Roberto Jimenez and Others Announced for Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds

A young grappling phenom will be trying his hand (pun intended) at combat jiu-jitsu. Eddie Bravo, the founder and creator of combat jiu-jitsu, announced that 20-year old Roberto Jimenez will join Nathan Orchard, CJJ lightweight champion Tye Ruotolo, and CJJ welterweight champion Kody Steele at the Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds welterweight tournament on June 6.

For those unfamiliar with combat jiu-jitsu, it is essentially “jits with hits.” Grapplers are not permitted to strike on the feet, but once the match hits the ground, competitors can use open-hand strikes. Finishes typically come by way of submission, but TKO stoppages are available.

With the addition of Jimenez to a field that includes two CJJ champions, this will be a stacked event. Jimenez is one of grappling’s brightest new stars, and his all-offense, all-aggression approach should lend itself well to combat jiu-jitsu.

Ruotolo captured the lightweight belt in November 2020, defeating Orchard in the finals. Still just 17-years old, Ruotolo and his twin brother Kade are grappling prodigies representing Team Atos. Like Jimenez, Ruotolo’s hyper-aggressive style fits well with the fast-paced grappling of combat jiu-jitsu.

As the reigning CJJ welterweight champion, Kody Steele might be the odds-on favorite going into the event. Steele captured the belt in August 2019, also defeating Orchard in the finals. Since then, Steele has earned impressive jiu-jitsu wins over Edwin Najmi, Jonnatas Gracie, and other high-level competitors.

The Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds welterweight tournament will take place on June 6 and will air on UFC Fightpass.

Ben Coate

Ben has been involved with grappling, whether through wrestling or Brazilian jiu-jitsu, essentially his entire life. After wrestling throughout his childhood, Ben found Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a young adult and quickly fell in love. He has been training for over ten years and currently holds the rank of brown belt, and remains involved in both the MMA and BJJ scene. Ben has been writing about combat sports since 2017. He has interviewed and profiled some of MMA's biggest stars, including multiple UFC champions.

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