On this episode, I had the privilege of speaking to Tatiana Suarez who is the #3 ranked fighter in the UFC's Strawweight division. Tatiana boasts an undefeated professional record (9-0-0) and has an extremely inspirational story. She is recognised as someone who has the potential to be a future champion and I thoroughly enjoyed having a conversation about her journey so far. Timestamps for each segment are below:

 

(00:02:20)- Quarantine Life...What has Tatiana been up to?

(00:04:15)- Starting wrestling, preparing for the Olympics, being diagnosed with Cancer, starting MMA, joining the UFC

(00:14:32)- How did Tatiana deal with being diagnosed with Cancer and what was that period of her life like?

(00:22:10)- Winning The Ultimate Fighter

(00:27:32)- Injury update and why health is wealth!

(00:30:27)- Tatiana's love for Dogs (Funny Story)

(00:37:15)- What does Tatiana like doing outside of the octagon?

(00:38:16)- What does Tatiana think of her UFC 4 rating? Plus details of my giveaway!

(00:41:50)- Thoughts on fight Island/recent fights, Belal being the Twitter G.O.A.T and fighters that have impressed Tatiana recently

(00:51:10)- Tatiana's currrent Top 3 favourite fighters

(00:52:38)- What will Tatiana remember Daniel Cormier for and her thoughts on the match up between Stipe and DC

(00:59:13)- Which fights would be on Tatiana's dream UFC card?

(01:03:10)- Thoughts on Khabib vs Justin/Trash Talking/Mutual Respect

(01:07:40)- Tatiana's famous inspirational post fight interview after winning The Ultimate Fighter

 

Make sure you follow Tatiana on Twitter/Instagram (@tatianaufc/@tatianasuarezufc). Remember to also subscribe to my channel and follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@AbzTalks1).

On this episode, I was honoured to be joined by an MMA legend, Javier Mendez. 'Coach' Javier is the founder and head coach at one of the top MMA gyms in the world, American Kickboxing Academy (AKA). He is well known for coaching many MMA/UFC champions including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez, Luke Rockhold amongst many others. Timestamps for each segment are below:

 

(00:00:42)- Quarantine life and the social impacts of being in lockdown

(00:05:29)- How AKA has facilitated training sessions during the lockdown

(00:06:52)- What is coach watching on Netflix?

(00:10:45)- Javier Mendez tells us how he became a world champions kickboxer

(00:18:00)- The origin and evolution of AKA

(00:20:20)- The story of AKA's first UFC champion (Frank Shamrock) and what this moment felt like

(00:28:50)- AKA Thailand

(00:30:41)- THAT moment in their careers when Javier knew that Khabib, DC, Cain and Luke would become world champions

(00:41:00)- Javier pays tribute to Abdul Manap Nurmagomedov (Khabib's father) and tells us about the time he spent with him and what he learnt

(00:48:04)- Khabib's potential return and who does Javier think will be Khabib's toughest test?

(00:57:45)- Those 2 moments that Khabib was in 'trouble' during the Johnson and Poirier fights.

(01:01:40)- Khabib and Daniel Cormier's comical relationship

(01:02:15)- Why Daniel Cormier is a 'True' Champion and his legacy

(01:07:00)- Who are Javier's 3 favourite active fighters that he enjoys watching?

(01:07:40)- AKA upcoming fighters to watch out for

(01:09:00)- Thoughts on the UFC Welterweight situation and prediction for Whittaker vs Till

 

Make sure you follow Javier Mendez on Instagram (akajav). Remember to also subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@AbzTalks1).

On this episode, I had the privilege of speaking to Moroccan Fighter Youseff Zalal who currently has an undefeated record in the UFC. He shared his story of growing up in Morocco to how he got into the UFC. Although he is just 23 years old, Youseff's journey so far has been an intriguing one and the timestamps for each segment are below:

(00:01:25)- Mother’s influence and growing up in Morocco

(00:02:30)- Starting kickboxing classes with his sister at 10 years old.

(00:04:10)- First kickboxing fight in Morocco and moving to the United States for a better future

(00:06:50)- Father’s influence, joining American Top Team whilst in high school and having Bobby Lashley as his wrestling coach

(00:09:15)- First ever Jiu Jitsu class- one of the worst days of Zalal’s life

(00:15:20)- MMA Debut at 18 in the US, Joining Factory X and Amateur Career

(00:18:10)- Why Zalal no longer fights during Ramadhan, why going professional at 135 pounds was a mistake and LFA debut.

(00:24:00)- Going back to Morocco to see his family after 10 years

(00:26:30)- Flying Knee KO and then signing with the UFC.

(00:29:30)- Recap of Youseff’s first two fights in the UFC, PPV experience, Quarantine and Ramadhan.

(00:39:00)- Fighting with no crowd and what Dominic Cruz said to him after the fight before the judges decision.

(00:40:50)- Moving down to Bantamweight and Youseff’s Top 3 favourite fighters to watch

(00:43:25)- UFC 251 Predictions

(00:47:30)- Zalal’s one word thoughts on some Bantamweight/Featherweight contenders.

(00:50:10)- When does Zalal want to get back into the Octagon?

 

Make sure you follow him on Twitter/Instagram (@moroccandevil35/themoroccandevil). Remember to also subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@AbzTalks1).

On this episode, I had the privilege of speaking to Tyler Minton who is a highly regarded Sports Coach and Nutritionist. He has worked with over 200 athletes including the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier and Max Holloway. (Tyler was actually in Daniel Cormier's House while recording this conversation!) We had an eye opening conversation about various topics  including his career, nutrition, weight cutting and he also did a Q&A for us. Thank you to everyone who sent me questions! Timestamps for each segment are below:

 

(00:01:30) - Tyler Introduction

(00:02:35) - Journey So Far (From Being Bullied in School for Being Overweight and Having an Eating Disorder to Becoming a Fighter and One of the Best Nutrition Coaches)

(00:07:47) - Why Tyler Misses Fighting and Will He Return?

(00:10:24) - Training With Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier and Max Holloway

(00:15:05) - Differences Between Working For Lockhart & Leith and Working Independently 

(00:17:01) - Living With The Fighters and What Having Their Trust Means to Tyler

(00:20:53) - Does Tyler Work With Non Combat Sport Athletes?

(00:22:54) - Being on The Ultimate Fighter as a Contestant and also as a Coach

(00:25:31) - Family and Quarantine Life

(00:27:55) - Friendship with James Krause

(00:31:16) - Listener Questions and Answers! (Includes Favourite Fighters, Misconceptions, Nutrition, Weight Cutting, Training, and Much More)

(00:49:27) - Keeping Daniel Cormier Away From the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich!

(00:50:41) - Veganism, Hunting For Meat and Favourite Food

(00:54:39) - What A Typical Day Living With DC is Like

(00:56:06) - Favourite Part of Tyler's Job

(00:59:05) - Activities Outside of Work

(01:00:44) - Future Plans

 

Make sure you follow him on Twitter/Instagram (@TheMeleeWay/TylerMintonNutrition). Remember to also subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@AbzTalks1).

On this episode, I had the privilege of speaking to John Gooden who is a UFC Commentator and Analyst. We had a fantastic conversation about various topics and timestamps for each segment are below:

(00:01:17) - Quarantine Life

(00:07:00) - Contracting and Recovering From Covid-19

(00:09:50) - Vegan Lifestyle

(00:11:35) - John's Career (From Inside The City To Inside The Octagon)

(00:19:48) - Insight Into The Preparation For Commentary and Inside The Octagon

(00:30:18) - Upbringing, Family, Community, Hardships

(00:38:38) - Why John's Daughter is His Favourite Fighter

(00:48:25) - Top 3 Active UFC Fighters

(00:55:27) - UFC 249/Gaethje/Tony/Khabib

(01:02:14) - Henry Cejudo

(01:05:03) - John's Mentoring Programme/Project

(01:08:16) - Arsenal Football Club/Arteta

(01:11:49) - Arsenal Team of the Decade (Sort Of!)

(01:19:16) - John's Future Projects

Make sure you go and check out his content on Youtube (John Gooden) and follow him on Twitter/Instagram (@JohnGoodenUK). Remember to also subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@AbzTalks1).

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking to Salah Khalifa who is a 3 time Muay Thai World Champion. In Part 2, we discussed how Salah manages to juggle being a Fireman, a Fighter and a Family man! We also talk about how Ramadan is going, weight cutting, being a foodie, having burgers named after him in multiple restaurants, crime in the UK, his current projects (ThaiFit/HealthHub), his future plans and the legacy he wishes to leave behind. Make sure you follow him on Instagram (sal_healthhub) and remember to subscribe to my Youtube channel (AbzTalks)! Follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@AbzTalks1).

On this Episode of Abz Talks, alongside my Co-Host, I am also joined by a couple of mates to recap UFC 249 which was a fantastic returning card delivered by Uncle Dana! We discuss one of the best title performances in history from Justin Gaethje, Tony's future, the Greatness of Henry Cejudo, being disappointed with Cruz and the power of Francis Ngannou. We also talk about whether Cejudo is really retiring, Calvin's hellbows, the future for Cowboy/Pettis and much more! We look ahead to the next 2 cards which are happening in the same week and talk about which fights we are mostly looking forward to. Remember to follow @AbzTalks1 on social media and subscribe to our Youtube Channel (AbzTalks).

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking to Salah Khalifa who is a 3 time Muay Thai World Champion. In part 1, we discussed how heartbreak at such a young age played a pivotal part in him starting Muay Thai, Ong-Back/The Raid, Living and Fighting in Thailand, Championship Mindset, Depression and Social Media. Make sure you follow him on Instagram (sal_healthhub) and keep your eyes peeled for Part 2! Remember to also subscribe to my Youtube channel (AbzTalks) and follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@AbzTalks1).

On this episode, I had the privilege of speaking to James Lynch who is regarded as one of the best MMA Journalists in the industry. We discussed James's career, quarantine life, picks for UFC 249, social media culture, Khabib, James' 3 favourite fighters and much much more. Make sure you go and check out his content on Youtube (theScoreMMA/James Lynch) and follow him on Twitter (@LynchOnSports). Remember to also subscribe to my Youtube channel (AbzTalks) and follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@AbzTalks1).

On this episode of Abz Talks, we talk about a variety of topics including the future plans for this Podcast, Quarantine/Isolation, Studying and Working from Home, Ramadhan, Gary Neville's 'Footy Island' suggestion and Dana's Fight Island! We also look ahead to what promises to be an amazing fight card at UFC 249. Timestamps for the episode can be found below and make sure you follow @AbzTalks1 on Twitter and Instagram!

(00:00:00) - Intro and Future Plans 

(00:03:50) - Reflections on Quarantine (Family, Studying, Working, Fasting)

(00:14:23) - Footy Island

(00:19:42) - UFC Recap and Fight Island

(00:24:58) - UFC 249

(00:38:42) - Final Thoughts