#16 - Paul Felder

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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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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 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 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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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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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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Ever wondered what's going on inside a fighter's mind leading up to a match? Offering an introspective look into the emotional and mental struggles fighters face, our conversation with UFC star Vicente Luque does just that. We unravel Luque's recent UFC 294 victory and how high expectations can have profound emotional impacts. We also delve into the reactions of other fighters like Kamaru Usman and the ripple effect of Alexander Volkanovski's comments about needing a fight.

Navigating through losses in the ring requires an immense amount of self-belief and resilience. Luque shares his journey of personal growth and how his move to Florida to train with top-level fighters has been a game-changer. We discuss the significance of confidence, the influences of other fighters on his career, and how he is gearing up for his upcoming bout with Ian Garry. This episode also takes a peek at the evolution of techniques in MMA, discussing the dynamics of training and the decision-making process involved in fighting a teammate.

Life outside the ring is equally vital; it's not just about setting high goals, but also appreciating the smaller wins in life. Luque talks about the importance of having a respectful and positive attitude even in the face of adversity, and how setting limitless goals can sometimes be a recipe for unhappiness. We explore how family support and faith can provide a strong foundation. So, for an episode packed with inspiration, wisdom, and some MMA insights, buckle up and join our enlightening chat with Vicente Luque.

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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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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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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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