Episode 87: From teacher, to UFC fighter, to entrepreneur, with Rich Franklin [PODCAST]

Every one of us has a fighter inside. That’s what UFC fighter Rich Franklin has to say about his career as a fighter and how it’s impacted the way he sees people in general. On this episode you’re going to hear a very interesting conversation with this guy who was once a high school teacher turned UFC champion, and now is working as a motivational speaker and global businessman. It’s UFC champion Rich Franklin, on this episode of Crank It Up.

Teaching in high school and fighting on the weekends.

When Rich Franklin was still teaching high school he was already getting into the fighting scene. He was very skilled at karate and began taking bouts on the weekends. It wasn’t unusual for him to come into class with black eyes, swollen cheeks, or even on crutches. It was quite a sight for his students, can’t you imagine it? But when Rich began to climb the ranks of the fighting profession, he stops teaching it began to train full time. The rest is history. UFC champion Rich Franklin is David’s guest on this edition of Crank It Up!

I forgot to enjoy the journey so winning the championship was a bit of a letdown.

Most of us imagine winning a championship of any kind as a glorious moment when all of our dreams have come true. Well that is true, it wasn’t exactly that moment of glory for Rich Franklin. When he became UFC champion he has it was sort of a let down because he had forgotten to enjoy the journey. Every moment had been about training. Every day was about getting to his goal. It was a long hard drudgery that took him to the championship, and looking back he wishes he had taken time to enjoy himself during the process. On this episode of Crank It Up you will hear Rich describe what it was like to become UFC champion and what is life now is like after his retirement.

A devastating loss.

Rich Franklin is one of the most celebrated UFC champions who has ever owned the title. His rise to the top in his time as champion or definitely one of the most exciting stories in sporting history. However, his defeat in the first round to lose the championship what’s one of the most devastating things he had ever experienced. Looking back, Rich says that he was a bit too cocky and did not take his training or opponents seriously enough. It was a great lesson for him which he has pivoted into a TED talk and a series of speeches about what it means to be a good loser. You can hear richest thoughts on the subject on this episode.

Winning and losing is dictated by your perspective.

Some of us know what it is like to win, and most of us know what it is like to lose. Losing can be a very hard thing, especially for those who are ultra competitive. Rich Franklin has learned lessons about loss the hard way, losing his championship in the UFC during the first round. he’s taken those hard lessons learned and the perspective that it has given him and become a motivational speaker and businessman who helps others deal with loss and winning with the right perspective. You can hear rich share his insights on this episode.

Outline of this great episode

[0:48] David’s introduction and welcome to you and his guest, Rich Franklin.

[1:37] David’s views on the UFC and how Rich became a UFC fighter.

[3:23] Teaching in a High School and fighting at the same time.

[4:18] Why non-fight fans should stick around for this podcast episode.

[4:40] The decision to become a UFC fighter full time.

[6:57] Rich’s experience and drive in business.

[11:04] How Rich came to learn more than one martial art.

[13:10] The process Rich followed going into a fight.

[18:12] The experience of winning so quickly.

[22:34] What it’s like to be the ultimate champion: it was a letdown.

[25:19] Rich’s advice to young fighters about enjoying the journey.

[28:54] The lessons about loss that Rich has learned.