Unknown Pressures – A Jiu-Jitsu Podcast

Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | As if his alleged crimes and abuse weren’t enough, Melqui Galvao’s attempts to silence his victims and pervert the course of justice have been revealed. Given unauthorized access to a cellphone in jail, he had been contacting victims and employees in an effort to manipulate witness statements, and his son Mica Galvao has been drawn into the situation after he was heard speaking with his father in a leaked audio.
We discuss all the latest updates in this ongoing case, including the fact that one of the victims has named a number of former teammates who she alleges tried to persuade her not to make a report. Shocking.
Also in this episode:
Polaris 37: Team Polaris vs BJJ Stars update
RIP Ulpiano Malachias, gone too soon
Our TMZ moment: The Craig Jones-Kaz Crossley drama
HUGE: RAF Wrestling announce Dillon Danis vs Khamzat Chimaev
The art of promoting combat sports, and how UFC BJJ's formulaic product is it's greatest undoing
Why athletes need to be cautious about which events they compete on
The latest ADCC invites and what we've heard
and more!
Episode 32 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 | This horrific case has affected many, including the victims, the promising athletes left uncertain of their future, and, of course, Melqui's son, Mica Galvao.
As further details of Melqui's case come to light and more victim reports have been filed (taking the total number to 10), we fear that things will only get worse. Expect more cases, more accusations, more shocking details, and more disappointment that things of this nature could ever happen in jiu-jitsu.
The knock-on effect has been sudden and severe. The many lives of Melqui's alleged victims that have been damaged should never be overlooked, but consider the dozens of others also caught up in this case; the young, predominantly poor athletes who will suddenly lose their training, their accommodation, their sponsorships; Melqui's own son Mica Galvao, one of the most talented athletes of his generation who now is being thrust into the spotlight and put under unimaginable pressure from all angles.
In this episode we discuss the recent developments of Melqui's case, including the exodus from his gym BJJ College, the closure and ill-timed and ill-advised rebranding of the gym.
We also consider how this will affect ADCC, which stands to lose two returning champions in Diogo Reis and Mica Galvao, and possibly others from the same team.
Speaking of ADCC, a flurry of invites were sent out this last week, which has suddenly made the event look a lot more enticing.
In the Patreon-only section we cover the recent IBJJF Brazilian Nationals (Brasileiros), which proves that the gi is alive and well, and highlight the amazing performances of grapplers such as Tainan Dalpra and Andy Murasaki. Also, Matt and Hywel share their stories of cross-training judo. Matt's time in Japan saw him train with high-school kids and policemen in a very traditional atmosphere, while Hywel's had him cross paths with catch wrestlers and former Olympians. Judo rules.
Episode 31 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 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 | A bombshell rocked the jiu-jitsu world this week when one of the top coaches in the sport was arrested following serious allegations made by multiple female students. Police in Brazil have Melqui Galvao, father of Mica, in custody while the jiu-jitsu world witnesses another prominent name fall from grace. 
In this episode, we summarize the facts known at this time: that Melqui Galvao has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into crimes that include sexual act involving a minor under 14 years of age, threats and intimidation, and more. We talk about the known facts this time and ask important questions, including:
Will Melqui face justice for these alleged crimes?
How will this affect the careers of Mica Galvao, Diogo Reis and others?
What steps can the jiu-jitsu community take to make sure things like this stop happening?
In the rest of the episode we cover:
The UFC's anti doping program
Mikey vs Arman news
Why top BJJ athletes struggle in MMA
Craig Jones' recent appearance in Playboy and more....
Episode 30 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 | Khamzat Chimaev is one of the scariest, awesomest and entertaining grapplers in MMA, and he's just booked a big-time grappling match. But why isn't he in UFC BJJ? Boggles our minds. We also discuss the recent ADCC North American Trials and highlight how the inconsistently applied rules led to a serious injury for one competitor.
Also in episode 29 of Unknown Pressures:
Meregali's latest setback
Dirty jiu-jitsu gyms
The surprise announcement of a big new event in Brazil
Viking jiu-jitsu
The resurgence of Gianni Grippo
Patreon supporters get early access to extended episodes, which includes:
Sarah Galvao's awesome techniques
An interesting £10,000 prize for jiu-jitsu competitors
How jiu-jitsu competitors are making $20,000/month by teaching jiu-jitsu online
Our horror stories of dropping into unfriendly gyms 
Episode 29 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 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 | Another day, another failed doping test for PEDs. Roosevelt Sousa popped for meldonium, and he's not the first guy from his team to have been sanctioned for doping. Also in this episode, we discuss Rigan Machado's slightly dubious promotion to red belt, the steroid problem in jiu-jitsu and more. Patreon supporters get an extra 30 minutes where Matt and Hywel share their hottest takes and most controversial opinions – no filter!
Episode 28 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 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

Mikey vs who...? UFC BJJ had people thinking it was maybe an April Fool's joke but nope, the main event for UFC BJJ 8 features an unknown challenger for Mikey to beat down, raising many questions about why such a match would take place.
In this episode we discuss a lot, including:
Caio Terra's lack of injury management throughout his career
Joao Miyao's superb Scottish twister
Polaris's expansion into Spain
Whether Nicky Rod will bother to do ADCC 2026
The genius underground event in Australia called Scrap Mats
UFC BJJ 7's best matches
UFC BJJ 8's baffling choice of main event
Patreon supporters also get to hear about:
Jiu-jitsu in Kazakhstan
The most recent season of PFL
Episode 27 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 more! Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures
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 week's episode, we discuss the crazy news that Nicholas Meregali si going head to head with Mica Galvao... but not as we expected. It turns out that Mica has fired off a series of lawsuits against Meregali – why? Listen and find out.
Also in this episode:
- Mikey Musumeci has another crashout, this time on potential opponent Joao Miyao
- Dillon Danis has finally returned to grappling
- The rise of RAF Wrestling
- Buchecha's last chance with the UFC
- WNO Recap
- IBJJF Pans recap
- Patreon Exclusive: PGF discussion
Episode 26 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 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

10 million dollars. Ten. Million. Dollars. What the hell is going on? Is Craig Jones really going all out with what he calls "CJI 2.5"?
That's just one of the topics of conversation in this packed episode, where we talk about:
- Meregali's reluctance to compete in ADCC
- The recent ADCC Trials in Brazil and who qualified for the World Championships
- The recent invites for ADCC 2026
- The bizarre case of Izaak Michell still being listed as in for ADCC 2026 (gross)
- ONE Championship superfights between Kade and Hokage, Dante and Kenta
- Why Rodolfo Vieira is often skipped when discussing the all time greats
AND, Matt reveals that he has been blocked on social media by martial arts icon, deputy sherrif, blue musician and honorary Russian ambassador Steven Seagal!
Episode 25 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
 
0:00 Matt has been blocked by Steven Seagal
5:46 Meregali says hell no to ADCC
16:53 South American ADCC Trials recap
24:55 ADCC 2026 invites favor Polish athletes
31:33 Izaak Michell
34:17 Kade Ruotolo vs Fabricio Andrey, Dante Leon vs Kenta Iwamoto
41:04 CJI 2.5

Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | Sorry if we come across as kind of negative sometimes, but we find it hard not to look at things through a microscope. This week's show we turn our focus onto the recent UFC BJJ, and honestly, it's been hard to find something really good to talk about. I mean, it's kind of OK, right? But there is a lot of work to be done.
Anyway, this episode isn't just us shitting on grappling's latest offering. We also discuss the subtle art of commentary in jiu-jitsu, which is a lot harder than people think. Hywel does commentary for many major events and so would really like your input on this one. Drop your thoughts in the comments, please.
Over on the Patreon extended edition of the episode, we continue the CLA / Eco debate, based off a recent conversation with two high level black belts who have wildly differing opinions on the matter. Sorry if you're getting bored of this, but the debate isn't over yet!
Also, we discuss a topic that is.... unusual. A certain person is saying that people should avoid competing in pro events and focus on IBJJF if they really value their careers. Hywel goes off on this person and shreds the argument to pieces, mostly because this person blocked him on social media years ago lol.
Episode 24 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
Time stamps:
0:00 UFC BJJ was meh
6:20 Ffion Davies vs Cassia Moura, clash of generations
14:33 Mason Fowler keeps getting easy matches?
17:49 Why isn't Meregali promoted more?
18:42 Nicky Rod and his so-so wrestling
24:24 The Miyao-Mikey match feels forced
26:58: Meyram got the only sub of the night
27:23 Final thoughts on UFC BJJ
28:30 Why is a 43-yr-old man fighting for the UFC BJJ title?
31:52 Grapplers need to majorly adjust their games
37:19 Why do people hate the UFC BJJ commentary?

Patreon supporters get full episodes and early access: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | Welcome back fam. If you didn't see it yet, Polaris 36 was a highly entertaining event with plenty of great grappling matches. Matt and Hywel discuss the highs and lows of the show with special focus on what happened behind the scenes during and after the action.
We also talk about the ongoing trend of high-profile MMA fighters going on sidequests by taking grappling matches, the most prominent of which would be UFC lightweight badass Arman Tsarukyan. It's not a particularly new trend, but it has been happening a lot lately and has even more significance given the UFC's power moves in the world of jiu-jitsu but curious strategy of not bringing in crossover athletes.
We opened up the inbox for questions and got some thought-provoking conversation starters, which had us talking about best practices for getting sponsored in jiu-jitsu, and where we see the sport going over the next five years.
Enjoy, and as always, let us know what you think. You support is much appreciated.
Episode 23 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