This episode of Fighting Matters closes out the year with a no-holds-barred look at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2025. The hosts break down the biggest wins, deepest disappointments, and most important moments that shaped the sport—on and off the mats. From cultural flashpoints to genuine bright spots, this is BJJ’s year in review, warts and all.

🔗 Links Mentioned:
• Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktr.ee/fightingmatters
• Fighting Matters Substack — https://fightingmatters.substack.com

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👥 Featuring:
Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodels
Mike Mahaffey — @oldbastardbjj
Jesse Walker — @roughhandsbjj

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🧠 Topics Discussed:
• The biggest controversies in BJJ in 2025
• Sexual misconduct and accountability in the sport
• Extremism, grifters, and bad actors in Jiu-Jitsu
• Disappointments and missed opportunities
• The year’s most positive moments and standout contributors

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📖 Chapters:
00:00 — Intro & framing BJJ’s year in review
02:45 — The worst of BJJ in 2025
18:40 — Accountability, abuse, and culture problems
41:10 — Transition to the best of 2025
46:30 — Positive standouts and hopeful trends
58:40 — Final thoughts and looking ahead to 2026

In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, hosts Steve Kwan, Mike Mahaffey, and Jesse Walker confront the relentless bullying and scapegoating of transgender athletes, especially within combat sports. They unpack how bad-faith arguments, misinformation, and moral panic have turned a tiny minority into a political and cultural punching bag, and discuss what gym owners, coaches, and training partners can do to create safer, more inclusive spaces.

🔗 Links Mentioned:
• Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktree.com/fightingmatters
• BJJ Mental Models (Steve Kwan) — https://bjjmentalmodels.com
• Old Bastard BJJ (Mike Mahaffey) — https://instagram.com/oldbastardbjj
• Rough Hands BJJ (Jesse Walker) — https://roughhandsbjj.com

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👥 Featuring (Hosts):
• Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodels
• Mike Mahaffey — @oldbastardbjj
• Jesse Walker — @roughhandsbjj

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🧠 Topics Discussed:
• How trans athletes became a political and cultural scapegoat
• Bullying vs. good-faith discussion around sports and fairness
• Why hate movements target small, vulnerable groups
• Misogyny, fear, and propaganda in combat sports culture
• What gym owners can do to make their spaces safer and inclusive

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📖 Chapters:
00:00 — Why trans athletes are being targeted
03:30 — Scapegoating and bad-faith arguments
07:45 — Why this problem must be addressed by gym culture
13:10 — Sports, fairness, and fabricated moral panics
21:00 — Propaganda, fear, and political exploitation
42:30 — What coaches and gyms can do differently
54:10 — Final thoughts on dignity, accountability, and inclusion