Rochdale teenager Gabriel Cullen wins gold at world’s top grappling event

Tuesday, 19 August 2025 17:29

By David Murphy

Rising MMA star finishes every match in under a minute to take title at ADCC Dublin

Rochdale's own Gabriel Cullen has stunned the international martial arts scene by taking home gold at the ADCC Submission Fighting Championships in Dublin, Ireland, widely regarded as the most prestigious event in submission grappling.

Competing in the Male Youth A Welterweight division (under 77.1kg), Gabriel dominated the mat, winning all five of his matches by submission, none lasting longer than 60 seconds. The tournament, often referred to as the ‘Olympics of no-gi jiu-jitsu’, attracts elite-level competitors from around the globe, making Gabriel’s performance even more remarkable.

While Gabriel’s primary focus is Mixed Martial Arts, his grappling skills were on full display in Dublin, where he overwhelmed opponents with speed and technical precision.

His father and coach, Derrick Cullen, said: “To win gold at ADCC is massive, it’s the biggest submission grappling stage in the world. Gabriel didn’t just win, he dominated, finishing every fight by submission. We couldn’t be prouder.”

The ADCC, or Abu Dhabi Combat Club, is known for setting a global benchmark in no-gi grappling. For young athletes like Gabriel, success on this stage is considered a significant milestone, one that could signal the beginning of a major international career.

Gabriel's latest title adds to an already growing list of achievements and further cements his reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting prospects in combat sports.