“If you can’t see it, you can’t be it” – and Ffion Davies is making sure the next generation of female grapplers can see everything.

The Welsh powerhouse is not just dominating mats around the world – she’s completely changing what it means to be a woman in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With her recent UFC Fight Pass contract and plans to open her own gym in London, Davies is proving that breaking records is just the beginning.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Historic Achievements: Ffion Davies is the first British/Welsh black belt to win both gi and no-gi IBJJF World Championships
  • UFC Partnership: Recently signed an exclusive two-year contract with UFC Fight Pass Invitational
  • Teaching Mission: Opening Arma BJJ gym in London’s Clapham area to train the next generation
  • Representation Matters: Actively fighting for better women’s representation and equal pay in grappling
  • Breaking Barriers: First European to win the Brazilian National Championship

From Judo Mat to World Champion

Davies didn’t start her martial arts journey with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Like many grapplers, she came from a judo background before falling in love with the ground game. But once she found her calling, there was no stopping her rise to the top.

What makes Davies special isn’t just her technique – it’s her attitude. She’s never been afraid to speak her mind about issues facing women in the sport. Whether it’s calling out events that don’t include female divisions or fighting for equal pay, Davies uses her platform to create change.

Record-Breaking Achievements

The numbers speak for themselves. Davies has collected titles like they’re going out of style:

  • 4x IBJJF No-Gi World Champion
  • 2x IBJJF World Champion
  • 1x ADCC Champion
  • 2x IBJJF European Champion
  • First European to win Brazilian Nationals

But Davies always emphasizes that the sport itself matters more than the medals. “Teaching is my biggest passion alongside Jiujitsu,” she recently posted when announcing her new gym venture.

Breaking Into the Big Leagues

This year brought major news for Davies when she signed an exclusive contract with UFC Fight Pass Invitational. The two-year deal puts her alongside other elite grapplers in the sport’s most prestigious events.

Her UFC debut came in May 2025 at Fight Pass Invitational 11, where she faced Adele Fornarino in a highly anticipated rematch. The partnership shows how seriously the UFC is taking submission grappling – and how valuable Davies is to the sport’s growth.

Building the Future at Arma BJJ

Davies isn’t content with just competing at the highest level. She’s investing in the future of the sport by becoming head coach at Arma BJJ, a new gym opening in Clapham, London.

The facility isn’t just another BJJ gym – it’s being designed as a complete high-performance space combining Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training with recovery services and even coworking space. It’s the kind of modern approach that shows how the sport is evolving.

“Teaching is my biggest passion alongside Jiujitsu,” Davies explained when announcing her role. The gym represents her commitment to developing the next generation of grapplers, especially women who might not see themselves represented in the sport.

Fighting for Equality

Davies has never shied away from difficult conversations about women’s place in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She’s been vocal about events that exclude female divisions and has called out the grappling community when it fails to provide equal opportunities.

When Craig Jones’s Craig Jones Invitational initially didn’t include women’s divisions, Davies was among the athletes pushing for change. “I have no desire to beg people,” she said, making it clear that women’s divisions should be standard, not an afterthought.

Her stance isn’t just about her own career – it’s about making sure future female grapplers don’t face the same barriers. As she puts it, representation matters because “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.”

The Welsh Connection

Don’t forget where Davies comes from – she proudly represents Wales on the international stage. In a sport dominated by Brazilian and American athletes, her success shows that world-class grapplers can come from anywhere.

Her Welsh heritage isn’t just a fun fact – it’s part of what drives her. The same toughness that’s helped Wales punch above its weight in rugby shows up every time Davies steps on the mat.

What’s Next for the Welsh Warrior

With her UFC contract secured and gym opening on the horizon, Davies is positioned to expand her influence even further. She’s already mentioned interest in coaching and developing talent, which could mean we’ll see more Welsh grapplers making waves internationally.

The bigger picture is clear: Davies is using her success to create opportunities for others. Whether it’s through her coaching at Arma BJJ, her advocacy for women’s representation, or simply being visible as a successful female athlete, she’s building the foundation for the next generation.

Why This Matters for BJJ

Davies represents something bigger than individual success. She’s proof that women can compete at the highest levels, demand equal treatment, and build businesses in the grappling world. Her approach shows that being outspoken about important issues doesn’t hurt your career – it can enhance it.

For young female grapplers looking at the sport, Davies provides something crucial: a role model who looks like them and fights for them. That’s the real meaning behind “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.”

As the sport continues to grow globally, athletes like Davies are ensuring that growth includes everyone. Her combination of elite-level performance and advocacy for change makes her exactly the kind of champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu needs.

The future of women’s BJJ is bright, and Ffion Davies is holding the torch.

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