Abu Dhabi: The world’s best jiu-jitsu fighters are to battle it out in the first leg of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam on September 3 and 4 at the L.A Convention Center in Los Angeles, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) announced on Monday.

The Grand Slam — which is in its second year — will be held in five international host cities: Los Angeles, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Abu Dhabi and London between September and March.

This year’s competition is open to all nationalities, with medallists listed in the jiu-jitsu world rankings and cash prizes awarded to top athletes of each division.

“Los Angeles is a city that holds the sport of jiu-jitsu in very high regard and has some of the best players train and live over there. This is a highly competitive sport and we attract the best of the best jiu-jitsu players from across the globe,” Abdul Munam Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said.

“Last year, spectators witnessed some thrilling entertainment and this year we are aspiring to exceed our own expectations and take the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam to the next level, starting from the beautiful city of Los Angeles. I wish all players the best of luck.”

The first leg of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam will offer over $100,000 (Dh367,314) in cash prizes and Black Belt Adult winners will receive a complimentary flight ticket to the Grand Slam event in Abu Dhabi in January 2017.

Medals will be awarded for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in each division. Prize money awarded will range from $500 to $2,000 in several categories, including juvenile, adult and masters, from blue, purple, brown and black categories for both men and women.

The first-place winner in the respective weight categories of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam will receive 200 points, with 160 and 120 on offer for those finishing second and third respectively.

Confirmed competitors for the Los Angeles event include black-belt champions Erberth Santos, Ricardo Evangelista, Tiago Bravo, Andre Campos, Paulo Miyao, Faisal Al Ketbi, Igor Silva, Mackenzie Dern and Marcio Andre.

Dern, a Brazilian world champion, said: “I am so excited and cannot wait for the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam to kick off in Los Angeles. I competed at the Abu Dhabi World Pro Championship in Abu Dhabi in April and it was one of my best experiences as an athlete.

“They treated us in the best way possible and everything was absolutely top notch.”

UAEJJF rules will strictly apply during the competition, with a special rules briefing workshop being conducted for coaches and players a day before the event.

The event is open to all nationalities and belts.

Visit www.uaejjf.com to register.