Advertise on podcast: Fitz Nation: Stories and Life Lessons from the UFC

UFC fighter and Miami police officer Luis Hernandez opens up about the unexpected intersections of his two demanding careers, revealing how combat sports have shaped his approach to law enforcement and community engagement. Dive into this engaging conversation where we explore the unique balance of serving the public while pursuing a career in the Octagon. Hernandez shares his journey from a chunky kid facing school bullies to a disciplined athlete who uses the principles of martial arts to de-escalate situations on the streets. He emphasizes the importance of verbal judo, explaining how the ability to communicate effectively can often be the best form of defense. You'll discover how wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have become foundational skills in his toolkit, making him a well-rounded officer capable of handling high-pressure scenarios without resorting to violence. In this episode, we break down: The top martial arts skills every police officer should prioritize.The importance of community training sessions for mental and physical well-being.Insights on how the public perceives him as both a fighter and an officer.The challenges of balancing fame and duty in a high-stakes environment.Hernandez's story is not just about fighting; it's about resilience, service, and the responsibilities that come with recognition. As he navigates his dual roles, he reflects on how each profession informs the other, providing invaluable lessons on leadership and integrity. Perfect for those interested in the worlds of law enforcement, martial arts, or anyone seeking a dose of inspiration, this episode promises to leave you motivated and curious about the life of a fighter who serves his community. Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond the ring and into the heart of service.

In the high-octane world of mixed martial arts, Bilal Hasan embodies the essence of ‘main character energy.’ Join host Brendan Fitzgerald as he dives deep into Bilal’s journey from a young taekwondo prodigy to a rising star in the UFC. This episode reveals how Bilal harnesses his martial arts background and charismatic personality to captivate fans and dominate in the Octagon. Discover the pivotal moments that shaped Bilal’s career, including his early days in Hawaii, his rise to the US national team, and the profound influence of icons like Michael Jackson and Conor McGregor. Bilal shares how he combines respect and showmanship to create a unique fighting style that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. You’ll learn about: The surprising connection between Bilal’s martial arts training and his performance skills.How he balances the rigor of competition with the spotlight’s pressure, all while remaining authentic to himself.Why embracing every aspect of MMA is crucial for success in this ever-evolving sport.Bilal’s story is not just about fighting; it’s about embracing who you are and thriving in the face of challenges. As he navigates newfound fame, he reflects on the importance of authenticity and connection with fans. This episode is essential listening for aspiring fighters, fans of the sport, and anyone looking for inspiration to pursue their passion unapologetically. Tune in to witness the evolution of a fighter who is just getting started!

Fluffy Hernandez is no stranger to the Octagon, but in this episode, he pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to be a main event fighter. Hear about his relentless journey from street fights to the UFC spotlight, where he’s not just competing but rewriting the rules of engagement. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn raw talent into a fighting career, this episode is for you. Get ready to dive into Fluffy’s transformative story as he shares the highs and lows of his path to becoming a prominent figure in mixed martial arts. From the moment he realized his grappling skills could lead him to victory, to the personal challenges he faced after the loss of his father, Fluffy lays it all bare. You’ll discover how his unconventional upbringing shaped his fighting style and mentality, making him one of the most exciting fighters to watch today. Fluffy’s story is not just about fighting; it’s about resilience, ambition, and the quest for a better life for his family. As he aims for the championship title, he reminds us that each fight is a step towards fulfilling his dreams and honoring his father’s legacy. This episode is essential listening for anyone who aspires to overcome obstacles and chase their dreams with ferocity. Fluffy Hernandez is living proof that with hard work and dedication, you can transform your passion into a successful career.

Get ready to step into the Octagon with Gillian Robertson, a fighter poised for greatness as she prepares for her upcoming title shot! In this , Gillian shares the raw emotions and exhilarating moments leading up to the most significant fight of her career. From receiving the life-changing text at 4 AM that announced her title shot, to reflecting on her nearly nine-year journey in the UFC, Gillian’s passion and determination shine through. She opens up about the unexpected quietness of that moment, where gratitude and readiness converged, making it clear that she’s not just fighting for a title but also for every hardworking athlete who dreams of making it big. This episode matters because it’s not just about fighting; it’s about resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. Jillian’s story is a powerful reminder that every setback is a setup for a comeback.

When it comes to fighting in the UFC, Mike Mallot gives a unique perspective on the blend of business and passion that defines the sport. In this episode, Mike shares his journey as a Canadian fighter making waves in the welterweight division. Discover how he navigates the complexities of promotion, stays focused on his craft, and embraces the electrifying atmosphere of fighting in front of his home crowd. Mike reveals the behind-the-scenes dynamics of securing main event fights, detailing his humorous experience of receiving the call about his latest matchup in Edmonton. With a candid discussion about the pressures and responsibilities that come with his rising star status, he emphasizes the importance of concentrating on what he does best: fighting. As Mike gears up for his next fight, he emphasizes the significance of savoring each moment in the Octagon, reminding listeners that every fight is a valuable opportunity. Join us for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond the fight, exploring what it truly means to compete at the highest level in the UFC. Perfect for fans who want an inside look at the life of a professional fighter and the unique challenges they face.

The conversation delves into Adrian Yañez's mental growth, learning from past mistakes, overcoming adversity, and the development of confidence and self-reflection. It explores the impact of mental shifts, barriers, and realizations, leading to self-discovery and increased confidence. The discussion concludes with a focus on looking ahead to future opportunities and growth. Takeaways Mental growthLearning from past mistakes Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on the Fight03:11 Learning and Growth06:58 Adversity and Leadership11:47 Confidence and Self-Reflection16:07 Mental Shift and Confidence18:46 Mental Barriers and Realizations21:49 Self-Discovery and Confidence27:08 Looking Ahead

🚀 Ever wondered how mindset shifts can elevate your game? Tom "Big Train" Nolan shares his journey to becoming a top 15 lightweight fighter. He reveals that it’s not just about physical skill but mental preparation that sets champions apart. Working with a sports psychologist, Tom learned to visualize success and believe in his abilities long before stepping into the octagon. He emphasizes that fighting is 90% mental, and the confidence you carry can make all the difference in the ring. Want to know the secret to his winning mindset? It’s about expressing himself through fighting, rather than just the outcome. This journey is about more than just wins; it’s about growth and self-discovery. What mindset shift are you working on? Catch the full conversation for more insights!

Before he was fighting under the bright lights of the UFC, Zachary Reese was working long days in the oil fields with a dream that seemed almost impossible. On this episode of Fitz & a Fighter, Zachary shares the story of leaving the blue-collar life behind to chase a career in mixed martial arts. We talk about the sacrifices, setbacks, breakthrough moments, and the mindset that carried him from the oil fields to the UFC Octagon. It's an honest conversation about betting on yourself, overcoming doubt, and what it really takes to make it to the highest level of the sport. If you enjoy stories of perseverance as much as fight talk, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with UFC fighters, coaches, and the people behind the sport.

Text me a question for the show UFC 326, the BMF belt debate, and the shocking announcement of a possible UFC fight card at the White House — Fitz & Weidman break it all down. On this episode of The Fitz & Weidman Show, Brendan Fitzgerald and former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman break down the biggest headlines in the fight world. We dive into the developing storylines around UFC 326, debate the meaning and legitimacy of the BMF belt, and react to the stunning announcement of a potential UFC event at the White House. What does the BMF title really represent in today’s UFC? What were their reactions to the White House card being announced?  Fitz and Weidman bring their unique perspectives from inside the broadcast booth and inside the Octagon to unpack it all. Topics in this episode: • UFC 326 storylines • The future of the BMF belt • Reaction to the White House UFC event announcement • What makes a “BMF” in today’s MMA • Behind-the-scenes insight from the fight game Follow Fitz: Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass 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. Follow Fitz: Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show 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! Follow Fitz: Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show 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! Follow Fitz: Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show 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. Follow Fitz: Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show 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  Follow Fitz: Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass Fitz Nation merch 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! Follow Fitz: Instagram     TikTok