"I ain't never seen more than five figures in my bank account... I was fighting out of debt." UFC standout Charles Johnson joins the table for a high-energy conversation about the "Backbreakers" that defined his path to the Octagon.

From being a homeless student-athlete living in a parking garage to becoming an LFA champion and a UFC veteran, Charles discusses the physical and emotional toll of the fight game—including his 11 fights in three years and the reality of providing for his family.

In this episode, we discuss:

• St. Louis Grit: Growing up in a "dog-eat-dog" culture and the moment a track scholarship loss forced him to find his true identity.

• The Track Legend: Being a two-time AAU national champion and how the endurance of 3,000-meter races prepared him for five-round wars.

• Thailand Realignment: Living on $50 a month in Phuket to master Muay Thai and find his spiritual balance.

• The "InnerG" Mentality: Why Charles believes prayer, positivity, and perseverance are the three Ps of success—and how they keep him fighting through "numb legs" and injuries.

• Anime & Influence: Why Rock Lee and Zoro are his ultimate inspirations and how the "Shawn Michaels" vibe fuels his fan-favorite performances.

The Bite: Authentic Thai Larb Gai and sticky rice at Sticky Rice in Orlando.

Follow Charles Johnson:Instagram: @InnerG_MMA

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