Vagner Rocha recently shared some kind words for the IBJJF, congratulating them on paying every athlete who competed show money when other major events like ADCC do not do the same. It’s becoming an increasingly common topic of conversation as the amount of money to be made in the sport has risen dramatically over the last few years, but not every promotion treats their competitors as well as the others. ADCC announced just recently that they were increasing their prize money for the first time in years, but they still have not included any money paid to athletes who do not reach the top four.
In stark contrast the IBJJF No Gi Absolute Grand Prix 2026 paid every single competitor and even paid out five times what ADCC has to any of it’s champions prior to this year; with the winner taking home $50,000. In fact, that amount of money covers the payouts made to all the winners of all 5 regular men’s weight classes at ADCC 2024. With that kind of money on the line, it’s no surprise that some of the best athletes in the world entered the tournament. Even though the prize money is smaller, many of those same athletes will train for years on end in an attempt to reach ADCC.
When Rocha decided to congratulate the IBJJF on their efforts, he also made reference to ADCC without describing it by name. Referring to it only as the “most prestigious event in grappling”, it was clear from context who Rocha was talking about:
“Shoutout to IBJJF for putting real money behind their athletes on a Thursday night grand prix. It’s interesting that a smaller bracket can offer show money and $50K while the “most prestigious” event in grappling happens every two years and expects athletes to compete for free… Prestige is cool. Valuing athletes is cooler.”
Vagner Rocha released his full statement on the IBJJF Grand Prix and made reference to ADCC in a recent post to his official Instagram account:
