Unknown Pressures – A Jiu-Jitsu Podcast

Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | Matt's back from training in Finland so we have a bumper episode for you. The biggest news is that we got a good look into the inner workings of UFC BJJ and now have a lot more insight about which athletes they're trying to sign, how many are on exclusive agreements and – perhaps most importantly – how they plan to go global before the end of 2026.
Also in this episode:
- ADCC finally kicks out Izaak Michell, replaces him with a Trials runner-up
- Shoyoroll's controversial new campaign that had people big mad
- A recap of notable results including Helena Crevar, Jay Rod's comeback, and Quintet
- How Renato Canuto's sanction exposes a grey area for UFC BJJ
- AIGA's promise of big money for a new wave of hungry pro competitors
- Gordon Ryan finally realises that Russians are good at grappling
Scroll to the bottom of this post for timestamps for this episode.
 
Episode 42 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 
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Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | The Polish leg locker extraordinaire Mateusz Szczecinski showed why he's one of the most dangerous submission specialists in the game at the Polaris Welterweight Grand Prix, submitting two out of three opponents and taking the $30k cash prize.
As Matt was super stressed and Hywel was too busy enjoying the show, we didn't do an episode in person but there was a lot to talk about after the show, including:
How Mateusz firmly established himself as a leading competitor to watch at the upcoming ADCC in Poland
Tommy Langaker's nerve-racking weight cut that almost saw him pull out of the event
Some funny backstage stories, including broken-down cars, smelly rashguards and upcoming superfights
Also in this episode:
We're two months out from ADCC and the training camps are underway
Two big names pull out of ADCC, but why?
AIGA announce their return, with big money prizes available
IBJJF increase the cash grab
Episode 41 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 Polaris welterweight Grand Prix was excellent
2:31 Polaris GP recap of results
5:53 Mateusz's excellent techniques and strategy
11:41 Tommy nearly didn't make weight
14:39 Behind the scenes stories from Polaris
23:27 Sarah Galvao keeps getting better
24:54 Matt's thoughts on Polaris
26:42 ADCC season is here, camps have begun
29:18 Adele pulls out of ADCC but why?
35:00 Craig wants us to go to Mexico
36:16 AIGA are back with big money
39:24 Quintet returns, sign judo / MMA legend
41:42 The IBJJF cash grab

We've heard some pretty wild stuff over the years, but never has one of the very best coaches in the game been accused of taking shortcuts by using artificial intelligence to create a champion.
That's exactly what Kron Gracie said about John Danaher in an unexpected rant that led to a flamewar with Gordon Ryan. It's so preposterous that it's hard to believe we ended up talking about it in this episode, but hey, this is jiu-jitsu after all, you never know what to expect.
Plus in this episode:
The upcoming Polaris Welterweight Grand Prix
A recap of ACB, Russia's biggest pro grappling event
Top grapplers you need to know from the Caucasus region
Another jiu-jitsu coach arrested for horrific crimes
The good and bad of jiu-jitsu (there's more good than bad)
Episode 40 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 | Big news in the jiu-jitsu world this week: every athlete who will compete at ADCC 2026 has now been confirmed, and all of a sudden the tournament has become a lot more interesting and exciting. PLUS Craig Jones announced the coolest looking jiu-jitsu gym we've seen in a long time.
In this episode:
The full list of every competitor for ADCC 2026 shocked us (in both a good and bad way)
Craig Jones is back with a brand new B-Team gym
King Charles visits Roger Gracie HQ
The gringos take over in Brazil
Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more!
Episode 39 of Unknown Pressures is out now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else.
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're back after a short break and there is so much to talk about: the return of Mica Galvao, the recent ADCC Asia & Oceania Trials, and a satisfying update about the criminal activities of a disgraced jiu-jitsu coach in Brazil.
In this episode: 
- Mica Galvao returns to action
- Disturbing new details in the Melqui Galvao case
- Jiu-jitsu coach and serial abuser sentenced to 178 years
- Renzo Gracie academy turns 30
- Getting starstruck by Anthony Bourdain 
- Recap of ADCC Trials in Australia 
- The upcoming Polaris Grand Prix 
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 | Last weekend, Team Polaris had to battle a rival Brazilian squad while dealing with stomach upsets and worse courtesy of Conor McGregor's pub, the Black Forge.
It's a miracle only one team member, poor Polish submission hunter Mateusz Szczecinski, withdrew from the event. That didn't stop the mostly-European team from running away with the win after a series of performances that became even more impressive when you consider their predicament. It added an extra layer of intrigue to Polaris's first event on Irish soil, which was warmly welcomed by the local grappling community.
In Episode 37 of Unknown Pressures we discuss:
Polaris Squads: Team Polaris vs Team BJJ Stars
Why Hywel doesn't speak with Mackenzie Dern any more
UFC BJJ: Title Defences, Job Opportunities and more Opens
Horrific incident at the ADCC Open in Atlanta and more!
Episode 37 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 | Whatever your thoughts about the IBJJF, and people often have strong opinions one way or the other, there’s no arguing that the annual World Championships is the premier event when it comes to the gi. You’ll see the absolute best athletes in action, and there were plenty of incredible performances at the 2026 Worlds. 
And while we saw some truly virtuoso performances from the likes of Tainan Dalpra, Gabi Pessanha and others, the event was marred by a number of notable moments. Namely, dubious disqualifications, questionable judges’ decisions, a couple of fake matches in the finals. 
Episode 36 of @UnknownPressures is out now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else.
Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and a weekly deep-dive newsletter!
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/
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Timestamps
0:00 IBJJF Worlds marks 30 years of history
3:03 Tainan Dalpra continues dominance
7:47 Pato sets record and retires
9:22 It’s stupid to try and criticize Art of Jiu-Jitsu
14:11 Gabi Pessanha, the lady GOAT
15:23 Gigantic Seif Eddine Houmine crushes the competition
18:27 Notable medalists from Worlds
19:38 Double guard pulls and dodgy DQs
29:07 The controversial fake matches
35:09 Did you know IBJJF has prize money?
36:35 The non-Brazilian brown belts winning gold
39:18 Brazilian bias is a problem for Worlds
42:42 Brown belts Nata Tenca and Livia Barasine

We asked how long it would be before more people became implicated in the Melqui Galvao case. Well, a bombshell just dropped when it was revealed that his brother Enoque, also a serving police officer, has been arrested on similar charges. One good thing from this case is that Melqui has ben put under a preventative prison order, meaning he will stay in jail while the investigation is underway. 
The details around Melqui's case have not been widely covered in the English-speaking world, which is why we continue to cover it as best we can. We have to give credit to the efforts of Brazilian media such as BJJ Cria, BJJ Bros and MMA Hoje, along with a number of independent creators, in staying on top of this case so that it doesn't get forgotten. 
The Andre Galvao case from earlier this year has resurfaced following allegations from a second female student, who said that even though the San Diego police and attorney's office declined to investigate, she too suffered from harassment at the hands of the disgraced coach. The statement came just days before the IBJJF World Championships, where Galvao is expected to be seen coaching his team. 
It's important to not that while equally concerning, the cases of Melqui Galvao and Andre Galvao (no relation) are very different. The Atos Jiu-Jitsu Instagram account issued a statement via lawyers Rosing Pott and Strobehn (English) and Hueso e Andrade (Portuguese) that the San Diego Police Department referred the investigation to the San Diego Attorney’s Office to review for potential misdemeanour violations. On April 9, 2026 the City Attorney’s office advised they would not proceed with charges against Galvao. 
This is not to say that the allegations were baseless. Many former Atos team members left or have openly spoken out, such as Josh Hinger, saying that something did happen. 
Atos HQ used the statement to announce something called the “Atos safe mat program”. Which they described as “one of the most comprehensive ethics, safety, and protection programs ever structured within the sport”. However, eagle-eyed jiu-jitsu fans may have noticed a similarity with the statement put out by Fight Sports in 2021 when the team was embroiled in it's own crisis involvement sexual crimes. 
UFC BJJ 8 recently took place, and while there were some notable matches and cool submissions, a lot of the chatter was fixated on the less-than-stellar commentary and the fact Mikey Musumeci competed with a staph infection that sent him to hospital immediately after the match. 
This led us to reminisce on one of the most curious moments in jiu-jitsu history: the horrific outbreak of something called epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), a super virulent form of pink eye that tore through ADCC 2019, afflicting people such as Craig Jones, Mason Fowler, and even Mo Jassim. 
In the rest of the episode we cover topics such as: 
The UFC's plans to run Open tournaments much like ADCC and IBJJF
The projected return to competition of Mica Galvao 
Recent ADCC invites and updates 
Tommy Langaker's shocking confession and recovery from drug addiction 
And much more... 
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
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Timestamps: 
0:00 Melqui case update: brother arrested for rape 
4:31 Another claim of harassment against Andre Galvao
19:36 UFC BJJ 8 recap 
22:48 UFC BJJ commentary is not great 
25:17 Is UFC BJJ botting views? 
26:36 Mikey’s biological warfare, competed with staph 
29:43 2019 ADCC super pinkeye outbreak 
35:04 ADCC competitors vs matside tables 
38:46 Enhanced Games & doping in jiu-jitsu 
41:11 UFC BJJ announces new Open tournaments 

Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | There's no way we could go to Leglock camp without talking to Mateusz Szczecinski and Kamil Wilk. The Polish black belts are right on the cutting edge of leglock meta, and their camps have helped raise the level of leglock technique around the world.
Hywel and Matt chat with Mateusz and Kamil to find out about the humble beginnings of Leglock camp way back in 2019 in Poland. From their global expansion to discussing how leglock styles differ around the world, the guys share their stories of training in Australia, Japan and elsewhere.
Plus, they're coming to the USA soon! Maybe somebody could fulfill their greatest wish and hook them up with the long lost Eddie Cummings.
Episode 34 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/
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Follow Mateusz: https://www.instagram.com/mateusz_szczecinski/ 
Follow Kamil: https://www.instagram.com/wilku_bjj/ 
Follow Leglock Camp: https://www.instagram.com/leglockcamp/ 

Mica has finally broken his silence regarding the ongoing criminal case against his father Melqui Galvao by detailing the years of physical, psychological and emotional abuse he says he suffered.
In episode 33 of Unknown Pressures we continue to cover the ongoing Melqui Galvao case, including updates from people associated with Melqui and his team, namely Amit Elor (Olympic champion and mother of Mica's child), and 2-time ADCC champion Diogo Reis. 
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583  
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