🎙️ Go With Your Palate: Elijah & Gilbert Smith | Legacy, Grit & the Fight Beyond the Cage

This week, we’re joined by one of the rarest and most compelling duos in the UFC: Elijah Smith and his father, Gilbert Smith—former UFC fighter turned coach, mentor, and cornerstone of his son’s rise. It’s a raw, honest conversation about legacy, pressure, and what it really takes to build a career in the fight game from the inside out.

Elijah takes us inside the moment that changed everything—his now-viral slam knockout over Toshiomi Kazama—breaking down what flipped mentally when instinct, preparation, and opportunity collided. Gilbert shares what it’s like watching your son step into danger, trusting the foundation you helped build, and balancing the roles of father, coach, and protector.

We go deep on the behind-the-scenes realities of the UFC: the grind, the business, the sacrifices, and the lessons you don’t learn until you’re living it. From fight IQ and longevity to finances, branding, and mental recovery, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to pursue greatness in one of the toughest professions on earth.

We also explore Elijah’s creative side beyond the cage, including his work as a musician under Shakur da Bag, where discipline, rhythm, and storytelling collide in a completely different arena. And because this is Go With Your Palate, there are plenty of laughs woven into the grit—including a moment where Gilbert is lightly challenged and decides to remind everyone he’s still got moves. We’ll let you discover how that plays out.

It’s candid, powerful, and deeply human—a story about family, belief, and carving your own path while honoring the one that came before you. Grab a glass, hit play, and experience one of our most genuine conversations yet. 🍷🥊🔥