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In this episode of Fight Capital, host Ryan Rapaport sits down with Mike Di Donato, COO of Skill Trades College of Canada, to explore the unlikely but powerful connection between combat sports and vocational training.
Mike shares how STC’s groundbreaking partnership with the UFC is reshaping perceptions around skilled trades and helping young professionals—especially women—break into traditionally male-dominated industries. From the impact of UFC 297 to the upcoming UFC 315 in Montreal, hear how STC is using fight night buzz, athletes like Mike Malott and Jasmine Jasudavicius, and initiatives like the Building Champions Scholarship to inspire the next generation.
🔥 If you care about career empowerment, combat sports marketing, or just love seeing creative brand partnerships done right, this episode delivers.
Chapters:
0:00 - Training for Your Future: UFC and Skilled Trades
1:05 - Guest Introduction: Mike DiDonato from STC
2:07 - Mike’s Career Journey and STC Background
3:30 - STC’s Expansion Plans in Canada and the U.S.
4:09 - Why UFC? Targeting Young Audiences with Combat Sports
5:41 - STC’s First UFC Sponsorship Experience at UFC 297
7:34 - Building Championship Scholarship: Social Impact
9:02 - UFC Partnership Impact on STC’s Brand Perception
10:20 - Activations for UFC 315 and Supporting Canadian Athletes
13:29 - Why STC Renewed the UFC Partnership
16:27 - Dana White’s Construction Background and Respect for Trades
16:51 - What’s Next for STC and UFC: Scholarships & U.S. Expansion
Links:
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LinkedIn:
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X:
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Substack:
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Join host Ryan Rapaport in this action-packed episode featuring rising MMA star Sean “The Winter Soldier” Magnus. From his wrestling roots in Alaska to dominating the amateur circuit with a 5-0 record, Sean shares his journey to 10th Planet Austin, training under elite coaches, and working at Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership. He breaks down his transition from wrestling to MMA, the challenges of weight cutting, and how he’s building his skills to go pro. Don’t miss this deep dive into the grind, discipline, and mindset behind an undefeated fighter! 🥊💥
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro & Wrestling Background
0:48 - Welcome to Fight Capital
1:07 - Introducing Sean "The Winter Soldier" Magnus
1:47 - Moving from Alaska to Texas for MMA
3:05 - Working at Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership
6:07 - Wrestling & Jiu-Jitsu Integration in MMA
9:21 - Training at 10th Planet Austin & Wrestling Influence
12:42 - Challenges of Weight Cutting & Future Strategy
16:02 - Social Media & Sponsorship Strategy
18:44 - Future Plans & Transition to Pro MMA
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👍 Like, Comment, and Share if you’re inspired by the champion mindset!
Links:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fightcapitalglobal/
Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fight-capital/id1695036160
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5j2Qw9q6kR6OONh3DreWfY?si=1e79212f579b48c9&nd=1&dlsi=fb6b8b2bfe6f44c6
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7063133503596462080/?displayConfirmation=true
X:https://x.com/fightcapSubstack:https://fightcapital.substack.com/
Join host Ryan Rapaport in this electrifying episode featuring Karate Combat Bantamweight Champion Arturo “Makako” Vergara. Hear how his relentless work ethic, journey from Chile, and training insights (including his time at the UFC Performance Institute) have forged a true champion mindset. Plus, get inspired by his drive to uplift Latin American fighters and immigrants.In just over 13 minutes, Arturo shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming the face of Karate Combat. Discover how every setback fueled his determination and how his platform is now making waves in the combat sports community.
👉 Subscribe to Fight Capital for more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes action in combat sports!
Links:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fightcapitalglobal/Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fight-capital/id1695036160Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5j2Qw9q6kR6OONh3DreWfY?si=9b0edd17760e431fLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7063133503596462080/?displayConfirmation=trueX:https://x.com/fightcapSubstack:https://fightcapital.substack.com/
In this episode of Fight Capital, Ryan Rapaport sits down with Harley Hermanson, an MMA fighter and Web3 innovator competing in the @KarateCombat Influencer Fight Club (IFC). Harley shares how he went from training alongside his kids to securing a first-round TKO and becoming one of IFC’s rising stars. Beyond fighting, he’s using blockchain technology to create real-world impact through Fight for Impact, an initiative supporting charitable causes through combat sports.Follow Harley Hermanson @gl0geta on all platformsInstagramX.comTakeaways・Harley started training in karate as a kid and returned to martial arts through his children.・He secured the fastest knockout in IFC history at 35 seconds.・Karate Combat’s entertainment-focused approach makes it one of the most unique fight promotions.・Web3 and blockchain technology are creating new ways for athletes to engage with fans and monetize their careers.・Harley is the founder of Fight for Impact, using crypto donations to support St. Jude’s and other causes.・He sees Karate Combat and IFC as his long-term future in combat sports.・Harley believes Web3 will revolutionize athlete sponsorships, community engagement, and financial independence.・His ultimate goal is to become an IFC champion while inspiring other fighters to give back.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Harley Hermansen and His MMA Journey01:29 Training with His Kids and Returning to Combat Sports03:15 Joining Karate Combat’s Influencer Fight Club (IFC)05:20 Securing the Fastest KO in IFC History06:02 Why Karate Combat is the Future of Fight Entertainment07:28 Harley’s Role in Web3 and Blockchain for Sports09:50 Fight for Impact: Supporting Charities Through Combat Sports12:07 How Web3 Can Revolutionize Athlete Sponsorships13:29 Harley’s Long-Term Goals in IFC and Combat Sports15:51 Final Thoughts and Shoutouts to Sponsors🔥 Watch the full interview to see how Harley Hermansen is shaping the future of combat sports and blockchain innovation!
HOW AM I DOING? Please Like, Subscribe, and Comment below. Fight Capital is now available on all of these platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
@FightCapitalGlobal on Youtube
Fight Capital on LinkedIn
@fightcap on X
Subscribe for free on Substack
@fightcapitalglobal on Instagram
Sign up for your favorite platforms to get a first look at content as I embark on a journey into the world of combat sports and its thriving business.
#CombatSports #ufc #sports #business #podcast #KarateCombat #mma
Ryan Rapaport interviews Eric Peña, a performance nutrition coach specializing in combat sports. They discuss Eric's journey into nutrition, the importance of tailored nutrition plans for athletes, safe weight cutting strategies, hydration's role in performance, and the challenges of running a nutrition coaching business. Eric emphasizes the need for understanding individual athlete demands and shares insights on how to measure success beyond just making weight. He also offers advice for aspiring nutrition coaches and provides ways for athletes to connect with him for personalized nutrition guidance.
Follow Eric on Instagram @pena.performance
Takeaways
・Eric Peña's journey into performance nutrition began with wrestling.
・Tailoring nutrition plans is crucial for each athlete's unique needs.
・Weight cutting should be approached with safety and preparation in mind.
・Hydration plays a significant role in athletic performance.
・Staying updated with nutrition research is essential for effective coaching.
・Balancing business demands with personalized attention is challenging but necessary.
・Marketing nutrition services requires timing and understanding athlete needs.
・Success in nutrition coaching is measured by long-term lifestyle changes.
・Understanding the mental and physical demands of athletes is key for coaches.
・Aspiring nutrition coaches should focus on listening and understanding their clients.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Performance Nutrition in Combat Sports
02:11 Tailoring Nutrition Plans for Athletes
04:30 Safe Weight Cutting Strategies
06:45 The Importance of Hydration
07:56 Staying Updated with Nutrition Research
08:52 Balancing Business and Personalized Attention
10:07 Marketing Challenges in Nutrition Coaching
10:14 Measuring Success Beyond Weight
12:02 Advice for Aspiring Nutrition Coaches
14:19 Connecting with Eric
HOW AM I DOING?Please Like, Subscribe, and Comment below.Fight Capital is now available on all of these platforms:Apple Podcasts
Spotify
@FightCapitalGlobal on Youtube Fight Capital on LinkedIn
@fightcap on X
Subscribe for free on Substack
@fightcapitalglobal on InstagramSign up for your favorite platforms to get a first look at content as I embark on a journey into the world of combat sports and its thriving business. #CombatSports #ufc #sports #business #podcast #weightcutting #mma
In this episode of Fight Capital, Ryan Rapaport sits down with Tim Malik, CEO and co-founder of Combat IQ, the AI-powered analytics company revolutionizing fight data. Coming from a background in pro football scouting, Tim saw a massive gap in combat sports analytics and set out to bring NFL and NBA-style data insights to MMA and boxing. Now, Combat IQ is powering real-time stats for the UFC and leading innovation in betting analytics, fan engagement, and fighter performance.
HOW AM I DOING?
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@fightcap on X
Subscribe for free on Substack
@fightcapitalglobal on Instagram
In this episode of Fight Capital, Ryan Rapaport sits down with Luis Melendez, an undefeated Karate Combat fighter with a background in Taekwondo and Karate from Puerto Rico. Luis shares his journey from balancing a full-time career as an electrical engineer to becoming one of the most exciting fighters in the pit. We discuss his viral moments, the business of being a fighter, and how @KarateCombat is changing the game for strikers.
HOW AM I DOING?
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@fightcap on X
Subscribe for free on Substack
@fightcapitalglobal on Instagram
In this powerful conversation, Ryan Rapaport sits down with Shahzaib Rind, the first Pakistani world champion hailing from @KarateCombat. From his early days training in Wushu Sandha to making history on the global stage, Shahzaib shares his inspiring journey, the pressure of carrying a nation’s hopes, and his relentless mindset heading into his title defense at KC 52. He also dives into his move to GOAT Shed Miami, the importance of aggressive fighting, and his mission to open doors for future Pakistani fighters.
YouTube:@Shahzaibrindh
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In this episode of Fight Capital, host Ryan Rapaport interviews Edgars "The Bear Slayer'" Skrivers, a seasoned professional athlete and founder of Skrivers MMA. They discuss Edgars' journey in combat sports, the influence of traditional martial arts, the role of faith in his life, and the integration of physiotherapy into his training. Edgars shares insights into his training camps, the importance of clinch work, and the evolution of Karate Combat as a sport. He emphasizes his champion mindset and acknowledges the support of his sponsors.
Follow Edgars on all platforms @SkriversMMA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skriversmma
On Youtube: @skriversmma
LinkTree for Tutorials
Takeaways
・ Edgars started training Shotokan karate at the age of six.
・ His nickname 'The Bear Slayer' symbolizes Latvian resistance and freedom.
・ Faith plays a crucial role in Edgars' life and training.
・ Understanding physiotherapy helps in injury prevention.
・ Training camps involve a year-round commitment to fitness and skill.
・ Clinch work is essential in karate and overall fighting strategy.
・ Karate Combat is evolving and attracting diverse martial artists.
・ Edgars believes he is still the champion despite past fights.
・ Support from sponsors is vital for his career.
・ UAE is a safe and growing place for living and investing.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Edgars 'The Bear Slayer' Screavers
01:28 The Journey into Karate and Early Influences
03:24 The Significance of Traditional Martial Arts
04:37 Faith and Its Role in Training
05:54 Integrating Physiotherapy into Training
07:24 Training Camp Dynamics
09:17 The Importance of Clinch Work
10:52 Evolution of Karate Combat
12:03 The Mindset of a Champion
13:41 Supporters and Sponsors
HOW AM I DOING?
Spotify
@FightCapitalGlobal on Youtube
@fightcap on X
Subscribe for free on Substack
@fightcapitalglobal on Instagram
In this inspiring conversation, Ryan Rapaport sits down with UFC athlete Ode' Osbourne to explore his incredible journey from college wrestling to MMA stardom. Ode' shares how his immigrant background, the mentorship of his first coach, and his passion for teaching have shaped his career. From stepping up on short notice in the UFC to leveraging LinkedIn as a platform for networking and growth, Ode’s story is packed with valuable insights for athletes and dreamers alike.
HOW AM I DOING?
Spotify
@FightCapitalGlobal on Youtube
@fightcap on X
Subscribe for free on Substack
@fightcapitalglobal on Instagram
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