top-ranked athletes at the end of the season. In this breakdown of the UAEJJF's system, we explain how the athletes accumulate points and who is currently winning. 

Watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam LIVE or on demand on FloGrappling on Jan. 13-14

The UAEJJF World Ranking

The UAEJJF World Ranking is divided by gender, age and belt level. 

Prizes are awarded at the end of the season (season runs May 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017). 

The rankings with the main focus are: 
• UAEJJF World Ranking 2016-17
• UAEJJF World No-Gi Ranking 2016-17
• UAEJJF World Youth Ranking 2016-17

There are also national rankings for Brazil, the U.S., Japan and the U.A.E. 

The rankings are updated after every tournament and can be easily found on the UAEJJF site. 


The podium at World Pro 2016. Photo: UAEJJF 

The Prizes

The cash prizes offered by the UAEJJF at the end of season are substantial, which you can see below. 

Male Adult Black Belt 
1. $25,000
2. $10,000
3. $5,000

Female Adult Black-Brown Belt 
1. $10,000
2. $5,000
3. $3,000

Male Adult Brown Belt 
1. $10,000
2. $5,000
3. $3,000

Male Master 1 Black Belt 
1. $10,000
2. $5,000
3. $3,000

Who's currently winning?

It's easy enough to see who's on top of the rankings just by taking a look at the UAEJJF website. 

Right now, Gabriel Arges (view profile) is the top-ranked male black belt with 840 points. Not surprising, considering he won the LA and Tokyo Grand Slam events, plus a number of smaller UAEJJF tournaments. 

Trailing him in second is Jose Junior (view profile) with 770, and Xande Ribeiro (view profile) is in third with 520.

Nathiely Jesus (view profile) is leading the female black-brown ranking with a solid 660 points, ahead of Talita Alencar (view profile) with 320 and Luiza Monteiro (view profile) with 260. Jesus has also been extremely active, winning in LA, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro.


Gabriel Arges. Photo: William Burkhardt / BJJ Pix

How do competitors accumulate points?

Your finishing position in UAEJJF tournaments earn points, with greater points awarded for more prestigious tournaments. 

Podium places are obviously the most valuable in terms of points, although points are awarded even to those who fight through to eighth or quarterfinals. 

For example, Grand Slam events award 200 points for a gold medal. A National Pro (national competition) offers 100, whereas an International Pro (regular open tournament) offers only 60. 

The World Pro offers the most points of all, with 400 points for a gold medal. 

How to Watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam

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