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

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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/episode/6fcrNeMh8HQEodMYRFwL4d?si=1leKeD_fTKuTEyx0uDA9AA

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

In this episode of Unknown Pressures we discuss the recent Polaris Squads event. Matt talks about the evolution of Polaris over the past decade, and the many challenges faced in organizing an international grappling event, and how Polaris created a sustainable business model while other events came and went.

We also talk about the future plans for Polaris, including expansion in 2026 and the creation of a feeder league that will help develop talent to compete on the pro show.

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.

Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures