Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

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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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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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On this episode, I sit down with my good friend and MMA head coach Sayif Saud.
Sayif was on episode 3 of this podcast way back in May of 2019 and has regularly appeared. I clicked with him right away because of his ability to connect and not be afraid to talk about real life stuff.
He is an incredible leader and coach for his gym Fortis MMA and any athlete he takes under his wing.
We talk briefly about Brandon Moreno's recent epic fight at UFC 290 for the flyweight title. We then shift to finding the right life perspective including embracing the long journey it takes to success and the fact that once you "arrive", you should still always look for something to learn and grow at.

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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 middleweight Brendan Allen. "All In" talks about his upbringing in a military family, settling in Louisiana and finding a love for martial arts.
Allen is 7-2 in the UFC since arriving through an impressive win on Dana White's Contender Series back in 2019. He has finished most of his victories, including an impressive W over Kevin Holland in his UFC debut.
Allen will fight Krystof Jotko on October 1st at the UFC Apex.

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