Australian mainstream media outlets have begun reporting on the case of Izaak Michell, who faces an active arrest warrant in Texas on second-degree felony charges related to serious allegations from multiple women.
The 26-year-old professional BJJ star, who qualified for ADCC 2026 in Poland after winning the Asia Trials in the 170 lbs (77 kg) division, has been placed on Hays County’s Top 12 Fugitives list. Texas authorities are offering up to $1,000 for information leading to his apprehension or indictment.
According to reports from Australian news networks, law enforcement believes Michell returned to Australia after traveling from a competition in Thailand. Police sources indicate he was most recently spotted in Queensland, though his current whereabouts remain unknown.
Legal analysts speaking to Australian media emphasized the seriousness of the charges. One expert explained that
“a second-degree felony would be the third highest possible offense. So above it would be, say, a first-degree felony or a capital offense. And so, I mean, felony offenses are very serious and the nature of the allegations themselves are very serious.”
In an interview with Seven News, Hays County deputy Mark Andrews said an investigation remains ongoing and that “additional charges may follow”.
The case gained significant public attention after multiple women came forward with allegations. 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 renowned coach John Danaher, shared a detailed account on social media describing her experience.
She praised the response from her training environment:
“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 coming forward was particularly difficult given the timing, occurring just one week before the World Championships.
A second woman, Ariel De Haro, a real estate professional from Austin, Texas, also came forward with similar allegations. There are reports that a number of women have contacted Texas PD with similar reports.
Former ADCC promoter Mo Jassim has also weighed in on the matter after receiving numerous inquiries about Michell’s competitive status.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, official ADCC channels have not issued a public statement. Requests for comment from ADCC and Mateusz Łuckiewicz, head of the ADCC Poland marketing team, went unanswered.
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. His last known address was in Austin within Travis County, Texas.
The case has attracted considerable attention both in Australia and internationally, highlighting questions about cross-border law enforcement cooperation in serious criminal matters. Australian and American authorities are reportedly working together to locate Michell.
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.
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