Run by Chael Sonnen, Submission Underground (SUG for short) is a unique promotion on the grappling competition scene. All the matches take place in an octagonal cage, similar to those known from MMA events, and are contested under the EBI rules with a 5 minutes time limit. SUG is also known for its schedule, holding on events almost every month. The promotion’s main selling point was intrigue matchups between high-level MMA fighters and grappling competitors. Big names of MMA world such as Jon Jones, Dan Henderson, Phil Baroni, Mike Perry, and Satoshi Ishii all have competed inside SUG cage. From the grappling side, world-class competitors like Craig Jones, Mason Fowler, and Roberto Jimenez made the promotion one of their regular destinations.
That being said it comes as no surprise that SUG became one of UFC FightPass most steady programming offers. However, that may change starting next year, as Sonnen and promotion’s official Instagram page hinted that SUG could be moving to a strictly grappling-focused streaming platform, FloGrappling.
A premier, subscription service, FloGrappling is home to some of the best BJJ/Submission grappling competitions, such as Who’s Number One, Fight To Win, IBJJF, and ADCC World Championships. So it’s only logical that SUG would join that elite group of grappling contests broadcast by FloGrappling. Sonnen himself is indicating that turns of events by tweeting the following message:
Be prepared for some positive changes
Keep an open mind;
Let's see how things…
FLO..— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) November 30, 2021
Submission Underground held its firs event in July 2016, and the promotion’s upcoming show, SUG 29, will take place December 12th. It will be headlined by UFC middleweight competitor, Sean Strickland and promotion veteran, Andy Varela.
SUG absence will mean that UFC FightPass will be left with Combat Jiu-Jitsu, Polaris, Fury Pro Grappling, and Quintet as the platform’s offer for ground game enthusiasts.
