Izaak Michell’s inclusion on the official ADCC 2026 invite list has reignited controversy within the jiu-jitsu community, with prominent figures once again calling for his removal from the event.
Michell earned his place at the 2026 ADCC World Championships by winning the 2025 ADCC Asia & Oceania Trials. However, for months, members of the grappling community have urged ADCC to rescind his invitation after he became the subject of an arrest warrant in the United States over allegations that he sexually assaulted multiple women.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Michell remains listed among the confirmed competitors on ADCC’s recently updated roster, prompting renewed criticism across social media. Among those speaking out was grappling star and Craig Jones Invitational founder Craig Jones, who called for athletes and fans to boycott the event.
“Can someone explain to me why Izaak Michell, wanted allegedly for sex offenses in the United States, is getting a paid vacation to compete in Poland? And why that’s a tough decision to not allow him in the tournament?” Jones wrote on social media. “If he has affected you, or anyone in your life, and you are not boycotting the event… what the f— is going on?”
Jones also urged companies associated with the event to address the situation publicly.
“Hey, sponsors, say something! Hey, streaming platforms, maybe f—ng say something! Hey, the promoter of the event, maybe say something! Because there’s a great likelihood that there’s a f—ng victim there,” Jones said.
The controversy surrounding Michell dates back to late 2025, when he was removed from Gordon Ryan’s Kingsway gym after one of the team’s athletes publicly accused him of sexual assault.
According to multiple reports, additional women later came forward with allegations, and authorities in Texas subsequently issued an arrest warrant charging Michell with second-degree sexual assault. A wanted poster offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to his arrest was also released.
Michell has not been taken into custody and has reportedly remained in Australia for several months. Because the warrant was issued in the United States, Australian authorities cannot execute it without a formal extradition request. Australian outlet 10 News+ has also reported that Michell is the subject of additional allegations and investigations within Australia.
While ADCC’s final roster could still change before the 2026 World Championships on September 12-13, the organization has not publicly commented on Michell’s status. As of publication, he remains listed among the confirmed competitors on the official ADCC website.
