AJ Agazarm

Transition from Wrestling and MMA to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

AJ Agazarm began his martial arts journey rooted deeply in wrestling, a foundation he cultivated throughout his school years. Initially competing in amateur MMA bouts, he soon shifted his focus entirely to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, rapidly establishing himself as a formidable competitor. Despite his grappling success, Agazarm consistently expressed intentions to eventually return to MMA competition.

Bellator MMA Career and Injury Setback

In November 2018, Agazarm signed with Bellator MMA, making his professional MMA debut at Bellator 214 on January 26, 2019. Facing Jesse Roberts in a 160lbs catchweight bout, he showcased the elite grappling skills honed through years of high-level competition. Between 2019 and 2020, Agazarm competed five times under the Bellator banner, compiling a record of 3-2. His MMA career faced a significant setback at Bellator 243, where he sustained a severe knee injury during a decision loss. Shortly thereafter, Bellator released him from his contract. Despite this adversity, Agazarm publicly maintains his desire to compete in MMA again, potentially with another promotion.

Return to Grappling and Notable Controversies

Following his MMA tenure, Agazarm returned to competitive grappling, participating in prestigious events such as Polaris and the UFC Fight Pass Invitational. At UFC Fight Pass Invitational 5 in December 2023, he became involved in a heated backstage altercation with ADCC champion Yuri Simões. Video footage captured the two athletes exchanging intense words and nearly coming to blows before being separated by coaches, including Caio Terra.

Additionally, in late 2023, Agazarm publicly accused FloGrappling's Who's Number One (WNO) event of match-fixing, alleging a predetermined outcome in a high-profile match between Gordon Ryan and Patrick Gaudio. Both competitors strongly denied these claims, and the grappling community criticized Agazarm's allegations, which eventually faded due to lack of evidence.

Social Media Persona and Public Feuds

Agazarm is widely recognized for his provocative social media presence, frequently engaging in outspoken commentary and online feuds. He notably clashed online with former teammates, including the Diaz brothers, with whom he previously trained. In 2023, Agazarm sparked controversy by publicly commenting on Gordon Ryan's health issues, suggesting they were self-inflicted due to steroid use. Despite significant backlash, Agazarm maintained his stance, reinforcing his polarizing reputation. His willingness to embrace a "bad boy" persona—often employing humor and memes, even at his own expense—ensures he remains relevant and frequently discussed within the grappling community.

Nomadic Training Philosophy and Team Affiliations

Throughout his career, Agazarm has adopted a nomadic approach to training, never fully aligning with a single team for an extended period. Initially training at Gracie Barra Clearwater in Florida under Eduardo de Lima, he credits this period for instilling strong fundamental skills. Later, he spent significant time at the Nick Diaz Academy in Stockton, California, even cornering Nate Diaz during a UFC fight. More recently, Agazarm splits his training between Gracie Barra HQ and Checkmat gyms in Southern California, depending on sparring partner availability. He frequently emphasizes his independent identity, humorously referring to himself as representing "Team Agazarm."

Entertainment Ventures and Personal Branding

Beyond grappling and MMA, Agazarm actively pursues entertainment opportunities to elevate his personal brand. In 2017, he appeared on the MTV reality show "The Challenge: Champs vs. Pros," showcasing his athleticism and outspoken personality. Additionally, he attended a WWE tryout, hinting at potential future involvement in professional wrestling. Agazarm strategically cultivates his "bad boy" persona, balancing entertainment pursuits with serious competitive achievements, including his IBJJF No-Gi World Championship and ADCC silver medal. His frequent reminder to critics—"I talk, but I back it up"—underscores his commitment to remaining relevant both competitively and culturally.

Competition Style and Grappling Approach

AJ Agazarm is recognized for his aggressive, wrestling-influenced grappling style, characterized by relentless pressure and a high-paced, submission-oriented approach. His matches often feature psychological warfare and trash talk, tactics designed to unsettle opponents and entertain audiences. Reflecting his wrestling roots, Agazarm emphasizes positional dominance, dynamic scrambles, and aggressive engagement from start to finish, making him a compelling and challenging competitor on the mats.