Australian grappler Izaak Michell has been stripped of his Light Heavyweight Championship by Subversion Jiu-Jitsu following multiple allegations of assault.
The promotion announced the decision on social media stating it is
“vacating the Light Heavyweight Championship effective immediately”
and will make no further comment as the situation develops.
The 26-year-old athlete who recently won the ADCC Asia Trials in the 170 lbs (77 kg) division now faces formal charges in Texas and has been named to Hays County’s Top 12 Fugitives list.
Authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest on a second-degree felony charge with a reward of up to $1,000 offered for information leading directly to his apprehension or indictment.
Law enforcement officials warned the public that Michell is
“a martial arts expert”
and advised people to
“never attempt to apprehend wanted persons yourself.”
His last known address was in Austin within Travis County Texas.
He is described as approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall weighing between 185 and 195 lbs (84 to 88 kg) with a shaved head green eyes and multiple tattoos on both arms.
The allegations became public after multiple women came forward with accounts of their experiences.
Among them is Hannah Griffith an IBJJF No-Gi World Champion and three-time Pan No-Gi gold medalist.
The 23-year-old brown belt from South Africa who trains under John Danaher shared a detailed statement on social media describing what she said happened and how her gym responded.
“I truly don’t believe I would have had the courage to come forward if my brother hadn’t helped be my voice in the beginning and advocate for me alongside others who supported me,”
“I also want to acknowledge that when I informed my coaches John Danaher Gordon Ryan and Garry Tonon they responded with immediate seriousness compassion and action. They removed Izaak from the gym and made it clear that my safety and well-being were their priority.”
Griffith explained that speaking publicly was especially difficult due to the timing.
The alleged assault occurred one week before she was scheduled to compete at the World Championships.
“I am normally a very private person and speaking publicly about my personal life is something I never imagined I would have to do,”
“However after deep reflection I feel morally obligated to share what happened to me. Not for attention but because silence allows harmful behavior to continue.”
She was explicit in describing the incident.
“What happened to me was not a misunderstanding mixed signals or a moment of confusion. It was a clear violation of my consent. Consent is unmistakable and responsibility always lies with the person who chooses to ignore it.”
A second woman Ariel De Haro a real estate professional from Austin Texas also shared similar allegations.
De Haro stated she is
“in no way part of the BJJ community”
but decided to come forward to encourage other women to speak out.
“Months ago I experienced a violation of my consent by someone I knew Izaak Michell,”
“I didn’t share this right away because I needed time to process what happened and to feel safe enough to put words to it. That silence wasn’t confusion or uncertainty. It was fear shock and the weight of trying to understand something that never should have happened.”
She addressed others who may have had similar experiences.
“If you’ve experienced something similar please know you’re not weak for taking time and you’re not wrong for protecting yourself. Your boundaries matter. Your ‘no’ matters. And you are not alone.”
The allegations were further discussed on the Simple Man podcast where co-host Nicky Ryan said Michell had been removed from Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu after multiple women reported incidents to authorities.
“Pretty much just because I believe multiple different women went to the police you know claiming that he SAd them,”
According to the podcast hosts Michell traveled to Thailand around the time ADCC Trials were taking place though his current location remains unknown.
“It seems like he might be trying to hide out there but I don’t know,”
Another added
“I think it’s a visitor thing for like you could probably only stay there for like a month or something.”
Craig Jones also addressed the situation publicly urging anyone with relevant information to remain alert and come forward.
Griffith concluded her statement by encouraging others who may have been affected to speak up.
“If you have been a person harmed by Izaak Michell please don’t hesitate to reach out to me personally,”
“I can also put you in contact with advocacy which is a hundred percent confidential or direct you to authorities.”
She added a final message of support.
“For the women who feel alone unheard or afraid to take that first step. If you have experienced something similar please know that your ‘no’ matters your feelings matter and your safety matters. It was not your fault and you are not alone.”
Hays County has asked anyone with information regarding Michell or his whereabouts to contact them anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477) submit tips online or use the P3 Tips app.
Warrants were active at the time the fugitive notice was issued.
BJJDOC has reached out to ADCC for comment regarding Michell’s eligibility to compete at the 2026 event in Poland and will update this article if a response is provided.
