Former Bellator Bantamweight Champion and UFC Top 10 Flyweight Zack Makovsky joins Around the Octagon! We dive into his journey from D1 wrestling to fighting under the big lights in Bellator, UFC, and overseas promotions, plus his transition into coaching at 10th Planet Bethlehem and opening his own gym at 10th Planet Lansdale.

Zack shares behind-the-scenes stories about training with Eddie Alvarez, Firas Zahabi, and GSP, the evolution of MMA from NHB days to today, his thoughts on judging and rule changes, rising talent at his gym, and even his “case against heavyweights.”

Don’t miss this deep dive into the mind of a true veteran of the sport!

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0:00 – Intro & Zack Makovsky joins the show
0:47 – Wrestling beginnings & childhood martial arts influences
2:58 – Training with Eddie Alvarez & Philly Fight Factory days
5:36 – Bellator run & finding success with striking + wrestling blend
7:45 – Comparing Bellator, UFC & other promotions
9:34 – UFC debut story: 10 days’ notice vs. Scott Jorgensen
12:05 – Do the UFC lights really shine brighter?
14:11 – Stories from Tristar: Firas Zahabi & GSP (lion vs tiger debates)
15:58 – Fighting Joseph Benavidez & Tim Elliott, thoughts on Elliott today
18:46 – Transition into coaching & starting at 10th Planet Bethlehem
21:03 – Rising prospects to watch: Matt Santos, Artist Smith, Ray Santiago
23:27 – Cornering fighters vs. fighting yourself – nerves compared
25:02 – Fighter pay structure & problems with win/show money
26:47 – Biggest changes in MMA since Zack started competing
30:09 – Rule changes Zack would implement (judging, knees to grounded)
33:32 – Why more draws should exist in MMA scoring
34:23 – Writing on MMA: judging issues & loyalty in training
35:05 – “Case Against Heavyweights” (controversial article idea)
37:17 – Favorite fighters growing up (GSP, Lyoto Machida)
38:43 – MMA Mount Rushmore picks
40:21 – Final shoutouts & 10th Planet Lansdale