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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 - Lando Vannata

Lando Vannata

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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11/17/22 • 50 min

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UFC veteran Lando Vannata joins Fitz Nation! We had a wide-ranging chat about his journey from BMX racer to combat sports enthusiast to UFC action fighter!
Included on the show:

  • Lando’s gaming rig (passion for car racing, adrenaline of a race vs. the rush of fighting)
  • Cancelling fight with Andre Fili (tumultuous fight camp, expected return date)
  • Being mentally stronger than ever (battling depression early in UFC career, panic attacks, working with a mental coach, always improving)
  • Normal upbringing traveling around the U.S. (loving BMX racing, huge influence of his father, becoming obsessed with UFC after seeing Pedro Rizzo vs. Josh Barnett on VHS) “Ever since I saw that fight, I was like, “Yep. That’s what I want to do with my life.”
  • Why he was drawn to fighting (being the smallest brother, journey through wrestling in high school)
  • Expectations of fighting vs. reality (the value of putting all your energy into one place) “I thought I was going to retire by the time I was 30. Now, I just have the mindset of breadth over depth.”
  • Advice to his younger self now that he’s 30
  • Balancing his goals with growing older (mindfulness, belief in oneself, sports psychology and mental coaching). “I think the best thing you can do for yourself is learn how to have deep-seated confidence.”

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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 - 154: Arman Tsarukyan's A+ at UFC Austin, Ian Garry has already won

154: Arman Tsarukyan's A+ at UFC Austin, Ian Garry has already won

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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12/05/23 • 39 min

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Fitz Nation is back with some fight talk as Fitz chats about his weekend at UFC Austin, Arman Tsarukyan's impressive performance in the main event, the mental clarity shown by fighters that Fitz talked to during fight week, and how Ian Garry has already won before his fight at UFC 296.

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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - 153: UFC Austin Preview, is Bobby Green the next Masvidal? & Middleweight matchmaking
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11/27/23 • 71 min

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On this episode, Fitz welcomes producer and jiu jitsu purple belt Spencer Shackel to the show. The guys recap Thanksgiving weekend and then look ahead to a massive fight night at UFC Austin. What's at stake for Beneil Dariush in this week's main event vs. Arman Tsarukyan? Is Bobby Green the next Jorge Masvidal break through fighting star? Fitz also tells a couple of fun Jalin Turner stories as he steps in for the co-main event on short notice.

The guys then talk about the fluidity of the middleweight division with many top 10 contenders not having fights booked and what match-ups they want to see in early 2024

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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - Fighting Nerd: An Interview with Caio Borralho

Fighting Nerd: An Interview with Caio Borralho

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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10/30/23 • 40 min

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Welcome to another episode of Fitz Nation as I sit down with Brazil's Caio Borralho!
Caio takes us through his evolution as a Fighting Nerd, revealing how he transformed his fear of confrontation into a badge of honor. With raw honesty, he discusses the importance of maintaining his authentic self amidst the glamour and brutality of MMA. This is a captivating insight into the mind of a fighter who views pressure not as a burden, but as a privilege.
In the final segment, Kyo delves into a less violent battle - the daunting journey of fatherhood and how his faith played a major role in navigating the uncertainties of becoming a father. He also shares his profound appreciation for Sao Paulo, a city that has given him so much and instilled in him a hardworking attitude. As he passionately discusses his ambition to become a world champion in the next five years, you can't help but feel inspired by this Fighting Nerd's cerebral approach to MMA. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, making it an absolute must for any MMA enthusiast wanting to understand the sport beyond the cage!

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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - USADA fallout and UFC 294 chaos

USADA fallout and UFC 294 chaos

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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10/14/23 • 69 min

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Do you ever wonder about the controversies and dynamics behind the UFC’s drug testing program? Join us for an in-depth discussion as we get real about the UFC's recent split with USADA, potential changes to the UFC's drug testing policy, and how this major shift could impact the future of the sport.
Our conversation doesn't stop at drug testing. We also talk about some highly anticipated matches in UFC 294. Alexander Volkanovski's rematch with Islam Makachev and the immense pressure Kamaru Usman might be feeling against Khamzat Chimaev is covered!
As we wrap up, we draw our focus to current trends in UFC. Whether you're a hardcore MMA fan or a casual observer, this engaging conversation pulls back the curtain on the world of UFC. Tune in for an episode that is as unpredictable and thrilling as the sport itself!

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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - Fitz Nation LIVE on Combat Sports, Media Evolution, and What Lies Ahead

Fitz Nation LIVE on Combat Sports, Media Evolution, and What Lies Ahead

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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10/09/23 • 54 min

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From the impact of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok on entertainment, to UFC 295 speculation and retirement contemplation, we've got it all covered. We are breaking down the John Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight and discussing if it could be the biggest heavyweight fight in combat sports history. We're also exploring the implications of potential retirements and the transformation of the heavyweight division in the UFC.
Lastly, we're zooming out to look at the global growth of UFC, the Performance Institute, and the potential of new markets like India. And for a bit of nostalgia, we take a walk down memory lane, reminiscing about the early days of MMA and how it's evolved to become a global phenomenon.
So join us in this intriguing conversation and let's talk combat sports, media, and what lies ahead for UFC.

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Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC - Renato Moicano

Renato Moicano

Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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12/01/22 • 55 min

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You can watch episodes of Fitz Nation exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS
Renato Moicano is back in the UFC lightweight rankings after his huge win at UFC 281 in New York City over Brad Riddell. His first round submission was impressive and then he added to the moment by one of the most energizing and memorable post-fight interviews of 2022 with Joe Rogan.
Moicano has been a pro fighter since 2010, quitting law school in his home city of Brasilia to pursue MMA full time. At both featherweight and lightweight in the UFC, he has been in fights with some of the biggest names, like Rafael dos Anjos, Jose Aldo, Brian Ortega, Cub Swanson, The Korean Zombie and others.
Included in this episode:

  • how new popularity has changed Renato’s life (the value of learning to speak English)
  • upbringing in Brasilia (his father’s strong work ethic, growing up in an upper middle class family)
  • deciding to become a fighter instead of going to law school
  • what drew him to fighting (street-fighting uncles, getting in his first fight at six years old, story of his first pro fight)
  • the feeling of freedom in fighting (how his third fight propelled him)
  • keeping his passion and joy despite the pressure
  • reflecting on big moments in his career (Jeremy Stephens fight, losses, Brad Riddell win)
  • developing his public persona (speaking in third-person, being called “Mohawk”, having a healthy relationship with money)

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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, Sports, Education, Self-Improvement, Podcasts, Martial Arts, Interview and Mma.

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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