Fitz and a Fighter

Text me a question for the show

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 importance of self-sustainability and the rebellious spirit it represents.

Moving on to the crossroads of Bryce's fighting career and his faith, prepare to be inspired as Bryce opens about his unwavering passion for the sport and his mission in mixed martial arts. The faith he holds in God is unshakeable and plays a significant role in his fighting career, even if his prayer warrior mother disapproves. Hear all about his respect for Dan Ige and the love for Hawaii.  This episode is a testament to Bryce's strength, determination, and faith... can't wait for you to listen!

Follow Fitz:
Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show

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 that forced him to decline a fight offer also crops up.

Delve deeper into Dracis's future fight plans and the navigational challenges he faces within the labyrinth of mixed martial arts. We unravel the intricate balance between personal dreams and the demanding needs of the promotion. Hear how Dricus manages to embrace tough decisions while keeping his passion aflame. His readiness to take on grueling fights and his relentless pursuit of the UFC world champion title also form a crucial part of our conversation.

Finally, we talk about the possibilities of Israel Adesanya's rematch with Strickland and the factors that could sway the balance. Dana White's surprise at the suggestion of a rematch piques my interest and the implications for the sport. 

Follow Fitz:
Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show

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 lives of those around him.

Have you ever wondered how the primal call to serve draws men into the military? Daniel shares his perspective on this intriguing aspect, pointing out the transformative power of service and the lessons he learned during challenging times. We analyzed the complex psychological effects of war on soldiers and linked how the discipline and control learned in martial arts could serve as a healing tool. We explored how leadership, self-reflection, and martial arts can foster healthier relationships and organizations.

Finally, we cut through the noise of our instant-gratification society, to explore the benefits of minimalism, humility, and calmness. Daniel shared his wisdom on how these qualities, which he learned from military leaders and martial arts, can act as a counterforce to the constant pressures of modern life. Join us for this deep dive into a fascinating world of grit, resilience, and personal growth. Don't miss out on this unique blend of life lessons, martial arts, and mental health discussion.

Follow Fitz:
Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show

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 he's focused on right now.

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

Follow Fitz:
Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show

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 started on their own path to maybe calling UFC fights one day.

I then go into topics about figuring out the intersection of social media use and overall performance... and what I have learned recently about discipline.

Follow Fitz:
Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show

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 always connect when discussing the passion for self improvement and what it takes to put focus on what you really want while letting distractions fall away.

But, there's also the micro-analyzing that can be harmful.  It's about finding that line... that flow state where you're challenging yourself but not driving yourself crazy.

Hope you enjoy this episode!

Follow Fitz:
Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show

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 the champ or among the greats if you never crack the rankings.

And to get there?  Sometimes less is more.  We talk about his back story a bit, the discipline he is trying to employ, and the over-training in the past that he is constantly trying to get a handle on so he can be his best.

Follow Fitz:
Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show

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 Moreno's recent epic fight at UFC 290 for the flyweight title.  We then shift to finding the right life perspective including embracing the long journey it takes to success and the fact that once you "arrive", you should still always look for something to learn and grow at.

Follow Fitz:
Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show

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 Quarantillo is looking to bounce back at UFC Nashville in August when he takes on Damon Jackson.  Adrian Yanez last fought in April and looks to return later this summer.

Enjoy this fun chat with some of my favorites!

Follow Fitz:
Instagram     TikTok

Text me a question for the show

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 has finished 4 of his 5 UFC wins, including a big win in Las Vegas over Derek Brunson his last time out.

In this episode, we talk about the feeling he gets when it's time to fight, the habits that have made him a championship contender, and chasing the near impossible task of being known as the greatest of all time.

Follow Fitz:
Instagram     TikTok