BJJ & MMA Podcast
Breaking the Guard
A no-nonsense Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA talk show with black belts David Avellan and Robert Drysdale — breaking down the fight game, the mental side of competition, and what it really takes to win. New episodes every week.
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Latest episodes
All episodes →BTG 196 - McGregor finally coming back to MMA?
June 22, 2026 · 10:27
Conor McGregor has teased fans for years about his return, but it seems this time it's finally happening on July 11th against none other than Max Holloway. He has waited too long, or can he revive his career and have a glorious return? Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he is posting new articles daily, new courses being posted frequently, covering techniques, news, fitness, breakdowns, and much more. You can join as a guest for free to see what the site has to offer. Follow me on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/DavidAvellan Follow me on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/DavidAvellan Follow me on X: https://X.com/DavidAvellan Tag us on Social Media with #BreakingTheGuard
BTG 195 - UFC Freedom 250
June 15, 2026 · 34:33
UFC Freedom 250 went off without problems, as no weather issues, bugs, or heat set back this event with a 100% finish rate. I'll review the whole fight card, what I liked about it, what I didn't like, and the implications of the title fights. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he is posting new articles daily, new courses being posted frequently, covering techniques, news, fitness, breakdowns, and much more. You can join as a guest for free to see what the site has to offer. Follow me on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/DavidAvellan Follow me on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/DavidAvellan Follow me on X: https://X.com/DavidAvellan Tag us on Social Media with #BreakingTheGuard
BTG 194 - Off Day
June 8, 2026 · 18:15
I think it's safe to say that everyone has "off" days, where you underperform in a very noticeable way. Sometimes these off days are hard on you, especially for top performers gearing up for another event - a bad day can feel like a disaster. I'll talk about how I handle these and would council others to. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he is posting new articles daily, new courses being posted frequently, covering techniques, news, fitness, breakdowns, and much more. You can join as a guest for free to see what the site has to offer. Follow me on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/DavidAvellan Follow me on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/DavidAvellan Follow me on X: https://X.com/DavidAvellan Tag us on Social Media with #BreakingTheGuard
BTG 193 - UFC BJJ Opens
June 1, 2026 · 27:22
The UFC BJJ moves into the amateur tournament circuit, butting heads with IBJJF and ADCC. They have signaled one thing in the ruleset that can be a GAMECHANGER for grappling, and if pulled off, can kill off one of the things that drags down the sport. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he is posting new articles daily, new courses being posted frequently, covering techniques, news, fitness, breakdowns, and much more. You can join as a guest for free to see what the site has to offer. Follow me on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/DavidAvellan Follow me on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/DavidAvellan Follow me on X: https://X.com/DavidAvellan Tag us on Social Media with #BreakingTheGuard
Your hosts
David Avellan — creator of the Kimura Trap System and 2009 ADCC bronze medalist — and Robert Drysdale — 2005 IBJJF World Champion, 2007 ADCC Absolute Champion, and co-founder of Zenith BJJ. Two black belts with deep backgrounds as competitors, coaches, and school owners.
More about the show →Want to train with David? Find his instructionals and articles at DavidMMA.com.