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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

Brendan Fitzgerald

In-depth interviews with top performers in the UFC world. Use life lessons from these world-class athletes to win at what you're fighting for! Welcome to Fitz Nation.
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Top 10 Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - John Gooden's Spirited Ride in the UFC World

John Gooden's Spirited Ride in the UFC World

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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09/28/23 • 45 min

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I sat down with UFC commentator John Gooden, a man whose life was turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. From the thrill of Fight Island to visa issues and reduced work, John invites us into his world to share his personal journey rising the ranks as an MMA commentator. John's story is a testament to resilience, perseverance and a good, old-fashioned bet on himself.
John's career has been one of transitions... from a plush job in London to a modest position at the BBC, he found himself drawn to martial arts and the world of MMA and UFC. In our candid conversation, John reveals how this passion steered his career trajectory, and the sacrifices he made to seize the international opportunities he always yearned for. His journey, though filled with trials, has instilled in him a unique perspective on life, pressure, and privilege.
As we delve into John's world, we also explore the themes of personal growth and gratitude. He shares how books like "Four Thousand Weeks" and "Die With Zero" have influenced his outlook and the importance of staying connected to the community. Despite the harsh criticisms and high stakes in the demanding world of UFC, John underlines the importance of hard work, kindness, and the pursuit of passion. Join us as we delve into the story of a man who gambled on his dreams and reaped the rewards of his courage.

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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - Dricus Du Plessis is campaigning for his shot at a UFC title

Dricus Du Plessis is campaigning for his shot at a UFC title

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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09/13/23 • 31 min

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Get up close and personal with Dricus, the South African sensation shaking up the world of mixed martial arts.
Dricus lays bare the electrifying rush he experiences in the moments leading up to a fight and reflects on his celebrated clash with Robert Whitaker, a fight that gripped the world and catapulted South African mixed martial arts into the limelight. He also shares about the burden of self-imposed expectations and the unwavering belief he harbors in his own potential. A foot injury that forced him to decline a fight offer also crops up.
Delve deeper into Dracis's future fight plans and the navigational challenges he faces within the labyrinth of mixed martial arts. We unravel the intricate balance between personal dreams and the demanding needs of the promotion. Hear how Dricus manages to embrace tough decisions while keeping his passion aflame. His readiness to take on grueling fights and his relentless pursuit of the UFC world champion title also form a crucial part of our conversation.
Finally, we talk about the possibilities of Israel Adesanya's rematch with Strickland and the factors that could sway the balance. Dana White's surprise at the suggestion of a rematch piques my interest and the implications for the sport.

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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - Chris Daukaus on making a big change and being objective with yourself

Chris Daukaus on making a big change and being objective with yourself

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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08/07/23 • 39 min

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It's a big week for Chris Daukaus who makes his light heavyweight debut in the Octagon.
I always enjoy talking with Chris because he's just a laid back, fun guy who can really bring it. He is definitely that underdog type of fighter that have emerged from Philadelphia before, but he surprised a lot of people with his rise in the UFC's heavyweight division.
Now, he begins anew after a losing skid but at 205 pounds. We always connect when discussing the passion for self improvement and what it takes to put focus on what you really want while letting distractions fall away.
But, there's also the micro-analyzing that can be harmful. It's about finding that line... that flow state where you're challenging yourself but not driving yourself crazy.
Hope you enjoy this episode!

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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - Charles Jourdain

Charles Jourdain

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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01/06/22 • 62 min

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Fitz chats with UFC featherweight Charles Jourdain, who is coming off a big win vs. Andre Ewell at UFC Fight Night on 12/18.
Jourdain is about to sign a new contract with the UFC and is one of the most exciting featherweight prospects in the promotion. His signature win came against Doo Ho Choi in 2019, but he has thrilled fight fans with each performance and hopes to deliver more in 2022 and beyond.
CONNECT WITH FITZ 🤙🏻
📱 Twitter - https://twitter.com/BrendanFitzTV
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brendanfitztv/

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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - #32 - The option of no opinion, Voice fatigue, Fight Island recap

#32 - The option of no opinion, Voice fatigue, Fight Island recap

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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07/27/20 • 43 min

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In this episode, I start with the challenges of being a broadcaster (or journalist) and walking the line of opinion vs. information. The two roles are at odds, so finding that balance can be tricky, especially given the climate on social media (and throw in that it's an election year if you get political... it's a powder keg).
I also get into what it's like to call long fight cards and the challenges that go with it after the UFC got through a 15-fight card to cap off a month on Fight Island.
Then, a quick thought on Khamzat Chimaev and his quick rise as a UFC newcomer and the main event between Darren Till and Robert Whittaker.

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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - #31 - Props to Benavidez, Figueiredo is a beast, 3-year anniversary of calling fights
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07/20/20 • 46 min

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In this episode, I start by paying tribute to Joe Benavidez. It looks like his goal of winning a UFC title will go unfulfilled, but he will be remembered as a great fighter and better person.
I also have to give props where it's due to our new UFC Flyweight Champ Deiveson Figueiredo, who improved to 19-1 with an emphatic victory on Fight Island.
Then, I realized we just hit the 3-year-anniversary of my first Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series show back on July 18, 2017... the night that introduced Sean O'Malley on his road to being a UFC star.

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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - Sayif Saud on chasing what matters and getting better with age

Sayif Saud on chasing what matters and getting better with age

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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01/21/24 • 40 min

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Fitz Nation is back with friend of the show and MMA coach Sayif Saud!
Sayif has become a good friend of mine over the years and I always love talking about life with him. He's the kind of guy that will always leave you feeling better, more motivated, more perceptive, or whatever you happen to need with what you're going through. It's why I always look to get him back on the show when there's a big-picture topic I am looking to discuss.
We talk about the wonderful and very simple book Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday. It's a short and easy read, but can do wonders for centering yourself and getting to work on what's most important in a world that is so focused on chasing down distractions.

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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - What happened to Ian Heinisch?

What happened to Ian Heinisch?

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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01/20/24 • 43 min

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Often times, fighters have life journeys filled with struggle and adversity. It's part of what it takes to have the mentality one needs to do what they do.
Ian Heinisch is one of the best examples of a life journey that has twists and turns, ups and downs, and also shows that despite achieving success, the road does not end with an accomplishment. It just opens a new door.
From getting involved with drugs, then dealing and trafficking them, then being arrested and serving hard time, Ian certainly battled his demons. He eventually fought his way to the UFC to compete with the best fighters in the world.
Now, he is fighting another battle to get healthy as he tries to compete in combat sports again and really wants to make his UFC return in 2024.
His relentless pursuit of great things is to be admired by all and a great way to kick off 2024!

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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - 155: Why we love the UFC & UFC 296 preview

155: Why we love the UFC & UFC 296 preview

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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12/14/23 • 31 min

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Fitz is back to talk about the three big reasons we love the UFC:
1. Action
2. Characters
3. Stories
He then goes over how all of these apply to UFC 296 and the many storylines coming up on Saturday, how he wants Colby Covington to change, his potential fight of the year nobody is talking about and more!

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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - Devonte Smith

Devonte Smith

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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09/15/21 • 57 min

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Devonte Smith is a rising lightweight contender in the UFC. He is 3-1 since joining the UFC in 2018 with all 3 wins coming by knockout.
From Cleveland, Devonte has had to ride the rollercoaster of life's ups and downs, coming from a big family and draws inspiration from his mother to always make things work.
Devonte talks with Fitz about his early years and being a martial arts fan, his early career when he stopped fighting to work and help buy a house for his family, and much more!
He has a fight coming up on October 2nd vs. Jamie Mullarkey at UFC Fight Night on ESPN+.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC have?

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC currently has 161 episodes available.

What topics does Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC cover?

The podcast is about Ufc, Mma, Martial Arts, Interview, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education and Sports.

What is the most popular episode on Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC?

The episode title 'What happened to Ian Heinisch?' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC?

The average episode length on Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC is 52 minutes.

How often are episodes of Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC released?

Episodes of Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC are typically released every 7 days, 2 hours.

When was the first episode of Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC?

The first episode of Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC was released on Apr 28, 2019.

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