Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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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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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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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 chats with UFC bantamweight Davey Grant.
Grant has really had a nice run of exciting fights since 2020, returning after a long injury layoff to score a 3rd round KO at the first event on Fight Island.
In his last two fights, he's gone toe to toe with Chito Vera (now a title contender) and Adrian Yanez.
At 36, he says he still has a lot of fight left!
Head to UFC Fight Pass for the full interviews of Fitz Nation

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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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