This week on Combat Sports HQ, we sit down with Alexa Yanes — world-traveling Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the founder of the Jiu-Jitsu Groundwork Foundation, a nonprofit using martial arts to empower communities and create real opportunity through discipline, confidence, and structure.

Alexa takes us through her journey across the globe, training and competing at a high level while building a life around the mats. What started as competition and travel evolved into a mission: bringing jiu-jitsu to underserved communities, organizing international outreach, donating gear, and helping people access training they otherwise wouldn’t have.

On the competition side, Alexa is the real deal. She is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Rodrigo Pinheiro, with high-level results across major circuits. Her accomplishments include an IBJJF American Nationals championship at brown belt (featherweight, 2021), along with strong placements and rankings on the AJP Tour / Abu Dhabi Grand Slam circuit.

In this episode, we talk world travel, the realities of competing, building a nonprofit with real impact, and why jiu-jitsu might be one of the most powerful tools for changing lives — on and off the mats.

In Episode 2, Cody and Ari are back in the studio with Tony Toro for an honest, laid-back conversation that blends humor with real fight talk. Cody shows up in a full grandma suit, setting the tone early, while Ari guides the discussion with thoughtful questions that keep things grounded and focused.

Tony opens up about his recent loss to Sean King, breaking down what went wrong, what he learned from it, and how it’s shaping his mindset moving forward. The episode balances laughs with reflection, giving a real look at the mental side of fighting, accountability after a loss, and what comes next.

This is the first official in-studio episode of Combat Sports HQ. Ari came through to break in the new setup, and we decided to start things off simple — just asking each other a few questions, messing around, and getting used to being on camera together.

Nothing too serious, nothing scripted. Just the real vibe of what this show is going to feel like moving forward. If you want to see how this all started, this is day one in the studio with Ari and me figuring it out as we go.

Week 3 is here, and Matt Bunch is breaking down all the action leading up to the highly anticipated clash between Roman Dolidze and Anthony Hernandez. From stylistic matchups to recent performances, Matt dives deep into the fighters' strengths, weaknesses, and keys to victory. Expect sharp analysis, bold predictions, and a few surprise picks for the rest of the card. Whether you're looking to place a smart bet or just want to sound like the fight expert at your watch party, this episode's got you covered

In this week's episode of Fight Picks and Fresh Kicks, we're joined by Matt Bunch, owner of Countdown SA, as we break down all the action heading into UFC Abu Dhabi. With a stacked card headlined by Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov, we dive deep into the matchups, analyze key stylistic clashes, and lock in our picks for a fight night loaded with potential fireworks.

Matt brings his sharp insight and sharp sense of style to the table as we mix in this week's sneaker heat—from must-cop drops to what we're rocking fight night.

In the premiere episode of CombatSportsHQ, we're coming in hot with our full UFC 318 betting breakdown—from main event fireworks to sleeper picks on the prelims. Cody and the crew dive into the fight card, breaking down matchups, sharing favorite moneyline plays, parlays, and a few spicy underdog shots.

We also team up with Countdown San Antonio, one of the city's dopest sneaker stores, to talk all things style, fight night fits, and the perfect kicks to rock during a big card. Whether you're tuning in for the betting edge or the sneaker game, this one sets the tone for what CSHQ is all about.

🧠 Smart picks. 💥 Bold takes. 👟 Fresh soles.

Elijah "Swift" Smith is one of the fastest-rising prospects in MMA. The 22-year-old bantamweight started his pro career in Fury FC, showcasing his knockout power and grappling skills. After bouncing back from a tough loss, he earned a shot on Dana White's Contender Series, where he secured a UFC contract. Now part of the UFC's bantamweight division, Smith made history alongside his father as the second father-son duo in the promotion's history. With an 8-1 record and a relentless drive, he's a name to watch in the fight game.

Jackson Glass is a 17-year-old Muay Thai phenom making waves in the fight world. Originally starting his combat sports journey in boxing, he later transitioned to Muay Thai, where he quickly developed a reputation for his explosive striking and high fight IQ. Along the way, he also trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, adding a well-rounded skill set to his arsenal.

With a perfect Muay Thai record of 13-0 and five amateur titles, including multiple Thai Boxing Association (TBA) championship belts, Jackson has already proven himself as a dominant force. In 2022, he claimed a gold medal at the WBC Muay Thai Youth World Games, solidifying his status as one of the sport's brightest young talents. Now beginning to test the waters in MMA, he remains undefeated in his early bouts. With his relentless work ethic and championship mindset, Jackson Glass is a name fight fans will be hearing for years to come.

Cam just won the biggest fight of his career against UFC vet Austin Lingo and he is now 7-0 in his career. Chaos fits him perfectly as his fight with Lingo was an all out war and he displayed the tenacity and grit that it takes to be in the UFC. He is in the right spot with Fury FC to showcase his talent.

The Texas Kid has become a friend of mine over the past few years and he is gearing up for the biggest fight of his career against a tough opponent in Bogdan Grad on DWCS! Aswell is a Houston, TX MMA legend in the making and he is attempting to secure his UFC contract tomorrow!