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Brussels-born. Half-Zimbabwean. Fighting in the UFC at Lightweight. Bolaji Oki built his way from local Belgian gyms through Dana White's Contender Series to the world's biggest MMA stage — and he sat down with Ben to talk all of it. Heritage, identity, the grind, and what it actually costs to compete at this level. 10 wins. UFC veteran. The Zulu Warrior. This is Fill in the Blanc.▶ Subscr...

Florian Bayili on what grappling really is — beyond the mats. Discipline, pressure, and the mindset it builds over time.

Gaetano Pirrello is a trailblazer in the European fighting community, helping shape the culture beyond the ring. In this episode, we sit down with Gaetano to talk about life, discipline, and the mindset shaped by fighting. Support The Pod ! Stay Tuned - Subscribe & Follow On : X, Spotify & Instagram On X : @TheBenBubb On Instagram : @Ben_Bubb On Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/5X7v...

Podcast Introduction : Today’s guest is someone who has quietly but steadily shaped the Belgian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene from the inside out. Daan Bauwens is a black belt coach based in Brussels, known for his technical depth, his sharp coaching eye, and the calm, analytical approach that has helped develop a new generation of competitors. Among his students is Belgian world champion Florian Bayi...

Today’s guest is Ben Kovacs — founder of Guardian BJJ , general manager at FloGrappling , and a genuinely influential figure in the jiu-jitsu media space. He’s someone who’s achieved a huge amount behind the scenes, yet stays incredibly humble and focused on giving back to the sport. We dig into his journey, the creation of Guardian BJJ, his work shaping the storytelling of grappling, and the mind...

Renato Migliaccio In this episode, we’re joined by the remarkable Renato Migliaccio — a name synonymous with discipline, mastery, and the art of transformation. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion, accomplished coach, and mentor to countless athletes, Renato’s journey is one of relentless pursuit and purposeful leadership. Join us as we explore the mindset behind a true martial artist — a convers...

Daniel is a young, Belgium-based European entrepreneur. In this episode, we dive into his journey, his outlook on life, and the lessons he’s picked up along the way.

In episode 33 of Chats with Ben , Chad Keel joins the conversation. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo black belt, Chad is the head coach at Eleven Elevation Jiu-Jitsu Academy. We talk about the realities of life on the mats, the path to black belt, and what it takes to build both athletes and a thriving academy. This is a straight, no-nonsense look at what it means to commit to the art and the people...

Episode 32 – Chats with Ben: A Special Q&A with Gordon Ryan We’re happy to welcome the legendary Gordon Ryan. In this episode, we go deeper than the headlines—exploring the unseen challenges Gordon has faced, the lessons that shaped his path, and the mindset it takes to overcome obstacles at the highest level. This is more than just a conversation about success on the mats—it’s about resilienc...

Step beyond brute strength and into the flow. In this episode, we sit down with Archimedes Carvalho who shares how jiu-jitsu became more than a martial art – a philosophy of movement, discipline, and life itself. From injury to innovation, from drills to mastery, discover how calm, intention, and adaptation can transform both the mat and the everyday. Follow Archimedes on instagram at https://www....

Charlie Vinch is a highly accomplished American grappler and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt known for his technical precision and competitive spirit. With a reputation for relentless training and success on the mats, Charlie has become a respected figure in the global BJJ community, inspiring fighters and fans alike with his dedication and skill.

A Conversation with a Legend – Chats with Ben & Mark “The Hammer” Coleman It was a profound honour for Ben to host Mark Coleman “The Hammer” — the very first UFC Heavyweight Champion and a pioneer of the ground-and-pound era. Mark’s journey from Olympic wrestler to UFC trailblazer is nothing short of extraordinary. In the podcast, Mark reflects on his rise at UFC 10 and UFC 11, his breakthroug...

In this episode, we talk with Fran about the Flemish Martial Arts Platform, an organisation working to make combat sports safer and more accessible. It's a wide-ranging and insightful conversation covering safety, diversity, and the evolving landscape of martial arts. https://vechtsportplatform.be/english/ https://www.instagram.com/franvanderstukken/

Welcome to Episode 2 of Chats with Ben , where we sit down with BJJ black belt Wim Deputter to unpack his revolutionary Quantum Guard! Join us as we explore how this innovative perspective entangles technique and strategy, redefining the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Let’s get started!

Chats with Ben Ep 26 - A Dominus MMA Special ! In this episode, we sit down with Thibault Nollet, founder of Dominus MMA, a non-profit fighting organisation. Discover the passion and purpose behind this unique venture in a compelling, stylish conversation that packs a punch.

Chats with Ben – Episode 25: Yves Dufour & Guido Dutoict Welcome to Episode 25 of Chats with Ben, where we engage in a thoughtful chat with real estate and fine wine experts Guido Dutoict and Yves Dufour. In this episode, we explore the intriguing ways their expertise in property and fine wine intersects with craft and art. From elegant vineyard estates to the craftsmanship of winemaking, Guid...

In Episode 24, Mohammad Esam Ghmera – Shadows to Light: Syria’s Fight for Freedom , Mohammad reflects on what it means to finally speak freely about his homeland. With the Assad regime now fallen, he shares his unfiltered perspectives on Syria’s journey, the struggles for freedom, and the hope for a brighter future, without fear of repercussions for his family.

Today, we’re diving into the world of martial arts, high-octane stunts, and elite coaching with none other than Tjorven Mergaert. He’s a multi-disciplined powerhouse: 🔸 A Brown Belt IIII in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 🔸 A Brown Belt in Judo. 🔸 A Blue Belt II in Shotokan Karate. 🔸 And a sharp-eyed Boxing Coach , with punches as precise as his coaching advice. Not just a martial arts expert, Tjorven is...

In Episode 22 of Chats with Ben , we speak with Mark Ormrod, a decorated Royal Marines Commando, Invictus Games medallist, and motivational speaker. Mark shares his journey from life-changing injuries in Afghanistan to discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and becoming an ambassador for Reorg Charity. His story of resilience, triumph, and giving back offers powerful lessons on overcoming adversity and e...

Welcome to the future of sports protection - Today, we’re diving into Exoligamentz, a game-changing venture born at Ghent University and led by visionary Ashkan Joshghani. Their cutting-edge creation, the XH1 (BETA) sports glove, combines advanced finger reinforcement with revolutionary materials to minimise injuries while maximising performance. Originally designed for grappling, this glove has t...

Mastering the Mat with Wim Deputter: Dive into the inspiring journey of Belgium’s 1st-degree BJJ Black Belt. From his roots in the art’s legendary lineage to his innovative, principle-driven coaching, Wim shares insights from over 20 years of competition and teaching. Don’t miss this exclusive chat with @TheBenBubb On X: Click Here

Braulio Estima - Legend of Jiu-Jitsu: World Champion. Innovator. Mentor. Braulio Estima has revolutionised Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From awe-inspiring submissions to his role as a mentor, his journey reflects an unmatched commitment to the art and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Prepare to witness the mastery of a true icon. This is Braulio Estima. Ben Sits Down with Braulio Estima: "Tonight, I ha...

Podcast - Chats with Ben Episode 18: World Heavyweight Champion Sam Alvey In this episode, Ben welcomes World Heavyweight Champion Sam Alvey. Known for his fierce presence in the ring and ever-present smile, Sam shares his journey through MMA, his thoughts on the sport's evolution, and what it takes to reach—and stay at—the top. Don’t miss these exclusive insights from a true champion! A native of...

Chats with Ben Episode 17: Dominus MMA - Karel Bouchot and Thibault Nollet In this episode, we dive into the world of Dominus MMA, a not-for-profit platform revolutionising the fight scene. Ben sits down with founders Karel Bouchot and Thibault Nollet to discuss their vision, mission, and what’s next for Dominus MMA. Tune in to hear about their journey, the unique purpose behind Dominus MMA, and h...

Koen is a legendary figure in the European fighting scene, having coached BJJ world champions, UFC fighters, and many others.