In Episode 9 of The Grapple Worlds Podcast, Black Belt Martina Zola joins us ahead of her Grapple Worlds debut and 65kg Title Match against Melissa Hill at GW3.

For Martina, the invitation came as both a surprise and an honour.

She had already been watching Grapple Worlds from afar, including seeing Aino Kartela take the win at GW2, so being invited to step onto the same stage herself was something special.

And then she discovered there was a 65kg title on the line.

We talk about the opportunity, preparing to face Melissa Hill and what it means to be trusted with a title match on her first appearance at Grapple Worlds.

Martina also shares an interesting perspective on the growing visibility of events like Grapple Worlds.

For competitors, seeing high-level grappling consistently appearing across social media isn't just entertainment, it's helping athletes discover events, follow what's happening in the sport and find new opportunities to compete.

Now Martina goes from watching Grapple Worlds to becoming part of it.

Martina Zola. Melissa Hill.

65kg Title Match.

One belt waiting at GW3. 🔥

Get to know Martina before she makes her Grapple Worlds debut at Stadium MK.

FOLLOW MARTINA

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GRAPPLE WORLDS 3

Saturday 7 November 2026

Stadium MK

Get your tickets at grappleworlds.com and follow Grapple Worlds for match announcements and event updates.

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THE GRAPPLE WORLDS PODCAST is a UK BJJ and grappling podcast hosted and produced by Lou Temlett of JIU JITSU LOU

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