Tie on points
The last athlete to score wins. If the match is 0–0, the referee decides.
Why it matters: A late score can decide a tied match without overtime.
Rules Guide
UFC BJJ Open rules, explained.
UFC BJJ Opens use an adjusted tournament ruleset designed to encourage action. These are the differences most likely to matter while watching Bailey compete in Las Vegas.
This guide summarizes the UFC BJJ Opens Las Vegas rulebook supplied for the August 2026 event. It is not a substitute for the official rulebook.
Stalling & passivity
The referee can warn, issue a negative point and, in some cases, reset the athletes to standing.
Why it matters: Maintaining activity matters even from dominant positions.
Guard pull
A guard pull must create an engaged guard or immediate offensive connection. An unengaged sit can be penalized.
Why it matters: Dropping to guard without establishing action carries risk.
Youth format
Teen I covers ages 12–13. Youth and juvenile divisions are guaranteed a minimum of two matches.
Why it matters: The bracket structure can differ from a standard single-elimination event.
Scoring
Standard UFC BJJ Open matches use positive points, negative points and submissions from regulation time.
Why it matters: The scoreboard includes both offense and penalties throughout the match.
The biggest one to remember
If the points are tied, the last athlete to score wins.
That makes the order of scoring part of the result, not just the final total. If no points are scored, the referee decides the match.
For this weekend
Why this matters for Bailey
Bailey is competing NoGi on Saturday and Gi on Sunday. The clothing changes, but the UFC BJJ Open tournament framework — including action-focused stalling rules and the last-to-score tiebreak — shapes how both days are understood.
Back to the Las Vegas event →Compare rulesets
Use the comparison guides to see how the UFC BJJ Open changes the match for athletes coming from ADCC or IBJJF.
Source context
UFC describes the Opens as using a slightly adjusted ruleset and point system compared with traditional tournament formats, with an emphasis on offense, engagement and pace.
UFC BJJ Opens announcement →