JitsCast #64 features Shay Montague, the first ever Scottish IBJJF no gi world champion. Montague was already gaining attention during his rise through the coloured belt ranks after winning multiple IBJJF majors at brown belt, but he has since shot to the top of the sport. He won the IBJJF No Gi World Championship 2025 at roosterweight and made history in the process; but now he is busy preparing for the biggest match of his career. Montague will be challenging Mikey Musumeci for the bantamweight title at UFC BJJ 5, even though he will actually be moving up in weight in order to do so.
Jits Magazine spoke to Montague about his rise to the top of the sport, and he revealed how he was able to reach the level he has despite training in an area with relatively limited options for high-level Jiu-Jitsu compared to the major hubs of the United States and Brazil. Montague also talked about his experiences training under some of the top coaches in other parts of the UK and Ireland, like Darragh O’Conaill at East Coast Jiu-Jitsu and Joe Lennon at Los Banditos. He then shared some insight into what he beleives makes a good Jiu-Jitsu coach, and what lessons he has learned from them to bring into his own teaching.
Montague shared some insight into the biggest match of his career so far, facing Diogo Reis at WNO 23, before casting an eye on the match right in front of him. This will be the first time that Montague has ever competed in the UFC BJJ bowl and although he doesn’t see it having much effect on the Mikey Musumeci match, he explained how he’s been preparing for that. He also talked about the how his style of grappling matches up with Musumeci’s style; predicting how he sees the battle unfolding and talking about what strengths both of them have.
JitsCast #64 with Shay Montague is now available to watch on the official Jits Magazine YouTube channel, click here to subscribe for more or check out they interview below:
