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Grapple Worlds Podcast

GW3 - EP7: MELISSA HILL

Season 3, Ep. 7
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For years, Melissa Hill has admired Martina Zola. At Grapple Worlds 3, she gets to face her for the first time.


In Episode 7 of The Grapple Worlds Podcast, Black Belt Melissa Hill joins us ahead of her Grapple Worlds debut at Stadium MK on Saturday 7 November 2026.


Melissa is returning to the competition circuit after navigating significant health challenges with Topical Steroid Withdrawal, while continuing to coach and remain connected to Jiu Jitsu throughout.


Now she's back competing, and GW3 presents an opportunity she's genuinely grateful for.


Across many years in Jiu Jitsu, Melissa's relationship with the sport has continued to evolve. After ending her professional dancing career at just 20, she found a renewed passion and purpose in Jiu Jitsu, bringing with her a thoughtful approach to movement, learning and development.


We talk about how Melissa learns, the experiences that have shaped her as an athlete and coach, returning to competition, and what it means to finally share the mats with an athlete she has admired for so long.


And when it comes to the match itself?


Melissa is coming to sub hunt, with plenty of wrestling in the mix.


This is a conversation full of perspective, experience and genuine gratitude for the opportunities Jiu Jitsu continues to bring.


Melissa would also like to give a special thank you to Declan Moody for all his support in helping her prepare for these matches:

“He’s a superstar.”


Get to know Melissa Hill before she makes her Grapple Worlds debut against Martina Zola.


FOLLOW MELISSA

https://www.instagram.com/melissahill.bjj/


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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LISTEN & WATCH THE GRAPPLE WORLDS PODCAST

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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

https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou/


Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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