BJJ Star Ffion Davies Signs Exclusive UFC Deal

While Ffion Davies is competing at both Polaris 32 and UFC FPI 11, MMAmania.com has confirmed that the BJJ star has signed an exclusive deal with UFC.

Mikey Musumeci recently became the first exclusively signed UFC grappler, with the promotion notably having goals to sign more Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) stars, and “take over” the entire sport. Dana White went on to announce that they’ll “go big” and invest $10-12 million in jiu-jitsu this year, and we’re now seeing more details on the UFC’s grappling expansion plans.

Those plans will involve Ffion Davies, a seven-time world champion across IBJJF and ADCC, and arguably the top pound-for-pound female grappler today.

Ffion Davies set for both UFC FPI 11 and Polaris 32

While Ffion Davies sustained a shoulder injury that pushed her out of what would’ve been the first ever female headliner for UFC Fight Pass Invitational (UFC FPI), the BJJ star already has two events lined up.

As announced by both promotions, the 30-year-old will be competing in both Polaris 32 and UFC FPI 11.

Details are still sparse for UFC FPI 11, but matchmakers have already confirmed that they will feature Davies, along with Mikey Musumeci, Mason Fowler, Raquel Canuto and William Tackett on the card.

Neither the FPI 11 date nor Davies’ opponent have been revealed, but it would make sense to just rebook that cancelled main event against ADCC double champ Adele Fornarino. After all, it was a bit of a coup for the UFC to beat other BJJ promotions to that, and it’s still arguably the best possible match up to make in the sport today.

As for Polaris 32 on June 28, 2025, Davies will be joining Polaris Squads, the promotion’s highly entertaining team grappling format. She will be the captain of the European squad, and will face team North America, led by teenage BJJ phenom Helena Crevar.

Ffion Davies signs exclusive UFC deal

While booked for these two promotions that both air on UFC Fight Pass, Polaris has noted that it would be the “final time” Ffion Davies steps on to their mats to compete.

The reason behind this, as MMA Mania confirmed with sources close to the situation, is Davies has signed an exclusive deal with the UFC.

The 2022 ADCC world champion will be competing in FPI events moving forward, joining Mikey Musumeci as they grow their pool of exclusive UFC grapplers.

Davies most recently competed at the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) event, choosing to forgo a defense of her ADCC title to fight for better pay and opportunities for women in jiu-jitsu. Due in part to CJI and Davies raising issues and poaching stars, ADCC eventually increased athlete pay and matched women’s purses with the men’s in 2024.

Davies faced Mackenzie Dern at CJI, where she absolutely dominated the UFC star and former BJJ world champion. She is currently unbeaten in her last 16 matches.

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