Ian Butler gives some insight into his work as the founder of Silverback Wrestling Club.

Bellator MMA veteran Ian Butler reveals that he almost pursued Jiu-Jitsu as a full-time career before becoming a professional MMA fighter.

Ian Butler discusses his time training at Victory MMA under legends like Dean Lister, Jocko Willink, Jeff Glover, and Chris Leben.

Bellator veteran Ian Butler shared his approach to his professional MMA career and his transition to competing in professional Jiu-Jitsu.

Ian Butler is a former professional MMA fighter and an active professional Jiu-Jitsu competitor. Ian has fought for multiple regional MMA promotions and had a lengthy career fighting at Bellator, before retiring from the sport in 2020. He has since thrown himself into a career in grappling and has stepped on the mats for many of the world’s biggest promotions like Polaris and Who’s Number One.

Jits Magazine spoke to Ian about his upcoming match with Victor Silverio at Who’s Number One 26, and his experiences competing for several major promotions. We discussed the earliest days of his MMA career as well, including his time living and training with Dean Lister. He also explained his decision to retire from the sport and the work he does as the founder of Silverback Wrestling Club.

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0:00 Why Ian transitioned from wrestling to MMA
2:44 The start of Ian’s love for Jiu-Jitsu
3:47 Meeting and living with Dean Lister
8:20 Training with legends
10:57 Teaching at Silverback wrestling club
12:47 Life after fighting
16:07 Why Ian retired from MMA
17:59 Returning to Jiu-Jitsu
20:33 Ian’s favorite grappling event
24:41 Who’s Number One 26
26:24 Future opponents
29:17 Thanks & signing off

Keith Krikorian shares his thoughts about competing against the next generation of Jiu-Jitsu competitors.

Keith Krikorian shares his thoughts on how Jiu-Jitsu can make you a better person.

Keith Krikorian discusses his upcoming rematch with Diego ‘Pato’ Oliveira in the main event of Who’s Number One 26.

Keith Krikorian gets brutally honest about the idea of leaving legacy behind in Jiu-Jitsu.

Keith Krikorian is one of the most successful 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu competitors in the world. He’s a Combat Jiu-Jitsu world champion and an ADCC Trials winner, along with several silver and bronze medals from Trials. He has appeared at ADCC three times and counting, and is currently preparing for a rematch with Diego ‘Pato’ Oliveira at Who’s Number One 26 with the lightweight title on the line.

Jits Magazine spoke to Keith about his upcoming rematch with Oliveira, including both his mental and technical preparation for it. We also discussed his phenomenal success at ADCC Trials and how he manages to keep training fun. Keith also shared some unique insights into some of the more philosophical aspects of being a combat sports competitor, like the idea of owing something to Jiu-Jitsu and leaving a legacy behind.

Subscribe to the channel for more interviews with elite BJJ competitors and coaches.

For the latest news in the sport, find us at:

Home

Or click here to learn from the best grapplers in the world:
https://bjjfanatics.com/?rfsn=8011898.d84b92

0:00 How Keith discovered Jiu-Jitsu
1:08 Does Keith still do striking or MMA?
2:23 Keith’s success at ADCC Trials
4:48 Developing & using leglocks
7:35 Facing Diego ‘Pato’ Oliveira at WNO 26
11:12 Facing bigger opponents
13:40 How to keep Jiu-Jitsu fun
16:00 Competing as an older grappler
18:35 Why does Keith compete?
21:45 Seeing what is in front of you, not who
25:51 Other matches & ADCC Trials 2025
30:18 ADCC European Trials
31:45 What Keith owes to Jiu-Jitsu
34:56 Leaving a legacy, or not
39:54 Staying grounded
42:43 Thanks & Signing off

Finishers founder Zach Maslany shares his advice for aspiring combat sports promoters.

10th Planet black belt and founder of Finishers, Zach Maslany, talks about the success of the grappling promotion and some of the big names that have competed on it in the past.

10th Planet Bethlehem and Finishers MMA head coach Zach Maslany shares insight into how he operates as a BJJ coach, and some of his experiences in the role.

Zach Maslany breaks down the Craig Jones Invitational final match between Kade Ruotolo and Levi Jones-Leary from his perspective as one of the judges.