Unknown Pressures – A Jiu-Jitsu Podcast

Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | What’s wrong with UFC BJJ? A LOT. At the risk of going full “they’re turning the frogs gay” tinfoil-hat-wearing cuckoo, there are too many signs to ignore that something – something – is not right. From dodgy decisions to a Brazilian mafia and an inability to keep their champions, something is going on and can’t be ignored. 
Of course we’re joking. There’s no conspiracy, but there are way too many things that leave room for doubt, and they need to be addressed if UFC BJJ wants to be taken seriously. If UFC BJJ truly wants to be the leading grappling organization in the world, they’ve got a lot of work to do. 
That’s a big focus in this week’s episode, which we managed to record despite Matt being in South Korea for Leglock Camp with the Polish knee-wrecking crew. Next week he’s off to Japan to continue their mission of bringing high level lower-body submissions to the masses. What a life. 
In this week’s episode: 
The return of the world’s most exciting grappler to Polaris 
UFC BJJ’s judging needs an overhaul 
Why can’t UFC BJJ fill a tiny arena? 
UFC BJJ champs don’t stick around for some reason 
PLUS: Old school coaching persists, and it sucks
Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more!
Unknown Pressures is a jiu-jitsu podcast brought to you by two long-time industry insiders: Matt Benyon, the co-founder of Scramble and Polaris, and Hywel Teague, jiu-jitsu / grappling commentator and analyst.
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a
Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures
Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon
Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague 

Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures |
If we asked you to write a list of companies looking to sponsor grapplers, there is little chance you would have thought of who just signed a major deal with jiu-jitsu / MMA crossover stars the Ruotolo brothers.
The happy-go-lucky surf-skate-fight loving twins just landed a sponsorship from a major, major MAJOR corporate company: we're talking a blue-chip, globally-known, decades-old megacorp. If it's not the biggest sponsorship deal we've ever seen, we'd be very surprised indeed.
Also in this episode:
Polaris 39 recap, results and behind the scenes
Sportsmanship is not dead!
IBJJF No-Gi Pans: the return of Andre Galvao
Why are people turning down big money paydays?
Smoothcomp announces Gymdesk partnership and new apps (sponsored section)
Ruotolo bros score MASSIVE mind-blowing sponsorship deal
Jiu-jitsu designer collabs with a world-famous rock band
Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more!
Unknown Pressures is a jiu-jitsu podcast brought to you by two long-time industry insiders: Matt Benyon, the co-founder of Scramble and Polaris, and Hywel Teague, jiu-jitsu / grappling commentator and analyst.
Please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify Podcasts. 
Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures/ 
Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon
Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague 

Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | We are not squeamish here at Unknown Pressures, we’ve had our fair share of serious injuries (and even dealt a few out, but that’s another story). The recent arm break at UFC BJJ left us saddened, not just for the injury itself, but for what happened after. 
A 16-year-old making his UFC BJJ debut had his arm snapped in a nasty kimura, and the resulting clip of his injury went viral with over 5million views on the UFC BJJ page alone. It raises questions about sportsmanship in jiu-jitsu – or, more correctly, the lack of. We tackle this issue and much more in today’s episode. 
In Episode 50 of Unknown Pressures: 
Matt calls in from a mansion just hours ahead of Polaris 39
UFC BJJ recap: We analyze Mikey vs Bryce Mitchell and Mason Fowler vs Nicky Rod 
The arm break and what’s wrong with jiu-jitsu right now 
Why titles don’t guarantee you a shot on professional events 
Whipping people at promotions: harmless ritual or outdated tradition? 
Episode 50 of Unknown Pressures is out now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else.
Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more!
Unknown Pressures is a jiu-jitsu podcast brought to you by two long-time industry insiders: Matt Benyon, the co-founder of Scramble and Polaris, and Hywel Teague, jiu-jitsu / grappling commentator and analyst.
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a
Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures/
Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon
Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague
 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UnknownPressures | Usually things would quieten down after a major event like ADCC – a few weeks of rest and reflection before things gear up again for the next wave of events. That hasn't been the case this time around, with breaking news stories about PEDs, felony arrests and controversies. It's not all bad though – we also found out that one of the biggest names in the game will return to action very soon, we got to see the continued incursion of top Russian athletes into the upper echelons of jiu-jitsu, and we discuss some of the best and most exciting superfights to take place on European soil. In this episode:
The return of Mica Galvao to high-level competition
Rider Zuchi pops for PEDs (shock)
AJ Agazarm kicked out of Gracie Barra and arrested for serious alleged crime
Polaris preview: Eoghan O'Flanagan vs Tommy Langaker!
UFC BJJ keeps leaving us unfulfilled
In the Patreon exclusive episode:
Russian grapplers obliterate Brazilians at AIGA
Hywel's story of meeting Khabib's cousin
The current problem with pro grappling
Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more!
Unknown Pressures is a jiu-jitsu podcast brought to you by two long-time industry insiders: Matt Benyon, the co-founder of Scramble and Polaris, and Hywel Teague, jiu-jitsu / grappling commentator and analyst.
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583  
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a  
Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures 
Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon 
Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague 
 

Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | Hello dear listeners, and welcome to our monster ADCC recap episode. Hywel was in Poland, Matt was watching from home, and in this week’s show we break down the biggest moments, the standout grapplers and yes, talk about the altercation that saw a division favourite ejected from the tournament. 
In short, this year’s ADCC more than lived up to the hype. If there were any doubts that this ADCC would somehow lack in quality, excitement or anything else compared to previous editions, theyn were laid to rest the moment the opening ceremony started. The Tauron Arena in Krakow looked incredible, the organizers went all out on production and hosted an event comparable to anything we’ve seen in the last few years. 
This year’s ADCC saw first time champions crowned in every men’s division and two of the three women’s divisions, living up to our prediction that we would see a generational shift. 
Records were set and history was made: 
Felipe Pena won the absolute division and became the only person in ADCC history to have won it twice. He was absolute champ in 2017 and decided last second to enter the openweight after taking 4th place in the +99kg division, making him a three-time ADCC gold medalist. 
Kennedy Maciel followed in his father's footsteps to become -66kg champion, the only time a father and son have both won ADCC gold medals.
20-year-old Helena Crevar became the youngest female champion after she won the +65kg division (with a 100% submission rate, no less) 
We saw an all-European final when Pawel Jaworski and Marlon Tajik faced off for 88kg gold. That’s never happened before. 
Joslyn Medina competed and placed 3rd in the women’s -65kg division at only 14 years of age. 
There is a lot to unpack from this year’s ADCC, so let’s jump into it. Timestamps are below. 
___
Episode 48 of Unknown Pressures is out now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else. 
Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more! 
Unknown Pressures is a jiu-jitsu podcast brought to you by two long-time industry insiders: Matt Benyon, the co-founder of Scramble and Polaris, and Hywel Teague, jiu-jitsu / grappling commentator and analyst. 
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583 
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a 
Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures 
Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon 
Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague 
 

Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | We are days away from the 2026 ADCC World Championships, so Matt and Hywel predict who they think are the grapplers with the strongest chance of winning each division. We broke down every single division, highlighting the favourites, the front runners and the dark horses. Exciting! 
Also in this episode:
Failed doping test: Tayane Porfirio makes history for the wrong reasons
Repercussions of the neck break incident
UFC BJJ moves to Fight Pass, and fans are pissed
Felipe Pena vs Meregali: not the match we were hoping for 
Pavel boosts ADCC chances with submission win vs Lovato Jr. 
and full breakdown and predictions for every ADCC division! 
Scroll to the bottom of this post for timestamps for this episode.
Episode 47 of Unknown Pressures is out now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else. 
Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more! 
Unknown Pressures is a jiu-jitsu podcast brought to you by two long-time industry insiders: Matt Benyon, the co-founder of Scramble and Polaris, and Hywel Teague, jiu-jitsu / grappling commentator and analyst. 
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a    Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures
Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon  
Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague 

Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | In this episode of Unknown Pressures we discuss the tragic and horrifying case of a black belt who was paralysed as the result of an illegal move in a tournament, the war of words between Andrew Tackett and Mateusz Szczecinski, and the recent changes to the ADCC 2026 line-up that could signal the true start of the war of grappling promotions.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for timestamps for this episode.
Episode 46 of Unknown Pressures is out now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else.
Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more!
Unknown Pressures is a jiu-jitsu podcast brought to you by two long-time industry insiders: Matt Benyon, the co-founder of Scramble and Polaris, and Hywel Teague, jiu-jitsu / grappling commentator and analyst.
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583  
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a  
Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures 
Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon 
Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague 
 
Timestamps
0:00 Black belt breaks neck in Brazil
19:26 UFC BJJ 10: Good matches, meh event
29:17 Tackett vs Szczecinski's war of words
31:52 A quick Paddy Pimblett story
33:09 Can Tackett vs Szczecinski ever happen?
43:46 The political sponsor of UFC BJJ

Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | Nicholas Meregali is one of the greatest grapplers in the world, but his social media game leaves a lot to be desired.
When he's not posting selfies, he's talking trash to his opponents and taunting them ahead of their matches. Case in point: his upcoming bout with Felipe Pena. Meregali pulled off a strange stunt that left many people shocked and confused by announcing only 10 days out from the match that he was withdrawing for personal reasons, only to recant his statement less than 24 hours later and reveal it was all a prank.
Genius promotion for a match that was otherwise getting little traction outside of the Portuguese-speaking community, or ill-advised stunt that probably had the promoters in a twist? We discuss this and more in this week's episode of Unknown Pressures.
Also in this episode:
Jiu-jitsu has a TRT problem, and it's worse than you think
Can a professional grappler completely ignore posting to social media?
UFC BJJ's Open tournaments are shaping up very differently to how we expected
Q&A time! We opened our inboxes and respond to your questions...
Scroll to the bottom of this post for timestamps for this episode.
Episode 45 of Unknown Pressures is out now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else.
Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more!
Unknown Pressures is a jiu-jitsu podcast brought to you by two long-time industry insiders: Matt Benyon, the co-founder of Scramble and Polaris, and Hywel Teague, jiu-jitsu / grappling commentator and analyst.
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583  
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a  
Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures 
Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon 
Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague 
 
Timestamps
0:00 Nicholas Meregali tried to rug pull the jiu-jitsu world
11:06 Let’s be honest here, TRT is a PED
24:39 How NOT to do social media as a pro athlete
33:48 UFC BJJ Opens: a success with the kids
41:25 Q&A: Sakuraba vs Aoki, who has the better legacy?

Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | For all their best efforts, UFC BJJ hasn't exactly exploded onto the scene and taken over the grappling world quite as quickly or as effectively as they maybe hoped. And two recent news items illustrate that perfectly.
First Andrew Tackett is struggling with a problem that highlights what is maybe UFC's issue. The divisions aren't that deep and people are signing the contracts, which means their champions can't get decent matches.
On the other hand, UFC BJJ is staring at a problem entirely of their own making. Arranging for Mikey Musumeci to produce saucy content with an influencer is maybe the worst marketing decisions made by the UFC BJJ to date. C'mon guys, seriously?
Also in this episode:
Matt regales us of tales from inside Los Banditos
Level Black is the new Tapout
An active UFC fighter signs up for Masters Worlds
Dillon Danis vs Arman Tsarukyan!
Patreon exclusive: Teen girl claim major achievement in jiu-jitsu
Patreon exclusive: Who's coaching the coaches?
Episode 44 of Unknown Pressures is out now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else. 
Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more!
Unknown Pressures is a jiu-jitsu podcast brought to you by two long-time industry insiders: Matt Benyon, the co-founder of Scramble and Polaris, and Hywel Teague, jiu-jitsu / grappling commentator and analyst.
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583  
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a  
Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures 
Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon 
Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague 
 

Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | Jiu-jitsu drama never ends, right? Just when things go quiet, somebody says or does something and it all kicks off again.
The big news of late was that Adele Fornarino finally revealed her reasons for withdrawing from ADCC. The Australian, who did double gold at ADCC in 2024 winning both her weight division and the absolute, gave us the real reasons behind her decision not to compete. She voiced her multiple grievances, which are not without merit, and laid out her plans for the future instead.
Also in this episode:
- ADCC camps inside info: who's training where, and how
- A criticism and defence of IBJJF rules
- IBJJF cash prizes explained (yes, they exist)
- Polaris lightweight title: what happens next?
- and more on Patreon
 
Episode 43 of Unknown Pressures is out now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else.
Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more!
Unknown Pressures is a jiu-jitsu podcast brought to you by two long-time industry insiders: Matt Benyon, the co-founder of Scramble and Polaris, and Hywel Teague, jiu-jitsu / grappling commentator and analyst.
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583  
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a  
Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures/ 
Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon 
Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague