Best Submission Grappling Podcasts (2025)

1
Donte Johnson on Contract-Securing KO at DWCS, Jon Anik on UFC Paris & Canelo-Crawford 54:11

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2d ago54:11

54:11

Jim and Matt return from the Labor Day break with recent Dana White’s Contender Series standout Donte Johnson and the great Jon Anik for today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered. Fresh off a short-notice first-round knockout that secured his UFC contract, Johnson reflects on his rapid rise. Noticeably slimmer than the 297-pound collegiate defensive linema…

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431 - Hybrid Training 3: Mixing Ultramarathon and Strength Training with James Pieratt 53:41

4d ago53:41

53:41

James Pieratt from Wild Hunt Conditioning joins us to share what he learned on an expedition in which he ran 802 miles through nearly the entire state of California. James is unique in the ultrarunning community because he also lifts heavy weights and trains in BJJ. We looked at the mindset and philosophy required for ultrarunning, the emotional jo…

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Sean Brady, Benoît Saint Denis, guest co-host Din Thomas 57:03

9d ago57:03

57:03

On today’s UFC Unfiltered, the one and only Din Thomas fills in for Matt Serra for an episode with Jim Norton that invites welterweight contender Sean Brady and French lightweight Benoît Saint Denis on as guests. Frustrated by two fight dates falling through, Brady outlines two specific opponents he’s ready to fight on a minute’s notice — preferabl…

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Brad Tavares, Charles Johnson & UFC Shanghai reactions 57:14

11d ago57:14

57:14

On today’s UFC Unfiltered, Matt Serra and Jim Norton welcome middleweight veteran Brad Tavares and flyweight contender Charles Johnson. Two weeks out from UFC Paris, Tavares explains how he’s keeping his 37-year-old body primed to break his tie with Michael Bisping for the most middleweight wins in UFC history. Fresh off a $50K bonus knockout in Sh…

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Anthony Hernandez & Caio Borralho talk middleweight pecking order 53:49

16d ago53:49

53:49

Matt Serra and Jim Norton welcome top middleweight contenders Anthony Hernandez and Caio Borralho to discuss the 185-pound title picture after Khamzat Chimaev’s win. Hernandez recaps his submission victory over Roman Dolidze, previews his recently announced UFC Vancouver bout vs. Reinier de Ridder, and shares a laugh with Matt about their mutual ap…

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UFC 319 debrief, taking victory laps w/ Drakkar Klose & Loopy Godinez 48:03

18d ago48:03

48:03

Matt and Jim unpack the action of UFC 319 on an episode of UFC Unfiltered that invites two victorious fighters from the card in Drakkar Klose and Loopy Godinez. Joining first is Klose, and the lightweight calls in to discuss the keys to his unanimous decision win over a tricky veteran like Edson Barboza. Drakkar touches on the memory of his decease…

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430 - Hybrid Training 2: The Science of Strength, Power and Endurance with Chris Duffin 1:02:26

18d ago1:02:26

1:02:26

Record-setting powerlifter and freak athlete Chris Duffin discusses the intricacies of hybrid training, focusing on the balance between strength and endurance. He shares his unique qualifications, including his experience with elite athletes and his world record feats. Chris breaks down the relative importance of skill, and the mechanical, neurolog…

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Guest co-host Forrest Griffin talks UFC 319 w/ Geoff Neal & Chase Hooper 54:53

23d ago54:53

54:53

There is no replacing Matt Serra. But when the champ can’t make the show, it’s never a bad idea to get another champ to fill in — and that’s exactly what today’s Unfiltered episode delivers with Forrest Griffin talking UFC 319 w/ guest callers Geoff Neal and Chase Hooper. First up, 11th-ranked welterweight Geoff Neal reflects on his inspiring journ…

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Dricus Du Plessis talks Chimaev matchup, Elijah Smith discusses viral slam KO, UFC 319 picks! 1:00:35

25d ago1:00:35

1:00:35

On today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered, we break down the massive Paramount + TKO deal — a jaw-dropping 7-year, $7.7 BILLION U.S. rights agreement starting in 2026. First, Jim and Matt catch up with middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis — gearing up for his fourth straight title fight and third defense. Dricus weighs in on Saturday’s epic UFC 319 t…

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Andre Fili, Roman Dolidze, UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Hernandez picks 52:11

1M ago52:11

52:11

With a fight card to look forward to, Jim and Matt invite a pair of all-action veterans on to the show in Andre Fili and Roman Dolidze. A longtime friend of the show, Andre Fili returns to UFC Unfiltered for the first time as a father in one of his most thoughtful interviews yet. He talks about the life changes since welcoming his son Valor, how fa…

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Austin Bashi talks first UFC win, Jimmy Drago on overcoming obstacles ahead of DWCS shot 53:26

1M ago53:26

53:26

Today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered delivers a powerful mix of rising talent and personal triumph as Jim and Matt welcome UFC featherweight prospect Austin Bashi and DWCS hopeful Jimmy Drago. First up is Bashi, fresh off his first UFC victory — a slick first-round submission over John Yannis. He reflects on bouncing back from his debut loss, chasing …

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429 - Hybrid Training 1: Peaking for Power, Endurance, and Mental Strength with Mike McCastle 1:02:05

1M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Mike McCastle smashed David Goggins' pullup record by doing 5,804 pull-ups in 24 hours while wearing a 30-pound backpack... and pulled an F-150 pickup truck 22 miles through Death Valley... and flipped a 250 lb tire for 13 miles... and climbed a rope for the equivalent distance of Mount Everest... and has trained MMA fighters, alpinists, and extrem…

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Neil Magny & Elizeu Zaleski discuss welterweight crossroads bout w/ guest co-host RJ Clifford 41:37

1M ago41:37

41:37

RJ Clifford jumps in as a guest co-host for one of those rare UFC Unfiltered episodes where we talk to a pair of fighters days away from fighting each other. Neil Magny drops in to reflect on his 35th UFC bout and what it means to fight another seasoned vet. Then later, Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos makes his Unfiltered debut with the help of a transla…

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Matt-stradamus strikes again w/ PERFECT Abu Dhabi picks! Davey Grant & Andrew Tackett join the show 52:06

1M ago52:06

52:06

Jim and Matt kick off the show recapping Saturday’s UFC card in Abu Dhabi, where “Matt-stradamus” Serra stays red hot with another perfect night of picks. They react to Reinier de Ridder’s razor-close win over Robert Whittaker, Petr Yan’s bounce-back performance, and Steven Nguyen’s record-setting knockdown spree before welcoming back Davey Grant t…

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Mateusz Gamrot, Jared Cannonier, Abu Dhabi fight picks! 1:00:04

1M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

It’s a loaded Wednesday on UFC Unfiltered as Jim and Matt welcome two top-10 UFC contenders and gear up for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card in Abu Dhabi! First, 7th-ranked lightweight Mateusz Gamrot joins the show just two months after his dominant win over Ludovit Klein. The American Top Team standout reflects on teammate Dustin Poirier’s recent r…

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428 - Tom Callos, A Black Belt and Gentleman 1:15:32

1M ago1:15:32

1:15:32

Martial arts pioneer Tom Callos came onto The Strenuous Life Podcast to discuss the California martial arts scene in the wake of Bruce Lee, the importance of taking your training out of the dojo and into the world, how your students can become your school's most effective advertising, being BJ Penn's first BJJ instructor, and his thoughts about BJ'…

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Coach Mike Brown on Poirier’s farewell, Alan Jouban puts a bow on UFC 318 w/ Jim & Matt 58:26

2M ago58:26

58:26

An event as wholesome as Dustin Poirier’s farewell fight deserves a show just as impactful — so Jim and Matt bring in two people who know “The Diamond” better than most to help unpack all the emotion and action of UFC 318. First, American Top Team head coach Mike Brown shares what it was like cornering Dustin for the final time, reflecting on their…

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Michael Johnson, Jimmy Crute, UFC 318 picks 45:52

2M ago45:52

45:52

Jim and Matt are back on UFC Unfiltered with veteran guests Michael Johnson and Jimmy Crute ahead of UFC 318. Michael discusses his resurgence at 39, including a new mindset, stem cell treatments in Cancun, and how he’s embracing the gatekeeper role while aiming for one last title push. Matt, fresh off his own stem cell therapy, is especially curio…

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NBA player Pete Nance, Tuco Tokkos, UFC Nashville recap 57:06

2M ago57:06

57:06

On today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered, Jim and Matt are joined by NBA forward Pete Nance and UK-born light heavyweight Tuco Tokkos. Maximizing his Summer League experience in Las Vegas, Nance calls in from the UFC P.I. to discuss his family’s NBA lineage and how attending a UFC event in Newark accelerated his growing fascination with the sport. Betw…

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Chris Curtis, Steve Garcia, UFC Nashville picks 44:13

2M ago44:13

44:13

On today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered, Jim Norton and Matt Serra welcome back veteran middleweight-turned-welterweight Chris “Action Man” Curtis for his sixth appearance on the show. Energized by no longer having to concede size disadvantages to larger opponents like Roman Kopylov, the 37-year-old Curtis explains why now was the right time to return…

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427 - Overcoming Doubt and Anxiety in Competition, with Sports Psychologist Haley Perlis 53:39

2M ago53:39

53:39

Today let's learn from sports psychologist Dr. Haley Perlis, who delves into the competition mindset, developing mental toughness, managing stress, avoiding burnout, the psychology of extreme sports, and how your core values shape your life and sport. Find out more about Dr Perlis at https://drhaleyperlus.com/ And to get a glimpse into the mental a…

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Ep. #900: Alexandre Pantoja discusses title reign, Chepe Mariscal talks 8-fight win streak & Vegas move 56:02

2M ago56:02

56:02

Jim and Matt celebrate 900 episodes of UFC Unfiltered with flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja and surging featherweight Chepe Mariscal. Having perfectly predicted Pantoja’s third-round rear-naked choke, Matt heaps praise on the champ — who reflects on his growth at American Top Team as the guys discuss what Joshua Van brings to the table as his n…

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RJ Clifford on Topuria’s stardom, Paddy Pimblett talks title stakes w/ guest co-host Ben “The Bane” Davis 57:37

2M ago57:37

57:37

Matt Serra and guest co-host Ben “The Bane” Davis hold it down on today’s UFC Unfiltered, starting with MMA media veteran RJ Clifford. The guys bring RJ on to unpack Ilia Topuria’s three-fight run to superstardom before analyzing what it might take for someone to beat the promotion’s newest two-division champion. Clifford also dishes on Pantoja’s d…

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Matt Serra & Kevin Iole recap UFC 317 w/ big winners Jose Miguel Delgado & Jacobe Smith 1:08:54

2M ago1:08:54

1:08:54

UFC 317 delivered in a big way with highlight-reel finishes, breakout performances, and a star-making moment for Ilia Topuria — and guest co-host Kevin Iole is on the mic with Matt Serra (while Jim Norton is out) to break it all down. The episode kicks off with featherweight knockout artist Jose Miguel Delgado, fresh off a 26-second finish of Hyder…

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Beneil Dariush, Terrance McKinney, UFC 317 picks 1:00:35

2M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

Jim and Matt gear up for UFC 317 with a pair of lightweight contenders from Saturday’s card joining the show. First, Beneil Dariush returns for his 12th Unfiltered appearance to reflect on his 18-month layoff and the road back after a tough 2023. He opens up about how fatherhood and a reset in training helped center him, and why the Moicano matchup…

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426 - What Needs to Change to Do Jiu-Jitsu after Age 35 56:22

2M ago56:22

56:22

Today I'm joined by wrestler, jiu-jitsuka, and author Chris Jessulat (https://www.thewrongsideof35.com/) to discuss the best practices for staying relevant on the mats as you enter your fourth decade and beyond... 00:00 Training as an Older Grappler 02:48 The Transition from Competitive to Recreational Training 05:46 Physical Changes and Changing t…

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Ciryl Gane talks acting & fighting future after Jones’ retirement, Nazim Sadykhov on Baku homecoming 54:40

2M ago54:40

54:40

On today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered, Jim Norton and Matt Serra are joined by this past Saturday’s biggest winner in Nazim Sadykhov and heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane in the wake of Jon Jones’ retirement. Fresh off his acting debut in the new Netflix film K.O., Gane reflects on the surreal experience of being a movie star — and how choreographed …

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Mohammed Usman, Melissa Mullins, UFC Azerbaijan picks 52:28

3M ago52:28

52:28

Jim and Matt start today's show two hours earlier than usual to accomodate two exciting guests fighting on this Saturday's UFC Azerbaijan card: heavyweight Mohammed Usman and women's bantamweight Melissa Mullins. Looking to bookend a second straight win from an Usman brother following Kamaru's victorious main event in Atlanta, younger brother Moham…

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Unpacking Usman’s bounceback win at UFC Atlanta, Rose Namajunas & Pat Barry join the show 57:44

3M ago57:44

57:44

Jim Norton and Matt Serra open today’s UFC Unfiltered with a full breakdown of UFC Atlanta, starting with Kamaru Usman’s bounce-back win over Joaquin Buckley and what it means for the future of a stacked welterweight division. Plus, Jim and Matt debate Rodolfo Bellato’s controversial no contest against Paul Craig and whether the backlash heading hi…

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Joaquin Buckley, Paul Craig, guest co-host Phoenix Carnevale 58:59

3M ago58:59

58:59

Longtime friend of the show Phoenix Carnevale reprises her esteemed guest co-host duties in Matt Serra’s absence, joining Jim Norton for an episode that features two fighters from this Saturday’s UFC Atlanta card: welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley and light heavyweight veteran Paul Craig. The show opens with Jim and Phoenix reacting to UFC 316…

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Recapping UFC 316 w/ Bas Rutten, Kayla Harrison's victory lap, guest co-host Din Thomas 1:07:17

3M ago1:07:17

1:07:17

Jim Norton and guest co-host Din Thomas are joined by MMA legend Bas Rutten for a lively recap of UFC 316. Din gives props to Bas for his unique insight into both the streetfighting mindset and high-level martial arts, setting the stage for Bas to break down what stood out most on the card — including how Joshua Van reminds him of a young Max Hollo…

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425 - Optimal BJJ Competition Mindset, with Rob Biernacki 1:00:29

3M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Rob Biernacki has some very impressive competition victories, including black belt masters gold at both No Gi Worlds and ADCC. In this podcast episode he reveals... Why people sometimes just don't perform up to their potential and how to fix it, How to reframe tournament nerves, The optimal state of arousal for competition, Building and executing o…

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S3E6 52:42

3M ago52:42

52:42

🎙️ Kings of Kimuras – Season 3, Episode 6 Hosted by Tony Trammell and Dom Ramos In this episode, Tony and Dom delve into the dynamic worlds of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). They share their insights on recent competitions, discuss the evolving landscape of these sports, and explore various training methodologies. Whether y…

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Joshua Van, Khaos Williams, UFC 316 picks 50:29

3M ago50:29

50:29

With UFC 316 just days away, Matt and Jim welcome two fighters making their second appearances on Unfiltered: rising flyweight Joshua Van and heavy-hitting welterweight Khaos Williams. Kicking things off, Matt finally gets to meet 23-year-old prospect Joshua Van after missing his debut episode — and wastes no time bonding over Bruce Lee movies befo…

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Merab & Din Thomas crash Matt’s 51st bday episode, Ramiz Brahimaj talks 1st-RD submission win 1:01:30

3M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

It’s Matt Serra’s 51st birthday — and what better way to celebrate than with a few surprise guests? Matt correctly guesses Din Thomas as part one of his birthday surprise — but it’s the unexpected call from bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili that really makes his day. Merab joins ahead of his highly anticipated rematch against Sean O’Malley at…

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424 - Writing the Ultimate BJJ Book, with Meerkatsu and Graham Barlow 50:53

3M ago50:53

50:53

It started as an April Fool's joke and then morphed into a BEAST of a book complete with 967 illustrations called "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the Ultimate Illustrated Guidebook". In episode 424 I chat with renowned BJJ black belt, illustrator and designer Seymour Yang (better known as Meerkatsu) and his partner in crime Graham Barlow (the creator of the …

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Erin Blanchfield, Zachary Reese, UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Barber picks 45:11

3M ago45:11

45:11

After taking Monday off in observance of Memorial Day, Jim and Matt dive right into Wednesday’s episode of UFC Unfiltered with two returning guests: 4th-ranked flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield and middleweight finisher Zachary Reese. Erin reflects on bouncing back from her first UFC loss to Manon Fiorot, shares how she’s grown more comfortable …

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Rolling into UFC Fight Pass Invitational 11 w/ Ffion Davies & William Tackett 1:00:42

4M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

It’s a jiu-jitsu kind of show today! Matt and his jiu-jitsu buddy Jimmy welcome a pair of elite grapplers for their first-ever appearances on UFC Unfiltered in Ffion Davies and William Tackett. Set to headline next Thursday’s UFC Fight Pass Invitational 11, Ffion shares her journey into submission grappling and what it means to ink an exclusive dea…

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Jared Gordon’s big win, Julianna Peña talks doubters, Matt vs. YouTuber? 47:11

4M ago47:11

47:11

On today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered, Jim Norton and Matt Serra are joined by two familiar friends of the show: lightweight Jared Gordon and women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Peña. Fresh off a decisive first-round stoppage win, Jared breaks down the finish and reflects on how his recovery journey has strengthened his mindset inside the cage. A…

1
Yadier Del Valle, Julian Erosa, unpacking UFC 317 announcement 57:18

4M ago57:18

57:18

Jim and Matt are joined by two fighters slated for action at this Saturday’s UFC APEX card. They kick off the show reacting to the just-announced, stacked UFC 317 lineup. Next, Cuban featherweight Yadier Del Valle drops in to share how watching old UFC VHS tapes in Cuba inspired his martial arts journey. He talks about earning his UFC shot on Dana …

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Aiemann Zahabi, Reinier de Ridder, UFC 315 recap w/ guest co-host Ben “The Bane” Davis 46:19

4M ago46:19

46:19

With UFC 315 in the books, Jim Norton is joined by by guest co-host Ben “The Bane” Davis for an episode of UFC Unfiltered that invites Aiemann Zahabi and Reinier de Ridder on as guest callers. Up first is Zahabi — who calls in just days removed from his impressive unanimous decision win over legend Jose Aldo in Montreal. Aiemann shares how the last…

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Navajo Stirling, Jasmine Jasudavicius, UFC 315 picks 51:50

4M ago51:50

51:50

Jim Norton and Matt Serra get you ready for UFC with a pair of fighters from this Saturday’s card joining the show. First up is undefeated light heavyweight prospect Navajo Stirling, making his UFC Unfiltered debut. Stirling shares how his journey from warehouse work to the UFC took shape, and what it’s been like sharpening his game at City Kickbox…