Shay Montague

Biography

Shay Montague is a Scottish Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and elite no-gi submission grappler, widely regarded as one of the most technically creative lightweight competitors of his generation. Competing primarily at roosterweight, Montague has emerged as a trailblazer for Scottish grappling on the international stage, becoming the country’s first black belt world champion at the highest level.

Montague is best known for his unorthodox, high-paced guard game and relentless submission hunting. His style blends constant movement with creative positional systems, most notably his use of the K Guard and advanced lapel-based attacks in the gi. In no-gi competition, his pace, precision, and ability to finish from unconventional angles have made him a consistent threat against the world’s elite.

In 2025, Montague reached the peak of his competitive career by capturing the IBJJF No-Gi Worlds Championship, becoming the first Scottish black belt to claim a world title. He is also a multiple-time IBJJF No-Gi Euros Champion and previously held the #1 IBJJF world ranking as a brown belt in both gi and no-gi simultaneously.

Originally from the north of Scotland, Montague began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu at age 16 with no prior athletic background, discovering the sport through online videos and the UFC. He represents The Griphouse in Glasgow and East Coast Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Dublin, earning his black belt in 2023 under coach Darragh O’Conaill. As of 2026, Montague has begun transitioning into high-profile professional matches at WNO and UFC BJJ.

Personal

* Legend status is reserved for retired athletes with outstanding achievements and a lasting impact on the sport.

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