Joining us on this episode is UFC BJJ 135lb champion Mikey Musumeci, fresh off his title defence at UFC BJJ 3. Mikey reached out to us to come on the show to discuss his position as the "face" of UFC BJJ, and why he felt some people (maybe even us) were unfairly critical of him being chosen to lead the UFC's expansion into the world of grappling.

Mikey opens up about the criticism he faces from the jiu-jitsu world, discusses his desire to see new stars created in the sport, and even discusses the two hot topics of autism and steroids.

Mikey also shares his insights into the financial landscape of professional grappling, reveals the UFC's plans for PED testing, and teases what's coming up next for UFC BJJ In 2026.

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

Follow Mikey on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mikeymusumeci/

Steroids in BJJ, what you need to do to get sponsored, and whether the gi is dying... We opened up our inbox to questions from listeners and in episode 5 of Unknown Pressures we give our professional opinions on the state of BJJ in 2025.

Episode 5 of @UnknownPressures 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

The UFC recently created a brand new jiu-jitsu event called UFC BJJ. Dana White has promised millions of dollars of investment, and Hywel and Matt discuss the implications for the grappling community.

In episode 4 of Unknown Pressures we talk about the UFC's big plan for jiu-jitsu, the divisive octobowl, the reality show, and the way they chose the faces of their event. We also discuss the potential challenges (and opportunities) for other promotions now a major player has joined the game, how much athletes are getting paid, and the overall impact of UFC BJJ on the sport.

Episode 4 of @UnknownPressures 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, creator of BJJ Hacks, jiu-jitsu / grappling commentator and analyst and formerly of FloGrappling.

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