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<h3>The Secret Ingredient of Successful Fighters: Developing a Sense of Urgency</h3>What's up, guys? Today, we're getting into a topic that a lot of people overlook, but it's one of the main things that separates top fighters from the pack. I want to talk about the sense of urgency—and honestly, it’s not just about fighting. If you’re trying to get ahead in anything in life, keep reading, because this is a game-changer.<h3>What Is a Sense of Urgency?</h3>You hear a lot about hard work, discipline, and talent in fighting. But today, I want to break down something different—the thing that sets apart the guys actually going places. It's not flashy, and a lot of people don't talk about it. But the fighters who make it? They all have it: a sense of urgency.<blockquote>"A sense of urgency means you treat practice, training, and self-improvement like they’re life and death. There’s no just coasting."</blockquote>A sense of urgency is that fire in your belly, the thing that gets you pissed when you miss a practice, even if nobody notices but you. It’s what pushes you to sprint to the gym when you’re running late. It’s the itch that keeps you up at night thinking, “Am I doing enough?”<h3>Why Do Successful Fighters Have It?</h3>First off, you need to understand—nobody makes it to the top by accident. It’s never just luck, or even just talent. The ones at the top, the ones in the UFC or killing it in business, got there because they push harder, every day. So, why do successful fighters all seem to have this sense of urgency?<ul><li>Belief in themselves: If you really believe you’re going somewhere, you treat every rep, every drill, every minute in the gym like it matters. Because you know it does. </li><li>No Plan B: The gym isn’t just part of their schedule; their whole life is built around getting better. Practice comes first—everything else is second. </li><li>Continuous improvement: They know someone out there is working to be better than them. That’s enough to keep them moving.</li></ul><blockquote>"You need to be mad if you miss practice. It means you care. If you don’t care, you’re probably not going anywhere anyway."</blockquote><h3>What Does a Sense of Urgency Look Like in Training?</h3>Let’s get specific. Here’s how it shows in day-to-day training:1. Never missing practiceIf you do, you’re not happy about it—and you make up for it. 2. Harder, smarter trainingThese fighters don’t walk into the gym late, and if they do, they’re running, apologizing, and getting down to work immediately. It’s about respect—for your coach, your teammates, and especially yourself.3. Getting more repsIf someone else is getting ahead of them—getting more reps, putting in more effort—they notice, and it lights a fire under them to never let it happen again.4. Setting life around practiceTheir life is planned around their training schedule. Not the other way around. <h3>Why Does It Matter If You Miss Practice?</h3>Let me tell you, when I was coming up, missing practice made me feel awful. Not just because of missing the workout—but because someone, somewhere, was getting better than me while I was slacking. That’s what urgency feels like. If missing a session doesn’t bother you, you need to ask yourself: How bad do I really want this?<ul><li>Missing practice = someone else gets a step ahead. </li><li>Late to the gym = you short yourself reps, experience, and progress. </li><li>Blowing off a session = you’re saying “it’s not that important.”</li></ul><blockquote>"If you miss practice and you're not mad about it... it's highly unlikely you're going far anyway."</blockquote><h3>Real Fighters, Real Stories</h3>It's not just me. I've known and worked with a lot of fighters who reached the very top—guys who made it to the UFC, who stayed at a high level for years. Every single one of them? They had urgency. <h3>Sodiq Yusuff: The Definition of Urgency</h3>Let me talk about Sodiq Yusuff for a minute. I trained with Sodiq Yusuff off and on for about eight years. He's like a brother to me. And you know what? The guy never missed practice. Not once. Sodiq had his life structured around training. That urgent attitude? It didn't just get him to the UFC—it kept him there.Multiply That By 10I've trained and coached a bunch of guys who made it. The pattern is the same:<ul><li>Never missing practice </li><li>Making up lost ground when they fall behind </li><li>Letting nothing get in the way of the grind</li></ul>It’s not about being a natural. It’s about never letting opportunities slip by.<h3>Life Beyond the Gym: Sense of Urgency in Business and More</h3>This isn’t just about fighting. I coach a guy named Paul Wiggins, former NFL player, super successful businessman. He didn’t even make the bulk of his money in the NFL—he did it with multiple businesses after. You know what Paul told me? He said the exact same thing: Every person he knows who made it to the top—did it with a sense of urgency.<blockquote>"Everything successful people do—they do fast, with purpose, knowing there’s no Plan B."</blockquote>Whether it’s getting your degree, building a business, or just trying to be great at something, urgency matters.People who become successful:<ul><li>Are never casual about practice/study/work </li><li>Feel pressure (in a good way) to always improve </li><li>Don’t waste time—because they know time wasted is ground lost</li></ul><h3>Calling Out Common Excuses</h3>Let’s be real. There are plenty of ways people try to justify taking it slow. Here’s the truth:Excuse 1: “I’ll make it up later.”That’s like telling yourself you’ll get serious next year. The present is the only time you’ve got.Excuse 2: “Nobody noticed if I was late.”You noticed. That’s enough. The person you have to answer to is the one in the mirror.Excuse 3: “I’m just tired.”So is everyone at the top. But they show up anyway.The Big TakeawayIf you’re just strolling into practice ten minutes late, acting like it doesn’t matter, you’re wrong. See how mad you get when you think you’re falling behind? That’s the urgency winners have.<h3>How to Build and Keep Your Sense of Urgency</h3>Some people are born with this, but truth? Anyone can build it. Here are steps that work in fighting, business, or wherever you want to go:1. Start with BeliefYou have to believe you’re meant for more. If you don’t, urgency is hard to come by. Set a big goal.2. Build Your Schedule Around TrainingDon’t fit practice in where it’s convenient. Make everything else fit around your core mission.3. Hold Yourself to Higher StandardsGet mad when you fall short. Not in a self-hating way—but to spark you to do better next time.4. Track Your Progress—HonestlyDid you show up late? Did someone get more reps than you? Be honest, hold yourself accountable, and take action.5. Find a Circle That Pushes YouTrain with people who have that fire, who get pissed when they’re not first. That stuff rubs off.6. Make Up Lost GroundMissed a day? Come in early next session. Stay later. Don’t forget to do the work you missed.<h3>Advice for New Fighters (and Anyone Chasing Success)</h3>If you’re just getting started—maybe even just looking for a gym or thinking about martial arts—here’s what I want you to know. The earlier you really get this sense of urgency, the further you’re going to go, and the less regret you’ll have. Get Real With Yourself<ul><li>Are you okay skipping practice? </li><li>Are you relieved when practice gets canceled, or does it annoy you? </li><li>Are you showing up early? Are you fired up, or just “there”?</li></ul>If this stuff doesn’t matter to you right now, that’s fine. But if you really want to do something special—start now. Practical Steps for New Fighters<ul><li>Find a gym: If you need to know how to pick a solid school and instructor, check out "<a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/bowQM9K" href="https://a.co/d/bowQM9K" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Martial Arts School and Instructor</a>". </li><li>Talk to your coach: Ask them how they set their schedule, how much urgency they expect. </li><li>Track your attendance: Literally count days. Visual reminders help. </li><li>Reward yourself for consistency: Show yourself that the little steps pay off.</li></ul><blockquote>"Have a sense of urgency—don’t come late, don’t miss practice. If you do, make it up. That’s what separates the ones who make it from the ones who don’t."</blockquote><h3>Conclusion: Make Urgency Part of Who You Are</h3>Let’s wrap it up: If you want to get somewhere in fighting—or in anything big—success isn’t just about talent or skill. Everyone at the top had a sense of urgency.<ul><li>They showed up, every day, almost obsessed. </li><li>They got mad when they fell behind. </li><li>They built their lives around training, not the other way around.</li></ul>And—the truth is, if you don’t care about missing out, about letting yourself down, it’s probably not going to happen for you. But if you do—if you get a little mad, a little fired up—use that. That’s urgency, and it’s not “extra.” It’s the main ingredient.<figure id="figure-rbv8f0f8osmlk4qc7m"><iframe id="rbv8f0f8osmlk4qc7m" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/djVfsKkYUKo" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/djVfsKkYUKo?si=tFqMymiBckO1fugj" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/djVfsKkYUKo" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

The Secret Ingredient of Successful Fighters: Developing a Sense of Urgency

<h3>The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Boxing Right for MMA</h3>Hey guys! Today we're diving into a super important topic for anyone training MMA: how to get your boxing on point for the cage. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to level-up and not get cracked with a four-ounce glove, you probably already know—boxing is everything in MMA. That’s because those little gloves don’t forgive mistakes, especially sloppy defense. In this detailed guide, I’ll share tips and hard lessons learned from years in top MMA gyms—stuff I wish I’d known earlier. You’ll get straight talk about developing technique, fixing bad habits, sparring smart, why defense matters way more in MMA, and what to really look for in a coach. I’ll also throw in drills, examples, and visuals to drive the advice home. Let’s get into it!<h3>Why Boxing is Crucial for MMA</h3>Let’s start with the basics: why is boxing so important in MMA? Simply put:<ul><li>MMA gloves are tiny compared to boxing gloves, so shots get through easier </li><li>Defensive mistakes hurt way more. One clean punch can end your night </li><li>Boxing skills mix with wrestling, grappling, and kicking—so you need to be airtight</li></ul>If your boxing sucks, you’ll have a tough time in the cage. If your defense sucks, you won’t last.<blockquote>“One of the most important things in MMA is getting your boxing right—because of those little gloves. If your defense isn’t on point, you’re probably going to get caught.”</blockquote><h3>The Big Problem: Lack of Defense</h3>I’m not going to sugarcoat it: my biggest regret in my own career was not getting my defense dialed in early. How It HappensYou see it all the time. Someone’s a natural. They rely on athleticism, they win fights, maybe even make it to the UFC or make waves regionally. But then they hit a wall with top ten fighters. They get hit, can’t adjust, and it comes down to one thing—a lack of basic boxing defense. A lot of times, it’s not just the fighter’s fault. Maybe you have a coach that’s all about toughness, or all about offense, but doesn’t show you the “boring” defensive fundamentals. That was me: my first coach never really taught defense. I fought through on instinct and athleticism, until I couldn’t anymore.<blockquote>“Defense is the big one. Trust me. It doesn’t matter how tough you are—without defense, you’ll pay for it at the highest levels.”</blockquote><h3>Mastering the Basics: Technique Over Everything</h3>Let’s get technical. Those first two years of your striking game? Absolutely crucial. Building Solid Foundations You might think, “yeah, but I want flashy combos and knockouts.” Forget all that for now. If you don’t have clean technique during your early training, you’ll spend twice as long later on fixing bad habits. Here’s what matters most:<ul><li>Keep your hands up. </li><li>Chin tucked. </li><li>Move your head off the center line (get used to slipping and rolling). </li><li>Footwork—stay balanced and mobile. </li><li>Repetition: Pick 10 to 15 core moves and drill them over and over.</li></ul>A huge tip: even if your dream is MMA, spend time learning basic boxing. Nothing replaces basic fundamentals, not even wild power or toughness.<blockquote>“You gotta focus on technique. Hands up, chin tucked, movement, footwork, and just drilling those basics.”</blockquote>Consider Amateur Boxing MatchesIf you’re new to the fight game, consider doing amateur boxing before jumping into MMA. Why? Because you’ll get real experience, learn the rhythm, and get used to pressure. And you’ll be so much more prepared when kicks and takedowns come into play in MMA. Visualization of fundamental boxing stance—hands high, chin tucked, balanced footwork<h3>Training the Right Way: Drills, Drills, Drills</h3>There’s a saying: practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. What I mean is, you gotta rep the right stuff the right way. Essential Boxing Drills for MMA Here are a few drills to hammer home good habits:Shadowboxing with Intent<ul><li>Don’t just flail your arms. Visualize your opponent. Work head movement, footwork, and defense every round.</li></ul>Partner Defense Drills<ul><li>Start slow. Partner jabs, you slip and counter. Partner throws a combo, you cover up or roll under.</li></ul>Heavy Bag—With a Twist<ul><li>Between every combo, force yourself to move your feet, or roll under, or block/slip. Bag work shouldn’t be just blasting with your head on a line.</li></ul>Pad Rounds Focused on Defense<ul><li>Mix defense into your padwork: after every combo, make your pad holder “touch” you with a mitt, and you have to block, slip, or step out.</li></ul>Consistency Is KeyIt isn’t sexy. But do these over and over, with good form, and you build automatic defense that will save your chin in a fight.<h3>Adapting Boxing for MMA: It’s All About Range</h3>One thing you might not realize until you get in there: boxing in MMA is nothing like pure boxing, or even kickboxing. Why It’s Different<ul><li>The range in MMA feels different—everyone’s worried about kicks, takedowns, and those tiny gloves. </li><li>In boxing (with big gloves), people stand closer and trade more. With 4-ounce gloves, you cannot just stand and bang.</li></ul>Kickboxing Range vs. Boxing Range<ul><li>Kickboxing range = opponents stand farther apart, worried about kicks and knees. </li><li>Boxing range = closer, more head movement, traditional combos.</li></ul>In MMA, fighters often use the kickboxing range, even when throwing hands. You gotta learn to close distance safely. <h3>Smart Sparring for MMA Boxing: How to Set It Up</h3>Once you get some basic boxing rounds under your belt, you need sport-specific practice. Here’s something you have to try: The “Box vs. Kickbox” Sparring Drill<ul><li>You: Only box </li><li>Partner: Kickboxes (throws kicks and punches) </li><li>Goal: You have to practice stepping off leg kicks, moving your feet, getting in and out with your hands, and landing punches without getting chopped up.</li></ul>You don’t have to spar 100%. 60-70% speed is fine unless you massively outclass your partner (then let them go harder). What this does is teach you:<ul><li>To close distance without eating a leg kick </li><li>To get your punches in and pull back out before getting countered </li><li>How to blend footwork, defense, and timing in real fighting situations</li></ul><blockquote>“With MMA, nobody just stands in front of you trading with four-ounce gloves—someone’s getting knocked out real fast doing that. You gotta learn how to get in and out, use defense, especially when kicks are involved.”</blockquote>Adapting to Real Fight Rhythm One of the main things you’ll notice: opponents in kickboxing and MMA don’t just stand and throw. They move a lot more (especially with little gloves). You’ll have to be sharp with your feet and head movement, otherwise you’ll get clipped.<h3>Managing Distance and Timing</h3>MMA, with all its kicking and grappling threats, means distance is everything. You must know how to:<ul><li>Close the gap safely when you want to throw hands </li><li>Exit or angle out before eating a counter </li><li>Feint and draw reactions to create openings</li></ul>If you’re tall, you might have an easier time (I know I did)—but even still, you have to train these skills. Don’t just rely on being lanky! Example Drill: Stepping Off &amp; Countering<ul><li>Partner tries to kick you </li><li>You practice stepping out just enough, then coming back in with punches </li><li>Goal: Land and get out, or land and tie them up to avoid counters</li></ul><h3>Drilling In and Out Movement</h3>Here’s a breakdown of a few drills to develop “in and out” movement for MMA boxing: Drill 1: Step-In, Combo, Angle-Out<ul><li>Start at kickboxing range </li><li>Step in with a jab, fire a quick 1-2 or 2-3 </li><li>Angle out sideways before partner kicks or throws back</li></ul>Drill 2: Close Distance After a Miss<ul><li>Partner throws a big kick, you sidestep or slip </li><li>Immediately close in with hands—throw a fast combo </li><li>Get out before they can kick again</li></ul>Drill 3: Defensive Scramble<ul><li>Partner throws kick, you move or block </li><li>They fire a punch after, you slip or shell </li><li>Counter quickly before resetting</li></ul>Drill these at slow, medium, and fight pace. The more you can react this way, the less you’ll freeze when someone attacks for real.<h3>The Importance of Quality Coaching</h3>The truth is, even with all the right drills, if your coaching sucks, it’ll hold you back. Why Coaching Matters You can be tough, athletic, and have all the physical gifts in the world—but if your coach doesn’t obsess over technique and defense, you’ll eventually get exposed. Signs of a Good Coach:<ul><li>Corrects bad technique instantly </li><li>Watches for defense, not just offense </li><li>Shows specific drills for fight scenarios </li><li>Encourages you to ask questions</li></ul>I’ve seen many fighters make it to the UFC just on toughness and athleticism…but they don’t last. Guys with bad coaching are usually the ones who go 2-2 and get cut.<blockquote>“A coach can’t give you something they don’t have. Make sure you’re learning defense and have a coach who cares about technique.”</blockquote>Beware the “Bag and Brawl” Boxing GymsSome boxing gyms (especially in smaller towns) focus just on bag work, conditioning, and going toe-to-toe. They don’t teach defense, angles, or movement—you don’t want to get stuck with just “toughness” as your defense. Ask Coaches These Questions:<ul><li>What’s your focus on defense? </li><li>What are the main defensive moves for avoiding punches and kicks? </li><li>Can you show me some defense-specific drills?</li></ul>If your coach gets annoyed by your questions or doesn’t have clear answers—that’s a red flag.<h3>Being Proactive in Your Learning</h3>Just because you signed up at a gym doesn’t mean you should stop learning. Here’s how to own your development. ASK QUESTIONS. LOTS OF THEM!<ul><li>Watch fights and bring clips or situations to your coach </li><li>Record techniques—film your coach explaining moves and defensive reactions </li><li>Rewatch those videos during your own shadowboxing or drilling</li></ul>I personally have over 150 videos on my phone of world-class coaches showing me drills and defense. That’s how you remember the details and keep improving even when you’re not in the gym.<blockquote>“If you want to get good at fighting, you have to ask questions. The more you ask, the faster you learn.”</blockquote><h3>Blending Defense with Offense (and Repping Both!)</h3>If you take one thing away, let it be this: drill your defense almost as much as your offense.<ul><li>Don’t just chase new punches and combos—focus on reaction drills, shelling, head movement, slips, rolls, and getting out of the way. </li><li>Every round, force yourself to reset your hands, eyes, and feet after you throw. Don’t just stand there after you finish a combo!</li></ul>Sample Weekly Training Focus Day | Focus | Key Defense Drills Monday | Mitts &amp; shadowboxing | After every combo, move or blockTuesday | Light sparring (box vs. kickbox) | Step-offs, leg kick defense, clinches Wednesday | Bag and pad rounds | In and out movement, roll/cover combos Thursday | Partner drills | Slip, counter, angle, shellFriday | Review coach video, ask questions | Work defenses that gave you trouble&nbsp; <h3>Real Talk: How to Spot (and Fix) Bad Technique</h3>Let’s be honest—everyone picks up bad habits. Here’s how to find and fix them before they get you KO’d in a real fight. Record Sparring/Rounds<ul><li>Film yourself sparring, pad rounds, even drilling </li><li>Notice if your hands drop, chin lifts, feet come together </li><li>Are you resetting after every combo, or just standing square?</li></ul>Self-Assessment Questions<ul><li>Am I getting hit with the same shot over and over? </li><li>Do I know how to defend both punches and kicks? </li><li>When I throw, do I stay balanced or end up reaching/leaning? </li><li>Do I want to brawl or control exchanges?</li></ul>If you’re unsure, ask your coach or teammates for feedback. Don’t take criticism personally—use it to get better.<h3>When to Move Gyms or Coaches </h3>Here’s another hard truth: sometimes you’ve outgrown your gym or coaching situation.Signs You Need a Change<ul><li>Coach isn’t interested in improving or learning new things </li><li>No one corrects your mistakes or gives detailed feedback </li><li>The only goal is to out-tough your teammate, day in and day out</li></ul>If you’re serious about fighting, you need better. Consider a bigger gym, new coach, or at least travel to get specialized training.<blockquote>“Even if you have the heart and talent to make it to the UFC, bad coaching will keep you from staying there.”</blockquote><h3>MMA vs. Traditional Boxing Gyms: What to Watch Out For</h3>Sometimes you’ll find yourself cross-training at pure boxing gyms. That’s great for hands, but watch out for these pitfalls:<ul><li>Many boxing gyms focus just on offense and conditioning </li><li>Not all coaches value defense or understand MMA range </li><li>Learn what you can, but always filter it through what works with small gloves and MMA scenarios</li></ul><h3>Developing the Fighter’s IQ: Watch, Learn, Adapt</h3>High-level fighters study the game. Here’s how to build your “fight IQ” long-term:Watch Fights for Details<ul><li>Notice how the best guys rarely stand in front of an opponent after landing.</li></ul>Steal Great Defense<ul><li>Watch high-level boxers and MMA strikers—see how they manage range, use feints, tuck their chin, and roll with punches.</li></ul>Keep a Training Journal<ul><li>Note what works, what gives you trouble, questions for coaches, and new drills to try.</li></ul>Cross-Train Smart<ul><li>Train with people better than you, and at different gyms if possible. Sparring with kickboxers or boxers will open your eyes in new ways.</li></ul><h3>Drilling Suggestions: Key Moves and Defenses</h3>Let’s bullet out some “must master” defenses and moves for Boxing in MMA: Must-Know Defensive Moves<ul><li>High guard (be able to catch and cover with elbows in) </li><li>Parry jabs and crosses </li><li>Slipping head off centerline (left and right) </li><li>Rolling under hooks and overhands </li><li>Stepping offline as you punch to avoid counters </li><li>Leg kick defense: checking, stepping out, countering </li><li>Lateral footwork—cutting angles, not just going straight back</li></ul>Offense-Defense Combo Drills<ul><li>Throw 2-3 punch combo, roll under, fire counter </li><li>Jab, slip opponent’s jab, step in with lead hook </li><li>Throw cross, step out at an angle, low kick or move </li><li>Combo to body, shell up as partner punches back, then slip and counter</li></ul><h3>How to Become a Well-Rounded MMA Boxer</h3>Let’s round it out with a checklist. Here’s what you need to become a dangerous boxer in the cage: The Checklist[ ] Basic stance, balance, and movement drilled daily [ ] Chin down, eyes up, hands high—ALWAYS! [ ] Consistent head movement—never a sitting target [ ] In and out footwork—don’t stand in the pocket [ ] Understand and use different ranges: boxing, kickboxing, MMA [ ] Drill defense at least as much as offense [ ] Seek out feedback from coaches and peers [ ] Spar with purpose—use drills like “you box, they kickbox” [ ] Watch tape, take notes, ask questions [ ] Be humble enough to learn and adjust [ ] Make technique and defense your #1 prioritiesYou don’t have to do it all in one week—set goals, track your habits, and keep building.<h3>Conclusion and Parting Advice</h3>If you’re serious about MMA, do not sleep on these basics. Your boxing, more than almost anything else, will keep you safe, help you win exchanges, and keep your career moving forward—IF you don’t neglect defense and technique.<ul><li>Invest in good coaching </li><li>Rep your basics endlessly </li><li>Prioritize defense, always </li><li>Ask questions and keep learning </li><li>Mix your boxing with kicks and real MMA scenarios</li></ul>If you’re on the hunt for a good MMA gym, or just starting out, check out my book: <a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/b4C48fy" href="https://a.co/d/b4C48fy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Martial Arts School/Instructor.</a> Any other topics you want covered? Drop a comment below. I’m always here to help you level up and get the most out of your training.<blockquote>“Focus on technique. Practice boxing against kickers. Drill defense as much as offense—if you do, you’ll be way ahead of most fighters out there.”</blockquote>Ready to get your boxing right for MMA? Bookmark this post, share it with your training buddies, and let’s all keep each other sharp!<figure id="figure-n603fznco9ml8lrzbb"><iframe id="n603fznco9ml8lrzbb" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q6HLYY22J74" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen data-url="https://youtu.be/q6HLYY22J74?si=UcXQcERbI3rad_Lf" data-corners="default" data-fullWidth="false"></iframe></figure>

BETTER BOXING FOR MMA

<h3>UFC 325 Main Card Breakdown: Wild Fights, Blowouts, and What Comes Next</h3>What’s up, guys? Last night was a wild one—UFC 325 went down and I’ve got all the details on what I saw and how everything shook out. I’m gonna walk you through the main card, the way things really went down, and share who impressed me the most. Whether you watched it live or missed it, let’s break down every main fight, moment by moment.Let’s get into the details.<h3>Opening Banger: Quillan Keeps the Streak Alive</h3>Alright, so the first fight of the main card was this guy Quillan at 155 pounds. I don’t even know exactly how to pronounce his name, but what I do know is he’s a real problem for anyone in the division. He’s now 4-0 in the UFC, and he got the win by rear naked choke.<blockquote>“He didn’t even have the choke under the chin. Just basically jaw clamped him.”</blockquote>That grip strength is crazy. Most guys can’t finish with the choke just across the jaw, but Quillan squeezed with so much power that it looked like his opponent had no choice but to tap.Why Was This Win Impressive?<ul><li>Grip strength: To finish without even sneaking the arm under the neck is wild at this level. </li><li>Composure: At only his fourth UFC fight, he looked like he’d been there ten times already. </li><li>4-0 Start: Not many guys go on a run like that out of the gate.</li></ul>Big props to Quillan—he’s one to watch for sure.<h3>“Sloppy But Wild”: Tattoo of Asa vs Towson Teixeira—The Heavyweight Experience</h3>So next up was the heavyweights: Tai Tuivasa going up against Tallison Teixeira. Now, if you know heavyweights, you know things can get a bit… messy. And yeah, this one was not the cleanest technical fight, but it was wild and fun to watch.The Heavyweight DifferenceThere’s something about heavyweight fights that just makes the whole grappling aspect look different. Seriously, if you compare the grappling level of most heavyweights in the UFC to lightweights, featherweights, it’s night and day.<ul><li>Grappling at heavyweight is “mind blowing” (and not in a good way) </li><li>“Some of the rules don’t apply” </li><li>You see guys like Derrick Lewis getting his back taken, then just standing up out of the mount like it’s nothing</li></ul> Breakdown of the FightTai Tuivasa came out swinging, got taken down, but also fired back with some big shots whenever he could get back up. What stands out though is, even after being mounted for what felt like half the fight, Tai Tuivasa kept finding ways to get up and swing.<blockquote>“Basically a full five minutes of the fight he was mounted… but he got up and landed some big shots too.”</blockquote>In the end, top position and ground control sealed the win. Heavyweights man, everything depends on power—one punch changes everything. Who Got It Done? Props to Teixeira for getting it done. Not the cleanest win, but a W is a W. Competitive, entertaining, and exactly what you hope for from heavyweights.<h3>Striking Clinic: Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy</h3>Now let’s talk about a fight where you really see top-level skill on display: Rafael Fiziev taking on Ruffy. This was striking at its finest, especially out of Ruffy—he put on a clinic with his jab and reach.What Made Ruffy’s Performance Stand Out?<ul><li>Ridiculously good jab: He was rolling it up from his hip, almost Tommy Hearns style, mixing up the angles and really throwing Fazeev off. </li><li>Great use of reach: Ruffy was about 3–4 inches taller, using all of that to keep Fazeev at bay. </li><li>Snap and Pop: Every strike looked sharp—go back and watch him snap the jab, then pop the right hand.</li></ul>Ruffy fought tall, fought smart, and made the most of every advantage. When you see a fighter use their natural gifts and actual fight IQ to really make those gifts matter, it’s cool to see.<ul><li>Used range and strong points perfectly </li><li>Never gave up reach or let the fight get into the phone booth </li><li>Closed it out with a clean win</li></ul><blockquote>“Very impressive, using his range. Using his weapons that he’s good at, using his strong points and making them work for him. So props to him.”</blockquote><h3>Grappling Hustle: Benoit Saint-Denis vs. Dan Hooker</h3>This one was a scrap! Benoit Saint-Denis went up against Dan Hooker, and both these guys left it all out there.How It Played Out<ul><li>Dan Hooker: Landed sharp front kicks, nasty round body kicks, and kept a nice, steady pace with his hands. </li><li>Saint-Denis: Pushed forward, applying relentless pressure with his wrestling. Going for takedown after takedown, making Hooker work for every inch.</li></ul>What’s impressive about Saint-Denis is just how physically strong he is and how smooth he is once he hits the ground.<blockquote> “Saint-Denis' ground game was on point… once they hit the ground he transitioned to mount and other dominant positions very easily.”</blockquote> What Did Hooker Do Well?<ul><li>Stuffed quite a few takedowns </li><li>Got back up several times </li><li>Fought off submissions and kept the fight competitive</li></ul>Thing is, when someone keeps shooting—and especially with Saint-Denis’ kind of pressure—eventually that gas tank starts emptying. That’s what happened with Hooker here.Final TakeawayCongratulations to Saint-Denis. He used his ground skills, cardio, and pressure to break Hooker down and take the win.<h3>Main Event Spotlight: Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes — Short Guy, Giant Skills </h3>Now THIS is what UFC main events are all about. Alexander Volkanovski once again reminded everyone why he’s one of the pound-for-pound best. He went up against Diego Lopes in a fight that showed off why fight IQ, athleticism, and next-level skills matter—even more than size.Volkanovski’s Secret Weapons<ul><li>Reads range better than anybody in MMA right now </li><li>Fights off his back foot despite being shorter </li><li>Always a step ahead, always making adjustments</li></ul>This is the kind of stuff that separates champions from contenders.<blockquote>“What the most impressive thing that I’ve noticed about Volkanovski… is how good he is fighting backwards for being so short.”</blockquote>Let’s break this down. Most of the best counter strikers—like Anderson Silva—used their height and reach, and they moved a lot. But Silva was six-two, fighting smaller guys. Volkanovski? Dude is five-eight, sometimes three inches shorter and giving up big reach.How Did This Fight Go?<ul><li>Volkanovski stayed off the center line, using slick footwork to fight backwards, picking Lopez apart </li><li>Out-struck Lopes despite the shorter reach and height Mixed in takedowns, shut down every submission attempt, and made it look easy at times</li></ul>Not once did Volk have to chase Lopes—he let the fight come to him and countered hard, earning at least four out of five rounds in my book.The Back Foot MasterclassYou rarely see shorter fighters make a backwards, counter-striking style work. But Volkanovski does it against world-class guys, and keeps winning big fights.<blockquote>“For a short guy like that to fight off the back foot, the whole fight is just really impressive. So props to him.”</blockquote>What’s Next for Volkanovski?The big question—does he move up and try again at lightweight, maybe take another run at the 155 belt, or does he keep defending at 145 where he’s still the king? Either way, the pay is good, and the options are plenty.<h3>Final Thoughts: Who’s Next?</h3>So that’s UFC 325’s main card—every fight delivered something different. Whether it was a wild heavyweight scrap, a technical striking masterclass, or a fight IQ showcase, last night was packed. Quick Shout-Out If you’re new to martial arts and looking for a gym or want to know how to really choose the right instructor, check out my book—<a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/6xgzAZ6" href="https://a.co/d/6xgzAZ6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Martial Arts School and Instructor.&nbsp;</a><figure id="figure-qb8briutcml4earxo"><iframe id="qb8briutcml4earxo" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nuAdG69Xi74" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/nuAdG69Xi74?si=GKDtoVK92LWOzj7G" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nuAdG69Xi74" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

UFC 325 Main Card Breakdown: Wild Fights, Blowouts, and What Comes Next

<h3>UFC 324 Recap: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, Big Finishes, and Major Takeaways</h3>Welcome back, fight fans! UFC 324 went down last night, and if you missed it—wow, you missed a good one. We had everything: knockouts, weird endings, upsets, and bangers from top to bottom. The card was stacked, and I’m here to break it all down fight-by-fight, sharing my honest thoughts, analysis, and what I’d like to see next. Whether you’re a hardcore MMA fan or just getting into the sport, I’ll make this a fun, easy-to-follow break down. Grab a drink, kick back, and let’s talk UFC 324.<h3>Main Card Recap</h3>Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva: Skill vs. PowerArnold Allen is always a tough out and came into this one ranked top-5. Right away, he looked sharp—fast hands, tight footwork, you could see how technical his game is. For a while, it looked like Allen was going to take it. But in MMA, sometimes pure power is the difference. Jean Silva showed from round two he carried a ton of pop in his shots. He made some adjustments, started walking Allen down, and the fight shifted when you realized Silva’s punches could do more damage—even if Allen was landing the cleaner shots early.Breakdown:<ul><li>Arnold Allen’s Approach: Great technique, lots of volume, got Silva’s attention early. </li><li>Jean Silva’s Adjustment: As the fight went on, Silva’s power started to tell. You could almost see Allen trying to stay away from anything wild. </li><li>Turning Point: Second and third rounds. Silva cracked Allen, and that changed everything.</li></ul>Congrats to Jean Silva, who just beat a legit top-5 guy and likely tossed himself right into the rankings. That’s a life-changing win. For Allen, it’s a tough loss, but he’ll be back.Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas: Close, But Silva’s Power ShinesThis was a close fight—closer than the scorecards maybe said. Rose Namajunas came to scrap as always. Early on, it was technical, even, and Rose actually out-grappled Silva in one of the rounds. But, like the fight before, the separating factor was power and athleticism. Silva’s explosiveness was obvious. When she turned it on, especially in the final frame, you could feel the fight swinging her way. Key Highlights:<ul><li>Rose’s Grappling: Used her wrestling well, controlling parts of one round. </li><li>Silva’s Athleticism: Super explosive, quick to scramble up, hit hard in the exchanges. </li><li>Final Round: Silva just poured it on and made sure the judges remembered her output.</li></ul>This win puts Natalia Silva in a great spot in the division. For Rose, it was a solid showing, just came up a bit short against a strong, athletic opponent.Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis: Strange EndingsWhenever Derrick Lewis fights, you know you’re gonna get something wild. This fight started out competitive and tactical. Waldo Cortes-Acosta came in with great leg kicks, slick footwork, and looked a lot faster than people gave him credit for. Lewis, as always, was hunting for the KO. But the ending... man, that was weird. Lewis slipped—maybe hurt his knee, maybe just lost his footing—and Cortes-Acosta pounced. He advanced position, passed guard, and rained down ground-and-pound for the finish. Here’s the breakdown:<ul><li>Waldo’s Gameplan: Smart with quick kicks and movement. Didn’t let Lewis set to throw bombs. </li><li>Lewis’s Struggles: Having trouble tracking Acosta’s movement, couldn’t trap him in the cage. </li><li>Finishing Sequence: Lewis slipped, got caught on the ground, and it was over.</li></ul>Major win for Cortes-Acosta. For Lewis, just a tough ending. You hate to see a veteran lose by slip, but that’s the game sometimes.Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong: The Sugar Show is BackCo-main event time, and this one had plenty of hype. Sean O’Malley came in looking to prove he’s still top-tier. Song Yadong—dangerous, powerful, and never out of a fight. Right away, the difference was footwork and confidence. O’Malley looked loose, changing stances, picking shots, and defensively slick. Song landed some nice ones early, but O’Malley’s variety kept him guessing. Fight Notes:<ul><li>O’Malley’s Defense: Looked sharp, avoided the big power shots, switched stances. </li><li>Hands: Landed lots of straight rights and lefts from both sides. </li><li>Song’s Power: Gave O’Malley trouble early, but couldn’t keep it up.</li></ul>Most had O’Malley taking the later rounds, really taking over as Song slowed. Good matchup for O’Malley, but now fans want to see him fight someone like Petr Yan again. That rematch would be crazy!What do you think? Should Sugar Sean get Yan next?Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett – Absolute WarThis is what we came for. If you love wars, if you love heart and toughness, this was your kind of fight. Justin Gaethje, one of the scariest bangers in the sport, taking on the scrappy, unpredictable Paddy Pimblett. Personally, I’ve been in there with Gaethje, so I know first-hand how hard that guy hits. Pimblett? He took more right hands in this fight than most of Gaethje’s previous opponents combined—and he just kept coming! Round-by-Round Breakdown Round 1:<ul><li>Fast pace, lots of exchanges. </li><li>Gaethje lands good right hands; Pimblett proves he’s got a chin. </li><li>Pimblett mixes in leg kicks, trying to keep Gaethje off balance.</li></ul>Round 2:<ul><li>Pimblett continues to chop with kicks. </li><li>Gaethje starts walking him down, but Pimblett throws more volume. </li><li>Both guys eat shots, but Pimblett really keeps Gaethje honest with his output.</li></ul>Round 3 and beyond:<ul><li>War of attrition. </li><li>Pimblett’s defense isn’t perfect—he’s getting tagged—but keeps throwing. </li><li>Gaethje is fast-twitch, closes the distance, but not using as many leg kicks as you’d expect.</li></ul>Fact is: Most guys go down from Gaethje’s right hand. Not Paddy. He just kept plugging away, knew he’d have to eat some shots to give some, and gave Gaethje fits with sheer volume. Tactical Takeaways<ul><li>Gaethje’s Missing Weapon: Leg kicks! The commentary team nailed it—Gaethje didn’t use them as much as in the WSOF days, where he’d bust up legs and finish fights. </li><li>Pimblett’s Grit: Threw combos, forced Gaethje back at times, and survived shots that would have KO’d others. </li><li>Gameplan Possibilities: If Gaethje had gone to the legs earlier, it could've been an easier night for him.</li></ul>Where Do They Go From Here?<ul><li>Gaethje wins interim gold. Next up: probably Topuria, if he’s available, for the real belt. </li><li>If not, Max Holloway as a rematch would be fire—a fan favorite fight for sure.</li></ul>Gaethje finally gets UFC gold, after decades of hard work. The guy deserves all the success after that. Big respect!<h3>Bonus Section: What’s Next For The Winners?</h3>Jean Silva<ul><li>Wants a top-5 opponent, and with this win, he’s in the mix. Will be interested to see if he gets pushed into a title eliminator soon.</li></ul>Natalia Silva<ul><li>Moves up in the division, likely gets a top-5 or title-elimination fight if she puts another win together. Her power and athleticism are a major problem.</li></ul>Waldo Cortes-Acosta<ul><li>Just took out a proven vet in Derrick Lewis, so he deserves a step up. Could be looking at a top-10 opponent next.</li></ul>Sean O’Malley<ul><li>All eyes on a big fight—either the Petr Yan rematch or possibly another top contender.</li></ul>Justin Gaethje<ul><li>Waiting on Topuria’s legal situation. If not, that Max Holloway rematch is the fight to make. Whether he fights for the undisputed or defends the interim, there’s nothing but big fights ahead.</li></ul><blockquote>"The amount of people—including me—Gaethje has put out with his right hand... He has finished so many people with his punching power and his speed."</blockquote>If you know, you know. Gaethje’s power is legendary at this point.<h3>The Whole Card Was a Banger</h3>This card from top to bottom delivered. The action was intense, most fights were competitive, and even the weird ending in the Lewis fight gave us something to talk about. Extra props to the UFC for upping the bonuses. Fighters deserve to get paid, especially when they put on cards like this. Hopefully, everyone got a little extra for showing out.<h3>Wrap-Up and What’s Next</h3>If you’re new to martial arts and inspired to get started, check out my book—“<a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/ccDoFUw" href="https://a.co/d/ccDoFUw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Martial Arts School and Instructor</a>.”&nbsp; It’s got tips for beginners, how to pick schools, and everything you need to avoid wasting time and money. If you like this breakdown and want more, just leave a comment. I’m always down to break down fights, answer questions, or cover whatever you want to know about MMA.<figure id="figure-5v1vlr7y39mkuki24k"><iframe id="5v1vlr7y39mkuki24k" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1y85PWFwkuw" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen data-url="https://youtu.be/1y85PWFwkuw?si=bOKqbp16mJba9kGm" data-corners="default" data-fullWidth="false"></iframe></figure>

UFC 324 Recap: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, Big Finishes, and Major Takeaways

<h3>What It Was Like Fighting Justin Gaethje – Full Breakdown, Stories, and Surprises</h3>Hey guys, what’s up? I’m back, and this time I want to talk about something I’ve never talked about before on my channel: what it was really like fighting Justin Gaethje. Since Gaethje is fighting for the interim world title against Paddy Pimblett this weekend, I figured this is the perfect time to break down my experience—leading up to the fight, what happened in the cage, and what I learned. Spoiler: it didn’t end how I wanted, but there’s a lot to this story that I think you’ll enjoy. Let’s go deep into what it’s actually like facing one of the most explosive, athletic guys in MMA history. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to go toe-to-toe with Justin Gaethje, this breakdown is for you.<h3>Setting the Stage: Life Before the Gaethje Fight</h3>So first, just some background—these days I’ve been busy opening up a new gym with my partner, which is why I haven’t made a video in a while. Life’s been hectic, but exciting, too. Before I even got the Gaethje fight, I was riding a strong run, sitting at 9–1 in the UFC. That’s one of the better records anyone’s had in their first 10 fights. Standing at six-foot-three in my weight class, I was basically a giant compared to most of the division—and, not surprisingly, there weren’t many people eager to fight me. Having to Talk Trash to Get Noticed Because people weren’t lining up to fight me, I had to get a little loud and talk some trash to get big fights. Some people love that; some hate it. But you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to move up. That’s how fighting is.<blockquote>“You miss all the shots you don’t take.”</blockquote>That’s the reality of trying to get big-name fights in the UFC.<h3>The Road to Gaethje: From Felder to "The Highlight"</h3>Originally, I was supposed to fight Paul Felder. I had a full two-month fight camp for him—dialed in, focused, and ready. The Felder fight was scheduled for late June—something like June 24th. But about three weeks before that event, I got a call about a new opportunity: fighting Justin Gaethje in a main event slot, but six weeks after the planned date. That meant the rest of my camp (which was already long for Felder) just got even longer. Adjusting the Camp: Burnout and Focus So here’s what I did:<ul><li>Went home for a week (needed a mental reset) </li><li>Came back and jumped right back into camp</li></ul>All in all, I ended up doing about three and a half months of training camp. That’s a long stretch—even for a pro. Honestly, by the time the Gaethje fight rolled around, I was feeling some burnout, but my mindset was right and I was still ready.<h3>Switching Gears: From Felder’s Kicks to Gaethje’s Pressure</h3>Switching from Paul Felder to Justin Gaethje as an opponent was no joke. Here's how they compare:<ul><li>Paul Felder: Orthodox stance, Muay Thai style, heavy use of kicks—lots of teeps (front kicks), roundhouse kicks, and fighting long and at distance. </li><li>Justin Gaethje: Also orthodox, but much more of a hands guy. Gaethje is a pressure fighter who’s always trying to close the distance and throw heavy punches.</li></ul>Preparing for one style (lots of kicks, long range) and suddenly flipping to another (pressure, heavy hands, relentless pace) isn't easy, but that’s the fight game.<h3>Film Study: What I Saw vs. Reality</h3>The biggest thing that caught me off guard about fighting Justin Gaethje? His athleticism.Now, I know that might sound stupid in hindsight, but let me explain: Watching his fights on film, especially his pre-UFC stuff (World Series of Fighting, etc.), he got hit—a lot. On tape, he was willing to go one-for-one, trade shots, and just slug it out. Against guys like Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier, he ended up on the wrong side, getting knocked out in some wild brawls. From my background—boxer, started training at age 20, with 22 amateur boxing matches under my belt—I always thought: “Super athletic guys don’t get hit that much. If you’re athletic, you have good defense.” But with Gaethje, I thought, “He trades too much. If I can box him, I can hit him.” Here’s where I was dead wrong.<h3>Underestimating Gaethje’s Athleticism</h3>In the first minute of the fight, after we both walked out to all the adrenaline and the crowd roaring, I found myself thinking:<ul><li>“I can land on this dude whenever I want. I’m bigger, I’m longer, and I’m a better boxer.”</li></ul>And at first, that looked true! I threw about eight or nine strikes and landed around 80% of them. I landed multiple body kicks and felt great. My thinking was, “I’m about to piece this guy up.” But Gaethje’s first step—the way he explodes in with his legs—was next level. There’s only one guy I’ve ever trained with who was as explosive: Johny Hendricks (yes, that guy who knocked out GSP).<blockquote>“His first step was like, crazy fast. It was like he had springs in his feet, just super fast twitch.”</blockquote><h3>A Closer Look: Comparing Gaethje and Johny Hendricks</h3>Let’s talk about athleticism a bit more. Johny Hendricks is, to this day, the most athletic guy I ever worked with in wrestling. If you watch those karate guys like Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, you know how they blitz in from way out of range? Hendricks could do the same, but with huge power. Justin Gaethje, though, was on that same level. He could leap from way outside, throwing overhand rights, landing them, and generating massive power.<ul><li>That “fast twitch” muscle thing is real with Gaethje. </li><li>He doesn’t care about getting hit—comes forward just like a Mexican-style boxer, leading with his head and taking one to give one, but with speed and explosions most people don’t have.</li></ul><h3>The Trash Talk, the Hype, and Huge Pressures</h3>Leading up to the fight, the media stuff was fire. I did a ton of trash-talking. Some of it went viral; some of it backfired on me. At the end of the day, though, it sold the fight, and that’s part of the business. When we made our walkouts, the energy was insane. The crowd was nuts, walking through the lights, music bumping, that feeling you only get from stepping into a UFC main event.<h3>The Opening Minute: Feeling Good... Until I Didn’t</h3>When the fight started, I went right to work. I landed almost every strike I threw—something like eight out of nine. I was sure I was about to take over, knowing I could land at will. But Gaethje just kept coming forward, absorbing everything, and looking to set something up.<ul><li>He led with his head, Mexican style </li><li>He jabbed to the body, setting up an overhand right </li><li>He was explosive as hell, and never let me get comfortable</li></ul>I caught on to what he wanted with the right hand and made adjustments, circling the correct way to avoid his power. For a moment, I thought: maybe I’d figured him out.<h3>The Beginning of the End: Gaethje’s KO Power</h3>I circled to my right, trying to stay away from that dangerous right hand. Gaethje backed me up to the cage, froze me with a left hook, and then slapped me with a huge overhand right. Lights out. It was super tough. When I woke up, I barely knew what happened. I had to go back and watch the fight on video, piecing together exactly how it played out.Lessons From the LossAfterwards, I went over everything about the fight and what I could have done better. Looking back, I realized I just underestimated Justin Gaethje’s athleticism. Even if I hadn’t, though, I don’t know if it would have changed things—he just hit too hard and was too fast and explosive. He was more athletic than anyone else I fought. The only other guy who came close was Jake Matthews, another very athletic fighter. But combined with Gaethje’s power and speed, it was like a whole other level.<h3>The Out-Of-The-Cage Interaction: Respect Where It’s Due</h3>After the fight, we stayed at the same hotel. Gaethje was throwing an after-party there. I went up, talked to him, and apologized for all the trash talk during fight week. He was super chill about it.<blockquote>“He was like, yeah, I respect you. I understand. No big deal.”</blockquote>We left it at that. It’s cool to be able to put all the hype behind you and show respect when the gloves are off.<h3>Gaethje’s Career Now: Still Violent, Still Chasing Gold</h3>Now, with Gaethje fighting for the interim world title against Paddy Pimblett, it’s wild seeing how far he’s come. Gaethje is older now, Paddy’s younger. I don’t expect this fight to go to the ground unless there’s a knockdown or slip—almost guaranteed to be a standup war. If Gaethje becomes the world champ, I’ll be happy for him. He deserves it. Paddy is a tough fight, but it will be cool to see if "The Highlight" can get the gold.<h3>The Realities of the Fight Game: Training Time, Ups and Downs</h3>When I reflect on not just this fight, but my whole MMA career, there’s something that sticks out: I didn’t even start training until I was 20. Most guys in the UFC, including everyone I lost to, had years and years of training on me from their teens and even before that. Looking back, it’s rough to revisit the losses, but I never lost to a guy who hadn’t been training longer than me. That means something to me.<h3>Breaking Down Gaethje’s Fight Style: What Makes Him Special</h3>Let’s talk specifics—what makes Justin Gaethje such a tough fight for anyone:1. Pressure Fighting He never lets you breathe. He’s in your face, always looking to close the distance, make you uncomfortable, and drown you with volume.2. Explosive First Step That fast twitch, “spring in his legs” thing is real. He can leap into range or close distance in an instant, generating massive power.3. Willingness to Trade Most super-athletic guys play defense, but Gaethje is totally willing to take one to give one, like the great Mexican boxers. That’s rare and dangerous.4. Setting Traps He uses the jab to the body just to get your attention or force an opening for his big overhand right—and that’s exactly how he caught me.<h3>The Press Conference: Build-up and Viral Moments</h3>Looking back, the trash talk and press conference moments still make me laugh. It’s all part of selling the fight, and even though it backfired a little, it pushed the bout into the spotlight. If you want to make a name, you have to be willing to say what you need to say, take risks, step into main events, and fight guys like Gaethje even if they’re scary as hell.<h3>Takeaways: What I’d Do Differently (Or Not)</h3>Would I do anything differently if I could run that fight back? Maybe I’d try to gauge Gaethje’s speed better in sparring, or tweak my gameplan to avoid getting caught against the cage. But honestly, sometimes you can do everything right and still lose to a freak athlete. That’s the game. No excuses—that’s MMA.<blockquote>“Gaethje, by far, is the most athletic fighter I’ve ever fought, for sure.”</blockquote><h3>Advice for Fighters Chasing Big Fights</h3>For anyone coming up in MMA, here’s my advice based on what I’ve learned:<ol><li>Be ready to adjust on the fly. Opponents change, and you have to flip your game plan at a moment’s notice. </li><li>Don’t underestimate anyone’s athleticism or power—film can lie, and it’s different in the cage. </li><li>Trash talk is a tool. Use it to get big fights, but be ready to back it up. </li><li>Respect your opponents after the fight. When the lights go off and the gloves come off, it’s all respect.</li></ol><h3>Gaethje vs. Paddy: Quick Breakdown (For This Weekend)</h3><ul><li>Will it go to the ground? Only if Gaethje gets dropped or slips. </li><li>How does Paddy win? Takes Gaethje’s back, gets a rear naked choke (like</li><li>Charles Oliveira did). Otherwise? Total standup war.</li></ul>I’m definitely rooting for Gaethje to get the title. Either way, it’s going to be a banger.<h3>Life After Gaethje and What’s Next</h3>I haven’t spoken to Gaethje much since our fight. He’s been busy, I’ve been busy. But looking back, I’m glad I took the fight, win or lose. You miss all the shots you don’t take. Now, opening a new gym, coaching up-and-comers, and sharing these kinds of war stories is something I never thought I’d be doing. If you want to hear breakdowns about other fighters I’ve faced, or want me to cover a specific topic, drop it in the comments.<h3>Final Thoughts: No Regrets, Just Lessons</h3>I might not have gotten my hand raised against Gaethje, but I’m proud I took the fight. I learned a lot, grew as a fighter, and have stories to share for life. Gaethje is a beast and deserves all the success he’s getting now. Whether you’re a fighter, a fan, or just curious, I hope you found this breakdown helpful. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights—and good luck to Gaethje this weekend!<figure id="figure-dym1p68n69mklrdemo" class="selected"><iframe id="dym1p68n69mklrdemo" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VOXdSYagmzw" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/VOXdSYagmzw?si=QgA1M-yVfyEBSiLh" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VOXdSYagmzw" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

WHAT IT WAS LIKE FIGHTING JUSTIN GAETHJE

<h3>UFC Fight Night Tsarukyan vs Hooker: Full Card Breakdown and Honest Takeaways</h3>What’s up, fight fans? I’m here to break down the UFC Fight Night main card from last night, headlined by Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker. If you love the thrill of big knockouts, technical grappling, and watching some seasoned veterans do their thing, buckle up because we’re diving into all the big moments, surprises, and what might come next for some of your favorite fighters. <h3>Quick Overview of the Card</h3>Before breaking each scrap down, here’s a look at the major fights we’ll be covering:<ul><li>Kyoji Horiguchi’s UFC return </li><li>Nicolas Dalby’s gritty performance </li><li>Volkan Oezdemir’s knockout power against Alonzo Menifield </li><li>Jack Hermansson’s risky drop to 170 </li><li>Co-main: Ian Garry vs. Belal Muhammad </li><li>Main event: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker</li></ul><h3>Kyoji Horiguchi Returns: Making a Statement</h3>The Comeback StoryFirst up, let’s talk about Kyoji Horiguchi’s return to the UFC. He was up against a tough Russian fighter, whose last name I can never pronounce (seriously, these Russian names trip me up every time). The Russian was ranked #11 in the world, so this was a legit test for Horiguchi after years away from the UFC. Horiguchi wasn’t just a prospect before he left the UFC; he was the real deal—a number one contender who’d challenged Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson for the title. Before heading to Bellator and Rizin for more money, he was 7-1 in the UFC and always a threat in the division. How Did He Look?He looked phenomenal. Didn’t seem like he’d lost a step at all, and his timing, movement, and fight IQ were all there.<blockquote>“...he wasn’t just some prospect that lost and had to fight his way back. He was a number one contender. Fought Mighty Mouse for the title.”</blockquote>I’m curious to see how he stacks up against the other contenders at 125, but no doubt in my mind—he’s still world class. Props to Horiguchi on the big UFC return!<h3>Nicolas Dalby Edges Out Saygid Izagakhmaev</h3>The FightNext on the card, Nicolas Dalby took on another Russian opponent Saygid Izagakhmaev. This one wasn’t a barnburner—lots of grappling, not much in the way of wild exchanges—but it was tight. Dalby ended up getting the split decision in a fight that could’ve honestly gone either way. Why This Was Cool Dalby is 41 years old! Just seeing a veteran at that age still able to grind out wins against tough opponents is awesome.<ul><li>Tons of grappling exchanges </li><li>Split decision that could’ve swung either way </li><li>Heart and grit from a real vet</li></ul>Big congrats to Dalby. No flashy highlights here, but seeing guys keep getting the job done past 40 gives old-school fans something to root for.<h3>Volkan Oezdemir vs. Alonzo Menifield: Knockout Power Is Real</h3>Build-UpA fight that had a lot of casual fans hyped was Volkan Oezdemir taking on Alonzo Menifield. I know Alonzo from training—we’ve hit the mats a few times. He’s a great dude and a grinder. What Happened? Sad to say, Alonzo got caught backing up to the cage. Volkan’s power is no joke—it always has been. He landed a flurry, probably six punches in a row. The last couple put Menifield down, and that was all she wrote.<ul><li>Oezdemir: threw a multi-punch combo, showcased that classic KO power </li><li>Menifield: fought hard, but just got caught in a bad spot</li></ul>Takeaway Oezdemir remains a serious threat for anyone standing across from him. I hope Menifield bounces back soon—he’s a real one, and it’s tough watching good guys take those L’s.<h3>Jack Hermansson vs. a Killer from Kyrgyzstan</h3>The Risk: Cutting Down to 170Jack Hermansson was moving down a weight class—from 185 to 170. That’s always a tricky move for a fighter, especially one who’s not used to cutting that much weight. His opponent (I’ll be real, I forgot how to pronounce his name) came in with a 15-2 record and some serious skills. How Did It Go?Hermansson looked big at 170—no doubt. But he was kind of stationary, which is rough against a fast striker. He got caught along the cage and clipped right behind the ear. Dropped and finished. Props to the dude from Kyrgyzstan for closing the show. Another rising star to watch at welterweight.<h3>Co-Main Event: Ian Garry vs. Belal Muhammad </h3>Tale of the Tape These guys both had similar reach, just about the same arm length, but Ian Garry had a bit more height and used it perfectly:<ul><li>Stayed in a low boxing stance </li><li>Relied on fast hands, nonstop punches </li><li>Didn’t throw too many kicks, which kept him safe from takedowns</li></ul>The FightIan Garry’s smart approach paid off. He just picked Belal Muhammad apart with disciplined boxing. Kept his base low and didn’t let Belal grab ahold of those legs.<blockquote>“...just kind of picked Bilal Muhammad apart, and Bilal didn’t look good. This was one of the worst performances I saw.”</blockquote>It wasn’t the prettiest fight—very technical, but not fireworks. Still, Garry showcased his fight IQ, and Belal just couldn’t get going. What’s Next for Garry? Now that Garry just beat the #2 ranked guy, a number one contender fight could be in his future—maybe against Jack Della Maddalena. I think stylistically, that matchup works for both of them. They’re both strikers, so expect fireworks if it happens. Belal Muhammad: Where Does He Go Next? It’s tough. Belal was ranked #2 but just didn’t show up last night. I hope he can bounce back; everyone has off nights. But as for Garry, he has a real shot at climbing to the top.<h3>Main Event: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker</h3>What’s the Big Story Here?The main event—the fight everyone was waiting for—Tsarukyan vs. Hooker. If there’s one recurring theme throughout this card, it’s that wrestlers from Georgia, Armenia, Russia, and nearby regions are dominating with their world-class grappling.Round-by-Round Breakdown Round 1<ul><li>Dan Hooker came out firing with a bunch of kicks, smartly switching stances. </li><li>That stance switching was designed to help him avoid Tsarukyan’s grappling and takedowns. </li><li>Eventually, though, Tsarukyan timed it, got the takedown, and started looking for a ground advantage.</li></ul>Round 2<ul><li>Tsarukyan immediately went for another takedown and got it. </li><li>Showed patience, worked from guard and eventually passed. </li><li>Found himself in mount and started hunting for submissions.</li></ul>The Finish: Head and Arm TriangleTsarukyan locked up a head-and-arm triangle from mount. That’s a tough submission to finish from the mount, but here’s the secret sauce: insane grip strength.<blockquote>“The common theme with a lot of these grapplers... their grip strength is crazy strong.”</blockquote>When Tsarukyan cinched it up, Hooker just couldn’t get out. When you’re dealing with wrestlers from this region, you’re not just fighting tech—you’re up against abnormal grip strength. Why That MattersYou see it with Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev, and so many others. These guys’ grip is otherworldly, and it’s what separates top-tier wrestlers from everyone else.<h3>Technical Takeaways: The Magic of Grip Strength</h3>Young grapplers, listen up. If you want to dominate, work on your grip strength. It’s the key to holding opponents down, finishing submissions, and controlling the action. Best Exercises for Grip Strength<ul><li>Pull-Ups: The king of grip exercises </li><li>Farmer’s walks </li><li>Towel hangs </li><li>Deadlifts</li></ul>Grip strength isn’t always the first thing beginners think about, but it’s absolutely crucial if you want to compete at the highest level. When top wrestlers grab you—they don’t let go.<blockquote>“Grip strength is the key to being a good grappler from an offensive standpoint... Work on your grip strength guys. Your grip strength is everything.”</blockquote><h3>Where Does Tsarukyan Go From Here?</h3>Last night’s performance was dominant in terms of grappling, but will that be enough against the very best? My take is that Tsarukyan might struggle with someone like Ilia Topuria.<ul><li>Topuria: likely to defend the takedowns, fight stays standing </li><li>Tsarukyan: grappling world class, but standup might not match Topuria</li></ul>Styles make fights, and this is one where I think the striking advantage swings hard toward Topuria.<h3>The Bigger Picture: What We Learned Last Night</h3>Let’s recap the main themes from UFC Fight Night: 1. Veterans Can Still HangHoriguchi and Dalby proved that age and time away don’t mean you’re done. If you stay sharp and keep training, comebacks and late-career wins are possible. 2. Power and Grit Still Matter Volkan Oezdemir’s knockout showed that raw power can change a fight in seconds. He reminded us why “No Time” is always a threat. 3. Grappling Domination ContinuesThe wrestlers from Russia, Georgia, and Armenia keep raising the bar for what’s possible in MMA. Their grip, technique, and sheer toughness are setting new standards.4. Smart Strategies Win FightsIan Garry proved that you don’t need to be flashy—just smart. Avoiding kicks and takedowns, sticking to hands, and keeping a low base are keys to winning in modern MMA.5. The Future is Bright for New ContendersGarry and the Kyrgyzstan fighter are fresh faces ready to climb the ranks and make a splash. Expect more fun scraps and wild moments ahead.<h3>Standout Takeaways and Fan Questions</h3>Here are a few questions to think about after last night’s action:<ul><li>Can Horiguchi reclaim his spot as a top contender after years away? </li><li>Who’s next in line for Dalby after his split decision win? </li><li>Will Menifield rebound and learn from getting caught along the cage? </li><li>Does Garry have enough tools to challenge for the title? </li><li>Is Tsarukyan’s grip strength and wrestling enough to dethrone the division’s best? </li><li>How much does technique matter vs. sheer athletic power in MMA today?</li></ul>For New Martial ArtistsIf you’re just starting out or looking for the right gym, check out my book: “<a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/2ArhIfx" href="https://a.co/d/2ArhIfx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor</a>.” It’s packed with everything you need to know to start your own martial arts journey.Final ThoughtsThat’s my honest breakdown of everything that went down at UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs Hooker. Whether you’re here for the gritty grappling, big knockouts, or smart game plans, last night’s fights had a little bit for every fan. Remember, always keep your grip strong and your mind sharper. Let me know what you guys think in the comments. Who do you have next for Garry? Can Tsarukyan take down the champ? And who had your favorite moment from the card?<blockquote>“Grip strength is the key to being a good grappler from an offensive standpoint... Work on your grip strength guys. Your grip strength is everything.”</blockquote>Thanks for reading! If you’re new to martial arts and want to find the right gym in your area, check out my book as mentioned above. Let’s keep training and keep enjoying the best sport on earth—mixed martial arts!<figure id="figure-wu8xc8w5r2micd8se2"><iframe id="wu8xc8w5r2micd8se2" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I_zMRtdt4sM" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/I_zMRtdt4sM?si=FhATy6jMrLV5QNKx" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I_zMRtdt4sM" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

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