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...

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...

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 Twitter

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 Twitter

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass Fitz Nation merch 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...

Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass Fitz Nation merch Welcome back to Fitz Nation!   My special guest is none other than the one-and-only Bryce Mitchell. This episode reveals Bryce's life from being a small-town boy to being on the cusp of a significant fight against Dan Ige.  Bryce's life outside the octagon is just as fascinating. At the age of 21, he started a farm and expanded it to 16 acres, a testament to his dedication and commitment. On our chat, Bryce discusses the...

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...

Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass Fitz Nation merch What happens when an army veteran, psychologist, and author steps onto the mat? Join us as we unpack an intriguing conversation with Daniel Joseph about his exciting journey, exploring the intersection of military service, mental health, and martial arts. From the thrills of UFC to the grit of Jiu-Jitsu, we delve into his unique insights and how these powerful combat sports played a significant role in his life and the...

On this episode, I catch up with Gilbert Burns across the world in Singapore! This was my first trip overseas with the UFC in 3 years after a lot of heavy foreign travel pre-pandemic.  We had a legendary main event with Max Holloway scoring a huge KO win and The Korean Zombie dropping the gloves in retirement. I caught up with top welterweight contenders Gilbert Burns before heading to the arena on Saturday to talk about what's next for him, what he's learned about world travels and what...

Email the show!  Ask me a question:  [email protected] Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass Fitz Nation merch In this episode, I decide to go with a Q & A format and base it on the question I get asked the most from UFC fans, and the questions I tend to ask fighters most. The question I get the most:  How did you get your job with the UFC? I answer in two parts: 1) My career journey through the world of broadcasting 2) How someone who wants the job I have can get...

Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass Fitz Nation merch It's a big week for Chris Daukaus who makes his light heavyweight debut in the Octagon. I always enjoy talking with Chris because he's just a laid back, fun guy who can really bring it.  He is definitely that underdog type of fighter that have emerged from Philadelphia before, but he surprised a lot of people with his rise in the UFC's heavyweight division. Now, he begins anew after a losing skid but at 205 pounds.  We...

Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass Fitz Nation merch Often times, we focus on the future and the many things we want to accomplish. But what if we shifted to what we can do right now?  And were only focused on the singular step or goal that would take us in the direction we want to go? That's where Pat Sabatini finds himself... 5-1 in the UFC and obviously with aspirations to take it all the way.  But the single goal is to get into the rankings.  After all, you can't be...

Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass Fitz Nation merch 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...

Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass Fitz Nation merch Fitz is joined by a trio of young UFC stars at UFC X in Las Vegas! Maycee Barber, Billy Quarantillo and Adrian Yanez have all been guests on Fitz Nation, so it was great to catch up with them in this format. I sincerely hold these three in the highest regard in terms of their skill and potential as champions and great stars of the sport. Maycee is coming off a huge win over Amanda Ribas in Jacksonville.  Billy...

Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass Fitz Nation merch Fitz is joined by UFC middleweight contender Dricus Du Plessis, who fights at UFC 290 this week in Las Vegas. Dricus is unbeaten in the UFC and finds himself in another massive fight vs. former champion Robert Whittaker.  With a win, Du Plessis is basically a lock to challenge Israel Adesanya for the UFC middleweight title in his next fight and could come as soon as September.   Du Plessis is an all-action fighter who...

Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass Fitz Nation merch Fitz is joined by UFC lightweight Evan Elder, who makes his 3rd appearance in the Octagon in July. Evan is coming off a Fight of the Night result vs. Nazim Sadykov, one which he technically lost after it was stopped because of a cut over his right eye.  Elder was up 2-0 on all judges' scorecards, so he is looking to return for a big win. He has a great story of chasing his dream to be a pro fighter, from moving out to...

Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass Fitz Nation merch Paul Felder is a good buddy of mine from our time together as UFC commentators.  We started working for the UFC at the same time on season 1 of Dana White's Contender Series back in 2017. Felder blossomed as a fighter during the latter stages of his career, reaching the top 10 of the lightweight division in 2019 and 2020. In this episode, he discusses why triathlon gripped him as he was done fighting as he embraces...

Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass Fitz Nation merch Marc Montoya joins Fitz to talk about his recent battle with kidney cancer and how it put things in perspective for how he lives and coaches his team at Factory X.  Montoya is a respected MMA coach who owns Factory X Muay Thai in Denver, CO that has seen a major surge in UFC athletes over the last 6 years.  He helped Anthony Smith become a contender at light heavyweight and has a stable of strong UFC fighters like Dustin...

Fitz Nation on YouTube Fitz Nation on UFC Fight Pass Fitz Nation merch UFC flyweight Ode Osbourne joins Fitz to talk about his humble upbringing in Jamaica and why paying it forward to underprivileged youth is such an important thing for him.  Osbourne found his way to combat sports through wrestling. He hosts a podcast called Wah Gwaan which features inside stories with many UFC fighters.  Enjoy the episode!  Follow Fitz: Instagram TikTok Twitter