Craig Jones

So it was like a bit of an all-encompassing relationship for the Kazakh people. But we basically abandoned ship. It was proven too difficult to film some things, some sensitive subjects over there. And I said, where should we go next? And I just looked at the map and I was like, we're near Ukraine.

So it was like a bit of an all-encompassing relationship for the Kazakh people. But we basically abandoned ship. It was proven too difficult to film some things, some sensitive subjects over there. And I said, where should we go next? And I just looked at the map and I was like, we're near Ukraine.

Ukraine was a place that I'd been offered to teach a jiu-jitsu seminar prior to, I guess, the war commencing, the full-scale war commencing. And we're looking for a bit of adventure, something interesting to film, something to follow in the news. Obviously, very controversial in the news. People have very strong opinions. And I was like, let's go over there. Let's throw a charity event.

Ukraine was a place that I'd been offered to teach a jiu-jitsu seminar prior to, I guess, the war commencing, the full-scale war commencing. And we're looking for a bit of adventure, something interesting to film, something to follow in the news. Obviously, very controversial in the news. People have very strong opinions. And I was like, let's go over there. Let's throw a charity event.

Let's do something. Let's train with the people and really... Experience of ourselves.

Let's do something. Let's train with the people and really... Experience of ourselves.

So we set up the seminar turned out to be the biggest seminar for jiu-jitsu in Ukraine history Which is wild considering obviously they are at war but everyone came together to support it and One of the soldiers there one of my friends that good friend now who's on the front line He made a comment on there and he said hey like this is a seminar to donate profits to the soldiers But we're on the front line

So we set up the seminar turned out to be the biggest seminar for jiu-jitsu in Ukraine history Which is wild considering obviously they are at war but everyone came together to support it and One of the soldiers there one of my friends that good friend now who's on the front line He made a comment on there and he said hey like this is a seminar to donate profits to the soldiers But we're on the front line

And I was like, you know what? I'll come to you. And he's like, listen, I can't promise you'll survive, but I'll promise you'll have a good time. And I said, that's all I needed to hear. So we connected and my friend Roman, we went really, really close. I think we were at the closest point, seven kilometers from the front line.

And I was like, you know what? I'll come to you. And he's like, listen, I can't promise you'll survive, but I'll promise you'll have a good time. And I said, that's all I needed to hear. So we connected and my friend Roman, we went really, really close. I think we were at the closest point, seven kilometers from the front line.

Obviously very surreal experience to be over there, seeing basically how the battles fought with all drones. How long ago was this? I think it would have been March or April. So we went there, we went basically spent two nights up on the front line, went back to Kiev and that was it for that trip.

Obviously very surreal experience to be over there, seeing basically how the battles fought with all drones. How long ago was this? I think it would have been March or April. So we went there, we went basically spent two nights up on the front line, went back to Kiev and that was it for that trip.

In terms of crazy stuff that happens, obviously just the people living, like you download the air defense tracker. So at any time there could be an air siren going off, an air alert on your phone. Could be like drones heading your way, planes are in the air, missiles flying. And then those missiles will change direction and stuff.

In terms of crazy stuff that happens, obviously just the people living, like you download the air defense tracker. So at any time there could be an air siren going off, an air alert on your phone. Could be like drones heading your way, planes are in the air, missiles flying. And then those missiles will change direction and stuff.

So the air alert, you don't know if it's heading a different direction, but they just sort of warn everyone. So you live under a constant state. of fear, basically. And then on that first trip, the heaviest moment was I was going downstairs in the hotel to work out, which is honestly a rare thing these days, doing something healthy with myself. You're working out.

So the air alert, you don't know if it's heading a different direction, but they just sort of warn everyone. So you live under a constant state. of fear, basically. And then on that first trip, the heaviest moment was I was going downstairs in the hotel to work out, which is honestly a rare thing these days, doing something healthy with myself. You're working out.

Getting in the gym, pumping some iron. And this was divine intervention that a hypersonic missile was shot down by the Patriot Defense System just like five minutes from the hotel. So the whole hotel and the attached gym just shook like crazy. And Some people started freaking out.

Getting in the gym, pumping some iron. And this was divine intervention that a hypersonic missile was shot down by the Patriot Defense System just like five minutes from the hotel. So the whole hotel and the attached gym just shook like crazy. And Some people started freaking out.

Most people went to leave to go outside, which I don't think is recommended, but you want to see what's going on out there. This was in Kiev. This was in Kiev. So it got shot down, and then some of the local troops actually took me to the site of where just part of the missile had landed in the ground and left this huge sort of...

Most people went to leave to go outside, which I don't think is recommended, but you want to see what's going on out there. This was in Kiev. This was in Kiev. So it got shot down, and then some of the local troops actually took me to the site of where just part of the missile had landed in the ground and left this huge sort of...

indentation that already cleared up most of the, um, I guess shrapnel from the missile. I don't know if I should, or if I was legally allowed to do this, but I took some of that missile back home with me. I don't know where I left it actually, but I thought maybe that would raise some alarm bells and airport scans, but I took, I took it regardless.

indentation that already cleared up most of the, um, I guess shrapnel from the missile. I don't know if I should, or if I was legally allowed to do this, but I took some of that missile back home with me. I don't know where I left it actually, but I thought maybe that would raise some alarm bells and airport scans, but I took, I took it regardless.

And that was basically the craziest thing that happened on that first trip.

And that was basically the craziest thing that happened on that first trip.

And so that's protecting Kiev. That's protecting Kiev, yeah. That was at the time where U.S. hadn't voted to, I guess, keep funding Kiev. The weapons over there. So it was kind of a tense moment because I think, I don't know, everyone was thinking like, when do those air defense missiles run out? So that was a heavy moment for me thinking, look at what it shot out the sky.

And so that's protecting Kiev. That's protecting Kiev, yeah. That was at the time where U.S. hadn't voted to, I guess, keep funding Kiev. The weapons over there. So it was kind of a tense moment because I think, I don't know, everyone was thinking like, when do those air defense missiles run out? So that was a heavy moment for me thinking, look at what it shot out the sky.

Like, imagine if that didn't, they didn't have that. But we, yeah, that was probably the most surreal moment. But Kyiv largely, life goes on most of the time as per normal. I was faced with crazy messages and comments, even just posting that video. Like I'm getting paid by Ukraine and stuff. And it's just like, people just don't understand that like life has to go on.

Like, imagine if that didn't, they didn't have that. But we, yeah, that was probably the most surreal moment. But Kyiv largely, life goes on most of the time as per normal. I was faced with crazy messages and comments, even just posting that video. Like I'm getting paid by Ukraine and stuff. And it's just like, people just don't understand that like life has to go on.

Like Kyiv's here, the front lines far away. Like the cities have to largely try to operate as normal or whatever. Just life will not go on in those villages and cities.

Like Kyiv's here, the front lines far away. Like the cities have to largely try to operate as normal or whatever. Just life will not go on in those villages and cities.

Yeah, it's some bullet moves out there. I love seeing people that just crazy stuff's going on from the war and they don't even react to it. They don't go to the bomb shelter. It's like a baller move. Like I'm not gonna change my lifestyle. Actually on that first trip as well, something else that I probably shouldn't have been allowed to do was go to Chernobyl. Yeah.

Yeah, it's some bullet moves out there. I love seeing people that just crazy stuff's going on from the war and they don't even react to it. They don't go to the bomb shelter. It's like a baller move. Like I'm not gonna change my lifestyle. Actually on that first trip as well, something else that I probably shouldn't have been allowed to do was go to Chernobyl. Yeah.

So Chernobyl, I believe troops came through Belarus and there was some fighting going on in Chernobyl. Mm-hmm . I think the whole world got concerned at that point, if any sort of radiation leaked, but Chernobyl as it stands, the troops back down and it's completely covered in mines. Very, very difficult to go, to go to Chernobyl.

So Chernobyl, I believe troops came through Belarus and there was some fighting going on in Chernobyl. Mm-hmm . I think the whole world got concerned at that point, if any sort of radiation leaked, but Chernobyl as it stands, the troops back down and it's completely covered in mines. Very, very difficult to go, to go to Chernobyl.

Basically as a tourist or as like a, I guess a idiot like myself should really probably not be allowed in a place like that. But we were able to get there. We passed like four security checkpoints. It took two attempts. First time we tried to go in there was with a special forces guy. We cleared two security gates. Then they stopped us and basically threatened us with arrest. Rightfully so.

Basically as a tourist or as like a, I guess a idiot like myself should really probably not be allowed in a place like that. But we were able to get there. We passed like four security checkpoints. It took two attempts. First time we tried to go in there was with a special forces guy. We cleared two security gates. Then they stopped us and basically threatened us with arrest. Rightfully so.

Really have no business going to Chernobyl. We made a connection. I won't say who this connection was, but he had heard about what I had done with a charity event and opened some doors for us to be able to go to Chernobyl. We got to see Chernobyl. We had some filming restrictions there just because it was a crazy military conflict at one point. We got to actually see Chernobyl.

Really have no business going to Chernobyl. We made a connection. I won't say who this connection was, but he had heard about what I had done with a charity event and opened some doors for us to be able to go to Chernobyl. We got to see Chernobyl. We had some filming restrictions there just because it was a crazy military conflict at one point. We got to actually see Chernobyl.

Chernobyl has always been a dream of mine to see because it's just such an interesting place. And to see it under these conditions, very, very strange. Yeah, what was that like? So there's no civilians there now. It's just completely empty. I guess it's kind of like the fantasy you have.

Chernobyl has always been a dream of mine to see because it's just such an interesting place. And to see it under these conditions, very, very strange. Yeah, what was that like? So there's no civilians there now. It's just completely empty. I guess it's kind of like the fantasy you have.

I imagine people going on tours of Chernobyl back in the tourist days when it was a tourist spot and it would be busy, full of tourists. We got basically a private tour, so we got to really feel... that abandoned sort of vibes. I guess I was interested in it from playing Call of Duty and then. Right. Chernobyl series, all the documentaries and stuff are very, very strange place to go visit.

I imagine people going on tours of Chernobyl back in the tourist days when it was a tourist spot and it would be busy, full of tourists. We got basically a private tour, so we got to really feel... that abandoned sort of vibes. I guess I was interested in it from playing Call of Duty and then. Right. Chernobyl series, all the documentaries and stuff are very, very strange place to go visit.

And that could continually kill people. I don't think it'll be a tourist spot for a very long time because if you were thinking about areas to demine when the conflict ends, an area where if you accidentally trigger a mine could cause a radiation leak, it's probably going to be very low on the list. So tourism for Chernobyl, who knows how long until that returns.

And that could continually kill people. I don't think it'll be a tourist spot for a very long time because if you were thinking about areas to demine when the conflict ends, an area where if you accidentally trigger a mine could cause a radiation leak, it's probably going to be very low on the list. So tourism for Chernobyl, who knows how long until that returns.

Maybe they were hoping I did step on a mine. Maybe my jokes didn't go too well there.

Maybe they were hoping I did step on a mine. Maybe my jokes didn't go too well there.

He was trying to get rid of you. Putin, yeah. Now, I don't know. I mean, we felt pretty safe when we were there. There was an air alert went off. They were kind of more concerned with... Me dying just for the PR side of things. It's like Australian tourists.

He was trying to get rid of you. Putin, yeah. Now, I don't know. I mean, we felt pretty safe when we were there. There was an air alert went off. They were kind of more concerned with... Me dying just for the PR side of things. It's like Australian tourists.

Oh, yeah, the rocket launcher. I shot a rocket launcher with the troops on the first trip. But the second trip I went back to, which was only maybe –

Oh, yeah, the rocket launcher. I shot a rocket launcher with the troops on the first trip. But the second trip I went back to, which was only maybe –

four to five weeks ago yeah this time we went to some crazier spots so we went to odessa which has been hit a ton i really enjoyed the video of uh old man stretching and like exercising on the yeah what is that local local custom well odessa people are known historically to be wild that was wild it was abrasive to the eyes but i appreciated it especially a middle-aged man in underwear with a beer belly doing a sun dance at dusk that would frighten many people

four to five weeks ago yeah this time we went to some crazier spots so we went to odessa which has been hit a ton i really enjoyed the video of uh old man stretching and like exercising on the yeah what is that local local custom well odessa people are known historically to be wild that was wild it was abrasive to the eyes but i appreciated it especially a middle-aged man in underwear with a beer belly doing a sun dance at dusk that would frighten many people

Yeah, yeah, yeah. The battleship would turn around. Yeah, so where else? sort of really heavy in terms of action, we could go to curse on and he's like, oh, personally escort you to curse on. And I was just like, well, here we have an invitation for adventure. I think it's a great idea to go. And I thought, you know what?

Yeah, yeah, yeah. The battleship would turn around. Yeah, so where else? sort of really heavy in terms of action, we could go to curse on and he's like, oh, personally escort you to curse on. And I was just like, well, here we have an invitation for adventure. I think it's a great idea to go. And I thought, you know what?

I'll completely lie to my cameraman and tell him it's a safe trip to go on so that he can pass that information onto his fiance.

I'll completely lie to my cameraman and tell him it's a safe trip to go on so that he can pass that information onto his fiance.

And she won't have any concerns. Yes. So we basically take this huge journey all the way down to Curzon. We switch at a city outside. I can't remember the name, but we had to switch to sort of armored vehicles. And I remember the guy that picked us up there said, hey, give me a phone number for someone to call to recover your bodies. And he said that in a joking way, but I think he was serious.

And she won't have any concerns. Yes. So we basically take this huge journey all the way down to Curzon. We switch at a city outside. I can't remember the name, but we had to switch to sort of armored vehicles. And I remember the guy that picked us up there said, hey, give me a phone number for someone to call to recover your bodies. And he said that in a joking way, but I think he was serious.

But I said, just leave it, you know? I'm not, I don't think they need, I don't think we much left probably if we get hit over there, but we go basically into Curzon. I think Curzon's population used to be like 250,000. Now it's like basically all military down to 50,000. So we went into the police, basically stationed in the bunker underneath the top of the building was destroyed.

But I said, just leave it, you know? I'm not, I don't think they need, I don't think we much left probably if we get hit over there, but we go basically into Curzon. I think Curzon's population used to be like 250,000. Now it's like basically all military down to 50,000. So we went into the police, basically stationed in the bunker underneath the top of the building was destroyed.

And then one of the local guys just took us on a city tour, which again, we had some filming restrictions because obviously anytime something's hit, it's

And then one of the local guys just took us on a city tour, which again, we had some filming restrictions because obviously anytime something's hit, it's

guess the other side wants to be able to see what damage has been done so if you take any footage of recently destroyed buildings that's going to help them recalibrate and target the next shot so curse on being so heavily hit it's basically within range of every single thing russia has every form of weapon drones before we took the tour he put some drone blocking things on top of the car

guess the other side wants to be able to see what damage has been done so if you take any footage of recently destroyed buildings that's going to help them recalibrate and target the next shot so curse on being so heavily hit it's basically within range of every single thing russia has every form of weapon drones before we took the tour he put some drone blocking things on top of the car

which didn't look reassuring. He also took a helmet out the back of the car, which I thought he was going to give to me, but he just threw it in the back of the pickup truck and said, oh, you won't need this. You'll be dead anyway. And I was like, oh, I've made a great life decision with this little Curzon tour.

which didn't look reassuring. He also took a helmet out the back of the car, which I thought he was going to give to me, but he just threw it in the back of the pickup truck and said, oh, you won't need this. You'll be dead anyway. And I was like, oh, I've made a great life decision with this little Curzon tour.

But then we took a tour of the city and Curzon used to be kind of like a beautiful place. beach city by the Dnipro River. But basically, it's just the river that separates Russia from, well, I guess the Russian land they've taken from Kherson. So Kherson's split across that river, and there's just Russians on the other side of the river and Ukrainians on this side. So very, very dangerous spot.

But then we took a tour of the city and Curzon used to be kind of like a beautiful place. beach city by the Dnipro River. But basically, it's just the river that separates Russia from, well, I guess the Russian land they've taken from Kherson. So Kherson's split across that river, and there's just Russians on the other side of the river and Ukrainians on this side. So very, very dangerous spot.

Kharkiv makes a lot of press because of the long-range missiles that hit, but Kherson's just being hit all the time. So we took this tour. We went along the river. We went to within one kilometer of the front line. So that was the closest we got. After this point, we heard artillery strike. And because you're in an armored vehicle, it sounds further away than it is.

Kharkiv makes a lot of press because of the long-range missiles that hit, but Kherson's just being hit all the time. So we took this tour. We went along the river. We went to within one kilometer of the front line. So that was the closest we got. After this point, we heard artillery strike. And because you're in an armored vehicle, it sounds further away than it is.

Obviously, the sound doesn't get in. So I thought it sounded far away. We could see some smoke that actually appeared close in the distance. The guy driving us took us to a point where a large building was blocking us from, I guess, the angle at which the missile would have came from. And I thought everything was cool. I thought it must have been off in the distance.

Obviously, the sound doesn't get in. So I thought it sounded far away. We could see some smoke that actually appeared close in the distance. The guy driving us took us to a point where a large building was blocking us from, I guess, the angle at which the missile would have came from. And I thought everything was cool. I thought it must have been off in the distance.

And then we heard two more strikes.

And then we heard two more strikes.

hit very very close they sounded really loud and then i think um he's radioing to see if everything's safe if we can leave this point and then we basically race back but we i started to realize we're in danger at any point where he really sped the car up or sort of took sort of evasive movements in the car but we got out of there and i think i had someone translate it later and basically yeah he was checking to see if the roads were clear for us to leave ultimately it ended up being

hit very very close they sounded really loud and then i think um he's radioing to see if everything's safe if we can leave this point and then we basically race back but we i started to realize we're in danger at any point where he really sped the car up or sort of took sort of evasive movements in the car but we got out of there and i think i had someone translate it later and basically yeah he was checking to see if the roads were clear for us to leave ultimately it ended up being

Someone died and a few people were injured from that blast, which was less than half a kilometer from us. And basically they were radioing saying, end the tour, come back to the police station.

Someone died and a few people were injured from that blast, which was less than half a kilometer from us. And basically they were radioing saying, end the tour, come back to the police station.

Yeah, and it's constant all the time. Yeah, and you hear that noise and you're like, is that coming or going? Very concerning. Right. You don't know. Yeah. You don't know. And just like that, it could be you. You're gone. Last time the village we went to, basically, it was the day we left. So we stayed there overnight. The day we left, it just started getting...

Yeah, and it's constant all the time. Yeah, and you hear that noise and you're like, is that coming or going? Very concerning. Right. You don't know. Yeah. You don't know. And just like that, it could be you. You're gone. Last time the village we went to, basically, it was the day we left. So we stayed there overnight. The day we left, it just started getting...

extremely shelled and the soldier we were with just took a selfie video of us and basically the location we were in just hearing just artillery strike after artillery strike just being like oh you guys left and the fun began so they they take it in good spirit i was trying to use their energy to reassure myself but i guess when they see it every day They're kind of more adjusted to it.

extremely shelled and the soldier we were with just took a selfie video of us and basically the location we were in just hearing just artillery strike after artillery strike just being like oh you guys left and the fun began so they they take it in good spirit i was trying to use their energy to reassure myself but i guess when they see it every day They're kind of more adjusted to it.

They're not freaking out every time something crazy like that goes on.

They're not freaking out every time something crazy like that goes on.

Yeah. The guys are always laughing and joking. They were laughing and joking at me quite a bit, holding weapons, trying to shoot weapons and stuff. They got a lot of enjoyment out of me shooting the RPG. Yeah.

Yeah. The guys are always laughing and joking. They were laughing and joking at me quite a bit, holding weapons, trying to shoot weapons and stuff. They got a lot of enjoyment out of me shooting the RPG. Yeah.

They helped me out, though, in my marketing campaign for the tournament. We were able to secure a Lada, classic Soviet Union car. We towed it. We painted it with the logos of the other event, the ADCC. Yeah. And we got to shoot some RPGs at it. Yeah. Great experience. Great fun.

They helped me out, though, in my marketing campaign for the tournament. We were able to secure a Lada, classic Soviet Union car. We towed it. We painted it with the logos of the other event, the ADCC. Yeah. And we got to shoot some RPGs at it. Yeah. Great experience. Great fun.

It was a bold move. Luckily, they let me get away with posting it. But when we were there, it was basically at a shooting range, and we cleared them out for a while. So we'd blown up the car. We'd set it on fire. We'd done all this sort of stuff. I remember we were trying to blow it up. It wasn't quite hitting. One of the missiles was lodged in under the car, so it was kind of risky.

It was a bold move. Luckily, they let me get away with posting it. But when we were there, it was basically at a shooting range, and we cleared them out for a while. So we'd blown up the car. We'd set it on fire. We'd done all this sort of stuff. I remember we were trying to blow it up. It wasn't quite hitting. One of the missiles was lodged in under the car, so it was kind of risky.

That could have gone off at any moment. But we needed to get it to ignite. We needed to get a shot where it was on fire. The logo of the enemy tournament was basically on fire. So we poured gasoline on it. We shot the gasoline tank. That didn't work. That must be a movie trick or something. And then we decided we'd light on fire a rag and just throw it into the blowing out back window.

That could have gone off at any moment. But we needed to get it to ignite. We needed to get a shot where it was on fire. The logo of the enemy tournament was basically on fire. So we poured gasoline on it. We shot the gasoline tank. That didn't work. That must be a movie trick or something. And then we decided we'd light on fire a rag and just throw it into the blowing out back window.

So I'm with this guy, special forces guy, and we throw the rag in the back. Like soaked in gasoline rag? Yeah. And we start running. And he's like, stop, stop. He's like, it didn't go off. So we're sitting there quite close to the car, lighting it, trying to light more as we walk back to the car. And then we just hear the car ignite. And he's like, run, run, run.

So I'm with this guy, special forces guy, and we throw the rag in the back. Like soaked in gasoline rag? Yeah. And we start running. And he's like, stop, stop. He's like, it didn't go off. So we're sitting there quite close to the car, lighting it, trying to light more as we walk back to the car. And then we just hear the car ignite. And he's like, run, run, run.

So we came quite close to death already at that point. But we wanted to get the shot with some photos in front of the burning logos. But we told the guys at the shooting range to basically give us 10 minutes or so. So we could take the photos. I don't know if they didn't wait the full 10 minutes or if we took too long, but they started firing at the targets anyway.

So we came quite close to death already at that point. But we wanted to get the shot with some photos in front of the burning logos. But we told the guys at the shooting range to basically give us 10 minutes or so. So we could take the photos. I don't know if they didn't wait the full 10 minutes or if we took too long, but they started firing at the targets anyway.

And then the ricochets were flying very, very close to us over our head. One landed right by my leg. We're like, shit, we better get out of here. Obviously not much safety concerns at that point, but we survived. Basically artillery strikes. We survived a bit of friendly fire with the bullets coming our way. But again, I was strangely calm because the other guys were calm.

And then the ricochets were flying very, very close to us over our head. One landed right by my leg. We're like, shit, we better get out of here. Obviously not much safety concerns at that point, but we survived. Basically artillery strikes. We survived a bit of friendly fire with the bullets coming our way. But again, I was strangely calm because the other guys were calm.

But then afterwards they were, they said to me, they were like, oh bro, if you got shot, we'd just have to dump your body at a hospital. We wouldn't be able to explain why you're here blowing up cars. Right. Right. And you're American and athlete, international celebrity. I'd be like, what is he doing on the front line? There's no real good explanation for it.

But then afterwards they were, they said to me, they were like, oh bro, if you got shot, we'd just have to dump your body at a hospital. We wouldn't be able to explain why you're here blowing up cars. Right. Right. And you're American and athlete, international celebrity. I'd be like, what is he doing on the front line? There's no real good explanation for it.

But I mean, even through the jokes and stuff, it's good to like highlight what's actually kind of happening over there. You know, it's obviously very, very bad. What's the morale of the soldiers like? Is there still an optimism? Is there still a hope? I mean, there's sort of the battle fatigue. And as they say, all the heroes die early.

But I mean, even through the jokes and stuff, it's good to like highlight what's actually kind of happening over there. You know, it's obviously very, very bad. What's the morale of the soldiers like? Is there still an optimism? Is there still a hope? I mean, there's sort of the battle fatigue. And as they say, all the heroes die early.

The guys, the real heroes that are willing to sacrifice themselves, they're the ones that are going to get taken out quick. Unfortunately, that's the reality for them over there. But their thoughts are mostly that it's going to be a prolonged war. Like when I ask them about how fast the front line moves, they're like, oh. could take six months to move one, 200 meters.

The guys, the real heroes that are willing to sacrifice themselves, they're the ones that are going to get taken out quick. Unfortunately, that's the reality for them over there. But their thoughts are mostly that it's going to be a prolonged war. Like when I ask them about how fast the front line moves, they're like, oh. could take six months to move one, 200 meters.

So it just feels like it's going to go on forever. And from the Ukrainian side's perspective, those guys talk to me about how when they hear radio intercepts of Russian soldiers marching to the same frontline spot is that basically they're marching into certain death at certain locations. And based on the radio transmissions,

So it just feels like it's going to go on forever. And from the Ukrainian side's perspective, those guys talk to me about how when they hear radio intercepts of Russian soldiers marching to the same frontline spot is that basically they're marching into certain death at certain locations. And based on the radio transmissions,

They know they're going to die, but they head forth anyway, straight forward into a Ukrainian position, which is just wild to me. I guess World War II, they just keep throwing troops at it. And you see a ton of footage they take themselves. It's just mind-blowing.

They know they're going to die, but they head forth anyway, straight forward into a Ukrainian position, which is just wild to me. I guess World War II, they just keep throwing troops at it. And you see a ton of footage they take themselves. It's just mind-blowing.

Obviously, some of this footage doesn't make it to the internet because it's got important sort of details in those conflicts, but they're showing first-person perspectives of trench warfare. It's just crazy to see what some of these guys have gone through.

Obviously, some of this footage doesn't make it to the internet because it's got important sort of details in those conflicts, but they're showing first-person perspectives of trench warfare. It's just crazy to see what some of these guys have gone through.

What was your sense of the place? Curzon was like, it was just so destroyed. I think at this point, most of the civilians are gone. I saw a lot of just elderly people left behind, especially a lot of old men. And I just think they're just like, hey, I've lived here my whole life. I'm just never leaving. So no matter the level of danger, those guys just remain.

What was your sense of the place? Curzon was like, it was just so destroyed. I think at this point, most of the civilians are gone. I saw a lot of just elderly people left behind, especially a lot of old men. And I just think they're just like, hey, I've lived here my whole life. I'm just never leaving. So no matter the level of danger, those guys just remain.

And then for the, it's largely just, I guess, military in Curzon. But that place felt very, very dangerous. I didn't realize until we got there just quite how destroyed it is.

And then for the, it's largely just, I guess, military in Curzon. But that place felt very, very dangerous. I didn't realize until we got there just quite how destroyed it is.

Just seeing war head on. How did it change me? I guess just realizing a lot of these soldiers are just like, you kind of distance yourself from them thinking that they're something separate. But really speaking to a lot of the Ukrainian soldiers, like my friend Roman, he hadn't lived in Ukraine for eight years. He lived in France. He had a life. He's got a wife over there. He's got a daughter.

Just seeing war head on. How did it change me? I guess just realizing a lot of these soldiers are just like, you kind of distance yourself from them thinking that they're something separate. But really speaking to a lot of the Ukrainian soldiers, like my friend Roman, he hadn't lived in Ukraine for eight years. He lived in France. He had a life. He's got a wife over there. He's got a daughter.

He basically volunteered to come back to protect his mom and brother who still lived there. I used to view them military guys because in Australia and I guess in the US, they don't have this conscription ongoing right now. Whereas obviously there's guys like Roman who volunteered. But then there's a lot of Ukrainian soldiers that were conscripted into the war.

He basically volunteered to come back to protect his mom and brother who still lived there. I used to view them military guys because in Australia and I guess in the US, they don't have this conscription ongoing right now. Whereas obviously there's guys like Roman who volunteered. But then there's a lot of Ukrainian soldiers that were conscripted into the war.

So it's like you just realize how a lot of these guys are everyday people. They're just in this crazy situation where Roman felt obligated to return to Ukraine. From my perspective, anyone from Australia or U.S.,

So it's like you just realize how a lot of these guys are everyday people. They're just in this crazy situation where Roman felt obligated to return to Ukraine. From my perspective, anyone from Australia or U.S.,

just it's just a different perspective on like those they feel different to the regular people fighting in ukraine from my perspective yeah it's defending the land that is your home yeah like japan was coming for australia i guess in world war ii they attacked the north but really there was no foot battle and there was no soldiers on the ground within australia i guess us too during world war ii so it's like a completely different perspective

just it's just a different perspective on like those they feel different to the regular people fighting in ukraine from my perspective yeah it's defending the land that is your home yeah like japan was coming for australia i guess in world war ii they attacked the north but really there was no foot battle and there was no soldiers on the ground within australia i guess us too during world war ii so it's like a completely different perspective

from our recent histories compared to, like if you were a Ukrainian and there's Russians within the defined border, their responsibility to protect their homeland and their family is just something you can't imagine, but also after having spent time with them, you can see why they feel such a strong sense of obligation to protect Ukraine, protect their family and friends. And in a lot of cases,

from our recent histories compared to, like if you were a Ukrainian and there's Russians within the defined border, their responsibility to protect their homeland and their family is just something you can't imagine, but also after having spent time with them, you can see why they feel such a strong sense of obligation to protect Ukraine, protect their family and friends. And in a lot of cases,

Yeah. I mean, in terms of the weapons, America provides weapons. So we saw a wide selection of weapons. Some of those would be old Soviet weapons, like obviously the RPG we shot and what we shot out of it is all Soviet weapons. it's very old weaponry and then you've got US weapons that have been given as well.

Yeah. I mean, in terms of the weapons, America provides weapons. So we saw a wide selection of weapons. Some of those would be old Soviet weapons, like obviously the RPG we shot and what we shot out of it is all Soviet weapons. it's very old weaponry and then you've got US weapons that have been given as well.

But in terms of the basic soldier's equipment, like if they want good quality stuff that might be the difference between them surviving the winter or the summer, just in the extreme temperature range, like they have to pay for that all themselves.

But in terms of the basic soldier's equipment, like if they want good quality stuff that might be the difference between them surviving the winter or the summer, just in the extreme temperature range, like they have to pay for that all themselves.

So they always joke about when foreign soldiers come over to train them or they, a lot of foreign soldiers come to learn about sort of the drone technology they've developed on a budget is they always joke with them about how like, Everything from most countries is basically supplied. All the good quality standard equipment they'd need is just supplied by the government.

So they always joke about when foreign soldiers come over to train them or they, a lot of foreign soldiers come to learn about sort of the drone technology they've developed on a budget is they always joke with them about how like, Everything from most countries is basically supplied. All the good quality standard equipment they'd need is just supplied by the government.

But in Ukraine, obviously funding is very stretched. So these guys to have the best equipment, they have to basically find money to pay for it themselves. And they'll do that by seeking donations. best way to get donations would be to grow social media profiles.

But in Ukraine, obviously funding is very stretched. So these guys to have the best equipment, they have to basically find money to pay for it themselves. And they'll do that by seeking donations. best way to get donations would be to grow social media profiles.

So that's when you see a lot of sort of social media warfare from a perspective of gaining fame to secure donations for their battalion, to be able to fight better or protect themselves. And also some of the social media warfare, I guess, is psychological warfare against the enemy.

So that's when you see a lot of sort of social media warfare from a perspective of gaining fame to secure donations for their battalion, to be able to fight better or protect themselves. And also some of the social media warfare, I guess, is psychological warfare against the enemy.

You'll see like private telegram groups where they're showing what they've done to the enemy, what the enemy's done to them. It's just crazy.

You'll see like private telegram groups where they're showing what they've done to the enemy, what the enemy's done to them. It's just crazy.

Yeah, so basically like a $300 to $500 drone. I think it's like carbon fiber, 3D printed, and they can attach different forms of weaponry to it, whether it's just dropping a frag, They could drop a mine out of it. I know they were talking about how they had a liquid that could basically burn through sort of a lot of cars and tanks.

Yeah, so basically like a $300 to $500 drone. I think it's like carbon fiber, 3D printed, and they can attach different forms of weaponry to it, whether it's just dropping a frag, They could drop a mine out of it. I know they were talking about how they had a liquid that could basically burn through sort of a lot of cars and tanks.

So the person inside would basically melt alive, which sounds horrible. But what's mind blowing to me is you could have like a $3 million Russian tank that could be destroyed by a $300 drone, which is just crazy how fast the war changes. I think they're kind of the world leaders in budget drone technology. They obviously don't have the budget for these crazy, elaborate, massive drones.

So the person inside would basically melt alive, which sounds horrible. But what's mind blowing to me is you could have like a $3 million Russian tank that could be destroyed by a $300 drone, which is just crazy how fast the war changes. I think they're kind of the world leaders in budget drone technology. They obviously don't have the budget for these crazy, elaborate, massive drones.

I did see some higher budget, bigger drones over there, but for the most part, those FPV drones is really how most of the battles are fought. And you're seeing the... you're seeing the cameras on them. So you can see like basically a kamikaze drone will chase someone down and they have that footage. And that's what the police chief said to me when he gifted me one of the drones they used.

I did see some higher budget, bigger drones over there, but for the most part, those FPV drones is really how most of the battles are fought. And you're seeing the... you're seeing the cameras on them. So you can see like basically a kamikaze drone will chase someone down and they have that footage. And that's what the police chief said to me when he gifted me one of the drones they used.

And he basically said, he's like, artillery is scary, but a drone will follow you into a building. It's like kind of a haunting thing to think about. Like they'll see the drone, they'll hear the drone. They might try to shoot it down or they might try to run. But if it's a kamikaze one... Those guys are pretty good at flying them. It's going to chase the soldiers down.

And he basically said, he's like, artillery is scary, but a drone will follow you into a building. It's like kind of a haunting thing to think about. Like they'll see the drone, they'll hear the drone. They might try to shoot it down or they might try to run. But if it's a kamikaze one... Those guys are pretty good at flying them. It's going to chase the soldiers down.

A lot of soldiers pretending to be dead. It's really crazy, some of the footage out there of those FPV drones.

A lot of soldiers pretending to be dead. It's really crazy, some of the footage out there of those FPV drones.

Yeah, both sides use it. I remember I was with Roman in Marseille and he had his break period. He was allowed to leave the country because he basically volunteered to join the army. Ukrainian men can't really leave Ukraine right now. But Roman, I was in Marseille and this was a surreal experience for him.

Yeah, both sides use it. I remember I was with Roman in Marseille and he had his break period. He was allowed to leave the country because he basically volunteered to join the army. Ukrainian men can't really leave Ukraine right now. But Roman, I was in Marseille and this was a surreal experience for him.

We went to the beach and there were some tourists there flying a drone and you just saw his instinctual reaction to that drone sound in the sky. Flashback to that.

We went to the beach and there were some tourists there flying a drone and you just saw his instinctual reaction to that drone sound in the sky. Flashback to that.

That would be wild. Because, I mean, they do those crazy drone light shows where they do those performances with the lights and stuff. So they're already pretty sophisticated with sort of pre-programming.

That would be wild. Because, I mean, they do those crazy drone light shows where they do those performances with the lights and stuff. So they're already pretty sophisticated with sort of pre-programming.

Yes, I mean, surreal. When we went to Curzon, he was like, the entire sky is just full of drones at any given time. They could decide to come and attack. So they could just sit there forever waiting, waiting for you to come out of that building. They'll wait a long time when someone goes and hides inside. Or potentially if it's open window, fly straight through the open window to get people.

Yes, I mean, surreal. When we went to Curzon, he was like, the entire sky is just full of drones at any given time. They could decide to come and attack. So they could just sit there forever waiting, waiting for you to come out of that building. They'll wait a long time when someone goes and hides inside. Or potentially if it's open window, fly straight through the open window to get people.

Yeah, so you're not even safe indoors. Yeah, there's nowhere to hide.

Yeah, so you're not even safe indoors. Yeah, there's nowhere to hide.

life where you don't know if you're safe at any moment anywhere in ukraine well sure i mean it's crazy having a trump i thought maybe the next attack on a public figure might come in the form of drone technology some sort of something along those lines i wonder how they protect against that here if that happens just imagine the insanity that would ensue because we understand the idea of a gunman with a rifle

life where you don't know if you're safe at any moment anywhere in ukraine well sure i mean it's crazy having a trump i thought maybe the next attack on a public figure might come in the form of drone technology some sort of something along those lines i wonder how they protect against that here if that happens just imagine the insanity that would ensue because we understand the idea of a gunman with a rifle

shooting somebody but just like a drone just imagine the conspiracy theories who controlled that drone where did it come from yeah and now everybody i mean that will just cause chaos and the range is ever increasing one of the battalions in ukraine because those fpv drones have short range pretty short range but they were able to attach it to one of the larger drones with a signal booster so they could potentially go up to 30 40 kilometers into the distance so

shooting somebody but just like a drone just imagine the conspiracy theories who controlled that drone where did it come from yeah and now everybody i mean that will just cause chaos and the range is ever increasing one of the battalions in ukraine because those fpv drones have short range pretty short range but they were able to attach it to one of the larger drones with a signal booster so they could potentially go up to 30 40 kilometers into the distance so

The drone that hits you could be flown by someone so far away from you. And if they did that domestically, that would be very frightening to think of the sphere of where it could have come from.

The drone that hits you could be flown by someone so far away from you. And if they did that domestically, that would be very frightening to think of the sphere of where it could have come from.

Not really. I guess it just seems to everyone that there's going to be no middle ground.

Not really. I guess it just seems to everyone that there's going to be no middle ground.

I mean, I think it would be a soldier by soldier basis. I know each of them had a different perspective. I remember I would ask them about in terms of US politics and their fears, because the first trip I went there, U.S. hadn't agreed to resupply weapons. So it was a very different feeling in the air there of concern over what was going to happen.

I mean, I think it would be a soldier by soldier basis. I know each of them had a different perspective. I remember I would ask them about in terms of US politics and their fears, because the first trip I went there, U.S. hadn't agreed to resupply weapons. So it was a very different feeling in the air there of concern over what was going to happen.

But they still remained quite optimistic that no matter who got in, they felt would do the right thing. But in terms of prolonged war, most people think it's going to go for a very long time, like the children's hospital that just was bombed in Kyiv. Anytime there's a moment like that, that reignites everything. I think it happens on both sides. I know that there was an attack in Crimea.

But they still remained quite optimistic that no matter who got in, they felt would do the right thing. But in terms of prolonged war, most people think it's going to go for a very long time, like the children's hospital that just was bombed in Kyiv. Anytime there's a moment like that, that reignites everything. I think it happens on both sides. I know that there was an attack in Crimea.

It was an attack on a beach, I guess. I don't know if that attack on the hospital was retribution for that, but that's the energy that is felt. They might have battle fatigue. But when something happens to civilians, especially kids on your side, it kind of reinvigorates the energy to fight for as long as necessary.

It was an attack on a beach, I guess. I don't know if that attack on the hospital was retribution for that, but that's the energy that is felt. They might have battle fatigue. But when something happens to civilians, especially kids on your side, it kind of reinvigorates the energy to fight for as long as necessary.

And in terms of a case-by-case basis, one of my friends, Dimitri, over there who trains jiu-jitsu and owns a gym, He was very passionate about it just because of the history. He brought out documents of his grandfather being executed by the USSR. So I know that when the war started, he took a bicycle helmet and his AK-47 and went out into the streets.

And in terms of a case-by-case basis, one of my friends, Dimitri, over there who trains jiu-jitsu and owns a gym, He was very passionate about it just because of the history. He brought out documents of his grandfather being executed by the USSR. So I know that when the war started, he took a bicycle helmet and his AK-47 and went out into the streets.

And he's like, I'd rather be dead than live under Russian rule again. So I mean, very case-by-case basis sort of personal history for them, I think.

And he's like, I'd rather be dead than live under Russian rule again. So I mean, very case-by-case basis sort of personal history for them, I think.

I think most of the guys tried to keep it pretty positive. You know what I mean? Some people did think that maybe if Trump was elected, he wouldn't continue to fund it, but... They really try to stay optimistic. Most of the people I spoke to really tried to remain optimistic that they would be protected if it comes down to it.

I think most of the guys tried to keep it pretty positive. You know what I mean? Some people did think that maybe if Trump was elected, he wouldn't continue to fund it, but... They really try to stay optimistic. Most of the people I spoke to really tried to remain optimistic that they would be protected if it comes down to it.

But obviously there was a nine-month period where they weren't refunded. So as that stretched, obviously they're refunded now, but it takes a lot of time to get that equipment back to the points at which they need it. So, I mean, if ammunition had ran out, Patriot Defense System had ran out, really, really sort of scary prospect there. I don't know.

But obviously there was a nine-month period where they weren't refunded. So as that stretched, obviously they're refunded now, but it takes a lot of time to get that equipment back to the points at which they need it. So, I mean, if ammunition had ran out, Patriot Defense System had ran out, really, really sort of scary prospect there. I don't know.

I guess no one knows what's going to happen there, but.

I guess no one knows what's going to happen there, but.

I'm an Australian diplomat. Diplomat. That could be a nice way in. Yeah, that would have been a nice way to the top. Luckily for me, most of the place I travel to, jujitsu gives me access to so many different individuals. It's super bizarre. Like oligarchs, royalty, I guess tech wizards. It's a strange group of people, like a cult around the world.

I'm an Australian diplomat. Diplomat. That could be a nice way in. Yeah, that would have been a nice way to the top. Luckily for me, most of the place I travel to, jujitsu gives me access to so many different individuals. It's super bizarre. Like oligarchs, royalty, I guess tech wizards. It's a strange group of people, like a cult around the world.

I get strange access just for being good at wrestling dudes.

I get strange access just for being good at wrestling dudes.

I don't know what that is. It's like an inner circle. That's kind of like, because this film project we're working on, it's kind of focused on that. Yeah.

I don't know what that is. It's like an inner circle. That's kind of like, because this film project we're working on, it's kind of focused on that. Yeah.

Because of the history I have in jujitsu and traveling and doing seminars and just getting access to strange experiences from the local, strange in a positive way, and participating in those experiences, that's what I sort of wanted to focus this travel show on was the community of jujitsu people around the world kind of really has no sort of ethnic background, religious background, even level of wealth.

Because of the history I have in jujitsu and traveling and doing seminars and just getting access to strange experiences from the local, strange in a positive way, and participating in those experiences, that's what I sort of wanted to focus this travel show on was the community of jujitsu people around the world kind of really has no sort of ethnic background, religious background, even level of wealth.

Even like Sheikh Tarnoon, who started ADCC, I know when he went to the US and he studied there, He would train at a very simple gym. He wouldn't declare who he was. I watched a documentary produced about the story of Sheikh Tarnoon and how he studied in America, basically in anonymity. The people at his gym didn't know who he was in his country, and he trained there.

Even like Sheikh Tarnoon, who started ADCC, I know when he went to the US and he studied there, He would train at a very simple gym. He wouldn't declare who he was. I watched a documentary produced about the story of Sheikh Tarnoon and how he studied in America, basically in anonymity. The people at his gym didn't know who he was in his country, and he trained there.

He trained with them for years, cleaned their mouths like anyone else, and then they didn't realize who he was until he said, hey, I want to invite you to my country. But he actually meant basically his royalty come and then they realized who this guy was and the significance of him.

He trained with them for years, cleaned their mouths like anyone else, and then they didn't realize who he was until he said, hey, I want to invite you to my country. But he actually meant basically his royalty come and then they realized who this guy was and the significance of him.

I like to think with some of the aggressive clothing choices I've made and sold in the sport, that that should be a beacon that that person has hopefully some talent because they're fearlessly provoking the other party there.

I like to think with some of the aggressive clothing choices I've made and sold in the sport, that that should be a beacon that that person has hopefully some talent because they're fearlessly provoking the other party there.

It's a target, yeah, though. Yeah. Being flamboyant. If you come on the mats with something pink, a pink gi or something, people are circling in fast. Especially in Eastern Europe.

It's a target, yeah, though. Yeah. Being flamboyant. If you come on the mats with something pink, a pink gi or something, people are circling in fast. Especially in Eastern Europe.

Hicks and Gracie, yes. I like to match looks from time to time in an homage. You look sexy. It's comfortable, actually. I enjoy it.

Hicks and Gracie, yes. I like to match looks from time to time in an homage. You look sexy. It's comfortable, actually. I enjoy it.

I'll only wear this now. I'll wear this for the Gabby match. I mean, yeah, we're trying to do a documentary series because the way I see it is I want to grow the sport of jiu-jitsu. And this sounds funny to say now because I'm doing a tournament, but everyone tries to do it through competition.

I'll only wear this now. I'll wear this for the Gabby match. I mean, yeah, we're trying to do a documentary series because the way I see it is I want to grow the sport of jiu-jitsu. And this sounds funny to say now because I'm doing a tournament, but everyone tries to do it through competition.

But as we know, most jiu-jitsu gyms you visit, a very small percentage of people compete, let alone compete regularly. You go to gyms that could be brown or black belts that don't know anything many of the big name competitors. So my thoughts were, we're never going to grow this sport by competition.

But as we know, most jiu-jitsu gyms you visit, a very small percentage of people compete, let alone compete regularly. You go to gyms that could be brown or black belts that don't know anything many of the big name competitors. So my thoughts were, we're never going to grow this sport by competition.

We're going to grow it by appealing to the large majority of people that do it, which are just people that enjoy it for the benefits it provides to them, whether health or psychological. And obviously many people inspired by Anthony Bourdain,

We're going to grow it by appealing to the large majority of people that do it, which are just people that enjoy it for the benefits it provides to them, whether health or psychological. And obviously many people inspired by Anthony Bourdain,

Basically, he was looking at what he did with food by showing the very interesting characters in the food culture, the food industries, especially with street food, and building around that. So I'm trying to look at jiu-jitsu like a giant cult. Scientology isn't starting with Planet Xeno. It's starting with John Travolta and Tom Cruise.

Basically, he was looking at what he did with food by showing the very interesting characters in the food culture, the food industries, especially with street food, and building around that. So I'm trying to look at jiu-jitsu like a giant cult. Scientology isn't starting with Planet Xeno. It's starting with John Travolta and Tom Cruise.

So we can create a documentary travel series highlighting the diverse, interesting people that participate in the sport. In that sense, I hope we can grow up. But also... doing some charity work along the way. We'll release the Indonesia Bali episode pretty soon, but as an Australian, I do do a lot of damage culturally around the world, so I'd like to do some good as well.

So we can create a documentary travel series highlighting the diverse, interesting people that participate in the sport. In that sense, I hope we can grow up. But also... doing some charity work along the way. We'll release the Indonesia Bali episode pretty soon, but as an Australian, I do do a lot of damage culturally around the world, so I'd like to do some good as well.

We've done a lot of damage to Bali, so give back to local communities. We have an Australian there that runs an academy, Academy Christos. He's one of the guys we're donating a portion of the ticket sales to from our event, but he basically went straight into a Balinese slum started teaching jujitsu on a mat under a tree, and then slowly through donations has built a gym.

We've done a lot of damage to Bali, so give back to local communities. We have an Australian there that runs an academy, Academy Christos. He's one of the guys we're donating a portion of the ticket sales to from our event, but he basically went straight into a Balinese slum started teaching jujitsu on a mat under a tree, and then slowly through donations has built a gym.

And his real focus is not just taking money from people and gifting it to them to help the community, but to teach them skills. So he'll take a lot of the disadvantaged kids and he'll teach them things like photo editing so they can get that work from the internet, really. Incredible guy.

And his real focus is not just taking money from people and gifting it to them to help the community, but to teach them skills. So he'll take a lot of the disadvantaged kids and he'll teach them things like photo editing so they can get that work from the internet, really. Incredible guy.

Many masseuses have accused me of the same thing, unfortunately. All lies.

Many masseuses have accused me of the same thing, unfortunately. All lies.

I just felt like he was very authentic. Wasn't afraid. Like, this is something I had trouble with when we first started doing the travel show. It's easy to do a travel show if you only say positive things about a place. Yeah. You know? But... He would find a very creative way to show what's good and bad, a very honest reflection of the place. So that's something I would strive to do.

I just felt like he was very authentic. Wasn't afraid. Like, this is something I had trouble with when we first started doing the travel show. It's easy to do a travel show if you only say positive things about a place. Yeah. You know? But... He would find a very creative way to show what's good and bad, a very honest reflection of the place. So that's something I would strive to do.

However, in some places, it's very difficult. You know what I mean? Like, for example, Kazakhstan. If I were to say something negative about Kazakhstan, they'd be like, who's this foreign idiot talking about our culture?

However, in some places, it's very difficult. You know what I mean? Like, for example, Kazakhstan. If I were to say something negative about Kazakhstan, they'd be like, who's this foreign idiot talking about our culture?

And I think that was what was incredible about Bourdain, is he could talk about both the good and bad of places, and he would do it in such a way that it was tasteful and was respected by the locals.

And I think that was what was incredible about Bourdain, is he could talk about both the good and bad of places, and he would do it in such a way that it was tasteful and was respected by the locals.

I like to think so. Hopefully, yeah. Gabby Garcia. There's a deep, passionate love underneath the trolling. Yeah.

I like to think so. Hopefully, yeah. Gabby Garcia. There's a deep, passionate love underneath the trolling. Yeah.

The mission has always been, first and foremost, increase athlete pay. So ADCC has invested a ton into the sport. Obviously, I mentioned Sheik Tanu. Sheik Tanu has done so much for the sport of grappling, particularly no-gi grappling. So he's growing it. He has funded this for a very, very long time.

The mission has always been, first and foremost, increase athlete pay. So ADCC has invested a ton into the sport. Obviously, I mentioned Sheik Tanu. Sheik Tanu has done so much for the sport of grappling, particularly no-gi grappling. So he's growing it. He has funded this for a very, very long time.

But we've kind of hit a point since 2017 where the audience, the crowd watching live and at home behind a paywall has grown considerably. We had things like Meta Morris. We had the Eddie Bravo Invitational, Polaris, all these sort of professional events that have also contributed to growing the sport. And obviously people like Gordon Ryan have definitely increased the popularity of the sport.

But we've kind of hit a point since 2017 where the audience, the crowd watching live and at home behind a paywall has grown considerably. We had things like Meta Morris. We had the Eddie Bravo Invitational, Polaris, all these sort of professional events that have also contributed to growing the sport. And obviously people like Gordon Ryan have definitely increased the popularity of the sport.

But the payment for ADCC has never gone up. despite, again, the growth of it. So what I did, a lot of fans were asking me earlier in the year, they said, Craig, you're gonna do ADCC. And I said, that is a big commitment of time, energy, expenses on steroids to get my body ready for a tournament that I'll probably lose. And if I lose on day one, I make $0.

But the payment for ADCC has never gone up. despite, again, the growth of it. So what I did, a lot of fans were asking me earlier in the year, they said, Craig, you're gonna do ADCC. And I said, that is a big commitment of time, energy, expenses on steroids to get my body ready for a tournament that I'll probably lose. And if I lose on day one, I make $0.

If I lose in the final, which I have done a couple of times, I only get $6,000. I think third place is $3,000. Fourth place is $1,000. So if you make day two, you get paid. But for me personally, seeing ADCC 2022, you're looking out to a sold out crowd of like 10,000 people. It's on Flow Grappling, which you know pay quite a bit of money for the streaming rights.

If I lose in the final, which I have done a couple of times, I only get $6,000. I think third place is $3,000. Fourth place is $1,000. So if you make day two, you get paid. But for me personally, seeing ADCC 2022, you're looking out to a sold out crowd of like 10,000 people. It's on Flow Grappling, which you know pay quite a bit of money for the streaming rights.

I can't comment on what that number would be. And then you go home, despite having put in all that effort, with only $6,000, and they're basically, the argument is you're paid in exposure. But again, there's many ways to expose yourself. You know what I mean? That's just one of the platforms to do so.

I can't comment on what that number would be. And then you go home, despite having put in all that effort, with only $6,000, and they're basically, the argument is you're paid in exposure. But again, there's many ways to expose yourself. You know what I mean? That's just one of the platforms to do so.

My problem was that they announced that they were going to go from Thomas & Mac to T-Mobile, which is a jump in quality of stadium, but not a significant jump in sort of seating. So we've gone from like 11,000 seat arena to I think a 15,000, 16,000 seat arena. And I knew that Flow Grappling would have had to pay more money because now the sport's growing so much.

My problem was that they announced that they were going to go from Thomas & Mac to T-Mobile, which is a jump in quality of stadium, but not a significant jump in sort of seating. So we've gone from like 11,000 seat arena to I think a 15,000, 16,000 seat arena. And I knew that Flow Grappling would have had to pay more money because now the sport's growing so much.

And I can personally kind of track the growth of the sport through selling instructional DVDs, instructional online products, because that keeps growing. And we're targeting those white and blue belts vulnerable to internet marketing. And that audience continues to grow. And those will be the people that largely watch ADCC, events like this. So I simply said, in response to a lot of fans asking me,

And I can personally kind of track the growth of the sport through selling instructional DVDs, instructional online products, because that keeps growing. And we're targeting those white and blue belts vulnerable to internet marketing. And that audience continues to grow. And those will be the people that largely watch ADCC, events like this. So I simply said, in response to a lot of fans asking me,

Why are you going to do ADCC? And I just simply made a video saying, no, probably not. Probably not. It'd be nice to make some more money. And then I listed a bunch of sports, such as cock bar, that you get paid more to win cock bar. In the villages of Kazakhstan, the payment structure is higher.

Why are you going to do ADCC? And I just simply made a video saying, no, probably not. Probably not. It'd be nice to make some more money. And then I listed a bunch of sports, such as cock bar, that you get paid more to win cock bar. In the villages of Kazakhstan, the payment structure is higher.

And I received a very aggressive response, not from any of Sheikh Tanun's people, but from basically who runs the event today. One of those guys amongst giving me death threats said, hey, T-Mobile costs $2 million. You don't know what you're talking about in terms of business and production. And he's probably right. But to me, $2 million is a waste of money for a jiu-jitsu event.

And I received a very aggressive response, not from any of Sheikh Tanun's people, but from basically who runs the event today. One of those guys amongst giving me death threats said, hey, T-Mobile costs $2 million. You don't know what you're talking about in terms of business and production. And he's probably right. But to me, $2 million is a waste of money for a jiu-jitsu event.

I don't think we're at that level yet. That's where the UFC hosts events. $2 million, that's an expensive, expensive venue. So we argued a bit on the internet. And he said, hey, if you don't like it, why don't you go get $2 million and put on your own tournament? And I said... I might just do that. And one of my anonymous friends kindly donated a $3 million budget.

I don't think we're at that level yet. That's where the UFC hosts events. $2 million, that's an expensive, expensive venue. So we argued a bit on the internet. And he said, hey, if you don't like it, why don't you go get $2 million and put on your own tournament? And I said... I might just do that. And one of my anonymous friends kindly donated a $3 million budget.

And I actually messaged him before the show to say, hey, we won't reveal your identity because obviously anyone that has money is going to get asked for more money or ask for money from others. So he wants to remain anonymous. But he basically just said to enjoy the trolling aspect of it and also contribute to the sport of jiu-jitsu.

And I actually messaged him before the show to say, hey, we won't reveal your identity because obviously anyone that has money is going to get asked for more money or ask for money from others. So he wants to remain anonymous. But he basically just said to enjoy the trolling aspect of it and also contribute to the sport of jiu-jitsu.

He sees my true identity and he wants to provoke. It's trolling for a good cause. Yeah. But basically, we were able to find Thomas and Mac Event Center, which was their original venue. And it just so happened to be available that same weekend. which we're very happy about. So we booked that out. We decided to ADCC pays 10,000 to the winner. We were like, you know what?

He sees my true identity and he wants to provoke. It's trolling for a good cause. Yeah. But basically, we were able to find Thomas and Mac Event Center, which was their original venue. And it just so happened to be available that same weekend. which we're very happy about. So we booked that out. We decided to ADCC pays 10,000 to the winner. We were like, you know what?

We'll pay $10,000 plus one to show up. So to show up in our event, you're going to get paid more than to win ADCC. And not only that, we're going to broadcast it for free. So on Meta, X, and YouTube, you'll be able to watch this event for free. That's amazing. It's very considerate to the Flow Grappling streaming platform, I believe, to have also a free alternative on the same weekend.

We'll pay $10,000 plus one to show up. So to show up in our event, you're going to get paid more than to win ADCC. And not only that, we're going to broadcast it for free. So on Meta, X, and YouTube, you'll be able to watch this event for free. That's amazing. It's very considerate to the Flow Grappling streaming platform, I believe, to have also a free alternative on the same weekend.

And the brilliance of this whole thing is I was largely criticized for for not knowing anything about business, but the people criticizing me decided to host a tournament, a 15,000-seat arena. They decided to take sponsors.

And the brilliance of this whole thing is I was largely criticized for for not knowing anything about business, but the people criticizing me decided to host a tournament, a 15,000-seat arena. They decided to take sponsors.

They decided to use a streaming platform that would sell subscriptions based on the athletes that would enter it, but not give any of the talent, the athletes, a contract, which gave me this beautiful position to basically say, hey, what do you prefer, the prestige of an ADCC gold medal or money? And that's the fuse so far. And we put that out into the world. I didn't chase too many athletes down.

They decided to use a streaming platform that would sell subscriptions based on the athletes that would enter it, but not give any of the talent, the athletes, a contract, which gave me this beautiful position to basically say, hey, what do you prefer, the prestige of an ADCC gold medal or money? And that's the fuse so far. And we put that out into the world. I didn't chase too many athletes down.

Obviously, a lot of these guys really need money. So you throw a million dollars out there, people are jumping on board. So initially, we started getting... We got two local guys here in Austin, the Tackett brothers. They jumped in first. And they're great kids. They really legitimized the whole thing because if... If we pick certain athletes, I'd just beat him guys straight away.

Obviously, a lot of these guys really need money. So you throw a million dollars out there, people are jumping on board. So initially, we started getting... We got two local guys here in Austin, the Tackett brothers. They jumped in first. And they're great kids. They really legitimized the whole thing because if... If we pick certain athletes, I'd just beat him guys straight away.

It's already looking a bit dodgy, but we've got some legitimate athletes, especially the under 80 kilo divisions full of minus two or three guys. That's the best people in the world in that weight division. And as we started to grow our roster here, what happened, I'm going to say this allegedly for legal reasons, is that the first move ADCC did was they matched the

It's already looking a bit dodgy, but we've got some legitimate athletes, especially the under 80 kilo divisions full of minus two or three guys. That's the best people in the world in that weight division. And as we started to grow our roster here, what happened, I'm going to say this allegedly for legal reasons, is that the first move ADCC did was they matched the

The female paid to the men's pay. So the women always traditionally got paid less, I think $6,000 for first place. As soon as we had Fion Davies, the reigning champion, come across to do a super fight with us, bang, ADCC raised the prize money of the women's division to equal the men's.

The female paid to the men's pay. So the women always traditionally got paid less, I think $6,000 for first place. As soon as we had Fion Davies, the reigning champion, come across to do a super fight with us, bang, ADCC raised the prize money of the women's division to equal the men's.

So me, being a feminist activist throughout many of my years on this earth, immediately got women's pay raised in the sport of jiu-jitsu. Equalized, basically. Which went counter to everything the promoter had said, because he said it was out of his control to raise money. He said only the ADCC, I guess coming directly from the Sheik, or the Sheik's sort of guys could raise the prize money.

So me, being a feminist activist throughout many of my years on this earth, immediately got women's pay raised in the sport of jiu-jitsu. Equalized, basically. Which went counter to everything the promoter had said, because he said it was out of his control to raise money. He said only the ADCC, I guess coming directly from the Sheik, or the Sheik's sort of guys could raise the prize money.

He got it raised. And then what happened was once we started getting some of these big names here, so some of the best guys from ADCC would be in this division. We've got a bunch of champions or medalists or really the top betting favorites for their divisions there.

He got it raised. And then what happened was once we started getting some of these big names here, so some of the best guys from ADCC would be in this division. We've got a bunch of champions or medalists or really the top betting favorites for their divisions there.

They started, again, I can't emphasize this enough, allegedly paying show money, which has never historically been done before, to keep athletes in their show.

They started, again, I can't emphasize this enough, allegedly paying show money, which has never historically been done before, to keep athletes in their show.

I do have the documents. No, some of the guys obviously told me, you know how it is, you slap a million dollars on the table, it looks great. That was me proving I had the money, which wasn't even my money to begin with. But it was basically me saying, hey, the money's real. I don't know why, but strangely, a lot of people don't believe me when I'm telling the truth.

I do have the documents. No, some of the guys obviously told me, you know how it is, you slap a million dollars on the table, it looks great. That was me proving I had the money, which wasn't even my money to begin with. But it was basically me saying, hey, the money's real. I don't know why, but strangely, a lot of people don't believe me when I'm telling the truth.

I don't know why they wouldn't. But what logically happens is they're like, oh, look how much money he has. We're going to give, like, give us more show money. So they're negotiating with me. There was one particular Brazilian businessman who,

I don't know why they wouldn't. But what logically happens is they're like, oh, look how much money he has. We're going to give, like, give us more show money. So they're negotiating with me. There was one particular Brazilian businessman who,

manager i won't say his name but he looks like the thing from fantastic four and he was a manager for some of these athletes and he would take a massive 20 cup so what he and i gotta i gotta pay respect to this uh respect to this because it actually caused trauma to the other team as well but he would uh i would invite an athlete to cji he would go to the other organization and

manager i won't say his name but he looks like the thing from fantastic four and he was a manager for some of these athletes and he would take a massive 20 cup so what he and i gotta i gotta pay respect to this uh respect to this because it actually caused trauma to the other team as well but he would uh i would invite an athlete to cji he would go to the other organization and

And he would say to them, hey, what sort of deal could you give me to keep this guy? You want to keep him in your event? And he would use CJI to leverage more show money for his guys, of which he gets to grease the wheels with 20% for himself. At CJI, everyone gets $10,001 across the board and a million dollars prize money.

And he would say to them, hey, what sort of deal could you give me to keep this guy? You want to keep him in your event? And he would use CJI to leverage more show money for his guys, of which he gets to grease the wheels with 20% for himself. At CJI, everyone gets $10,001 across the board and a million dollars prize money.

So there's no room for really negotiation for the tournament aspect of us. So he has a vested interest in putting his guys in ADCC because he can negotiate show money and he can basically take 20% of that for himself. But really...

So there's no room for really negotiation for the tournament aspect of us. So he has a vested interest in putting his guys in ADCC because he can negotiate show money and he can basically take 20% of that for himself. But really...

For the sport of grappling, this is incredible across the board because by us stealing or at least borrowing a bunch of athletes from ADCC, ADCC had to fill their divisions. So they filled their divisions with many other competitors that wouldn't have ordinarily had the chance to do ADCC. And really, although we've scheduled it the same weekend,

For the sport of grappling, this is incredible across the board because by us stealing or at least borrowing a bunch of athletes from ADCC, ADCC had to fill their divisions. So they filled their divisions with many other competitors that wouldn't have ordinarily had the chance to do ADCC. And really, although we've scheduled it the same weekend,

Ours is actually Friday, Saturday, ADCC being Saturday, Sunday. Our day starts pretty late. So we start 5 p.m. Saturday. So really, ultimately, it was a big marketing ploy to go head-to-head, pretending like we're making the fans choose, but the fans will be able to watch both events. You'll be able to go all day Friday for us.

Ours is actually Friday, Saturday, ADCC being Saturday, Sunday. Our day starts pretty late. So we start 5 p.m. Saturday. So really, ultimately, it was a big marketing ploy to go head-to-head, pretending like we're making the fans choose, but the fans will be able to watch both events. You'll be able to go all day Friday for us.

You'll sadly miss the ADCC Hall of Fame ceremony, where you'll see many of great speakers, public speakers, philosophers, innovators, tell their stories about hardship.

You'll sadly miss the ADCC Hall of Fame ceremony, where you'll see many of great speakers, public speakers, philosophers, innovators, tell their stories about hardship.

Just like at the end of any jujitsu seminar or beginning, if you're blessed like that, you might have a 45 minute monologue about how they're more knowledgeable than doctors, lawyers, classic black belt technique, but you will miss that. With great metaphors about lions. About lions, yes. About being a humble lion, most importantly. Humility is important. You can watch all that Friday.

Just like at the end of any jujitsu seminar or beginning, if you're blessed like that, you might have a 45 minute monologue about how they're more knowledgeable than doctors, lawyers, classic black belt technique, but you will miss that. With great metaphors about lions. About lions, yes. About being a humble lion, most importantly. Humility is important. You can watch all that Friday.

You can watch most of ADCC Saturday. And then Saturday night in Las Vegas, I'll be doing what many men have done before, and that is wrestling a giant woman.

You can watch most of ADCC Saturday. And then Saturday night in Las Vegas, I'll be doing what many men have done before, and that is wrestling a giant woman.

So Gabby Garcia is... The legend of sort of women's grappling. I think she's won more than anyone else. So between me and her, we would at least have 15 to 20 world championships, I'd imagine. Yeah. She's huge. I say that in an endearing way. She might be six foot four, six foot three.

So Gabby Garcia is... The legend of sort of women's grappling. I think she's won more than anyone else. So between me and her, we would at least have 15 to 20 world championships, I'd imagine. Yeah. She's huge. I say that in an endearing way. She might be six foot four, six foot three.

And her weight varies depending on what time of the day it is between 220 and 275 pounds, but she's going to be coming in quite big and strong. Me, I am about 179 pounds right now and a 5'11". So I've got a significant size disadvantage. She has the credentials, but we're going to scrap it out, scrap it out and see.

And her weight varies depending on what time of the day it is between 220 and 275 pounds, but she's going to be coming in quite big and strong. Me, I am about 179 pounds right now and a 5'11". So I've got a significant size disadvantage. She has the credentials, but we're going to scrap it out, scrap it out and see.

Who's best, the greatest woman's competitor of all time, or a guy that's never won anything?

Who's best, the greatest woman's competitor of all time, or a guy that's never won anything?

Yeah.

Yeah.

It's been three years of seduction. It's been a long time.

It's been three years of seduction. It's been a long time.

Yeah, I would say it's a motivational message to the guy that keeps sending DMs to a guy on Instagram for years. that maybe after three years, it could also happen for you too. No matter her height and weight, I think persistence is the key here. Yeah. And we do have a wager on the line. What's the wager? This might be the first wager of its kind, I would hope, in combat sports history.

Yeah, I would say it's a motivational message to the guy that keeps sending DMs to a guy on Instagram for years. that maybe after three years, it could also happen for you too. No matter her height and weight, I think persistence is the key here. Yeah. And we do have a wager on the line. What's the wager? This might be the first wager of its kind, I would hope, in combat sports history.

If she wins, I'll personally give her a million dollars. If I can footlock her... We're gonna collaborate together in an OnlyFans sex tape. Did she agree to this? She shook on it.

If she wins, I'll personally give her a million dollars. If I can footlock her... We're gonna collaborate together in an OnlyFans sex tape. Did she agree to this? She shook on it.

After August 17th, it's going to be firing. It's going to be on fire. Wow. I think that, and honestly, when we talk about Secret Investor, I think that could fund the entire tournament. It'd be that successful.

After August 17th, it's going to be firing. It's going to be on fire. Wow. I think that, and honestly, when we talk about Secret Investor, I think that could fund the entire tournament. It'd be that successful.

Yeah. I mean, it's going to be a spiritual experience for me.

Yeah. I mean, it's going to be a spiritual experience for me.

Can you talk about the rule set? So we're using the angled walls inspired by Karate Kombat. Karate Kombat did those angled walls.

Can you talk about the rule set? So we're using the angled walls inspired by Karate Kombat. Karate Kombat did those angled walls.

And the angled walls are... Yeah, so Karate Kombat have a square pit, right? We have a rectangular alley. We like the visual of just you're in the alley with someone. We both know what goes on an alley. There's only a couple of things that could go on back there. What's the second thing? Never mind. I got it.

And the angled walls are... Yeah, so Karate Kombat have a square pit, right? We have a rectangular alley. We like the visual of just you're in the alley with someone. We both know what goes on an alley. There's only a couple of things that could go on back there. What's the second thing? Never mind. I got it.

But why this is brilliant, why the angled walls are brilliant for grappling, is because any grappling tournament, this goes without question, goes IBJJF, ADCC. The reset is one of the most annoying aspects of the sport, and one of the aspects of the sport that some of the sneakier guys take advantage of. There's guys out there that are brilliant at playing the edge.

But why this is brilliant, why the angled walls are brilliant for grappling, is because any grappling tournament, this goes without question, goes IBJJF, ADCC. The reset is one of the most annoying aspects of the sport, and one of the aspects of the sport that some of the sneakier guys take advantage of. There's guys out there that are brilliant at playing the edge.

Open the ref or reset him, or they'll shoot a takedown near the edge. And you might watch, and again, I'm picking on ADCC here, but you might watch an ADCC match where 90 seconds of a 10-minute match is the referee grabbing them, bringing them back to the center, or trying to recreate something interesting of a position that landed outside.

Open the ref or reset him, or they'll shoot a takedown near the edge. And you might watch, and again, I'm picking on ADCC here, but you might watch an ADCC match where 90 seconds of a 10-minute match is the referee grabbing them, bringing them back to the center, or trying to recreate something interesting of a position that landed outside.

Not only is that sort of boring to me, and it sort of could be bias. Again, it's happened to me in events where the ref's gone, stop, I've stopped, he's moved a little bit more, and then there's an adjustment in the reset I mean, it's cheating to a certain extent. It's just more of an annoyance. They bring it back. They reset it to the best of their ability in the center.

Not only is that sort of boring to me, and it sort of could be bias. Again, it's happened to me in events where the ref's gone, stop, I've stopped, he's moved a little bit more, and then there's an adjustment in the reset I mean, it's cheating to a certain extent. It's just more of an annoyance. They bring it back. They reset it to the best of their ability in the center.

The angled wall mitigates that. And it mitigates it in such a way that is a disadvantage to be pushed up against the angled wall. You're very easily taken down against the angled wall. You could use a cage like the UFC does or any sort of MMA organization cage. However, cage wrestling can be slow. You're obviously at the vertical and it can stagnate there.

The angled wall mitigates that. And it mitigates it in such a way that is a disadvantage to be pushed up against the angled wall. You're very easily taken down against the angled wall. You could use a cage like the UFC does or any sort of MMA organization cage. However, cage wrestling can be slow. You're obviously at the vertical and it can stagnate there.

Guys are very good at using split squats to really defend that position. For me personally, I don't love the cage for grappling. I'd like to differentiate it for grappling. What holds people back from using the alley or a pit-like structure is the viewing, the viewing angle. Because obviously if you're one of the VIPs or you pay for an expensive seat, that angled wall's above you.

Guys are very good at using split squats to really defend that position. For me personally, I don't love the cage for grappling. I'd like to differentiate it for grappling. What holds people back from using the alley or a pit-like structure is the viewing, the viewing angle. Because obviously if you're one of the VIPs or you pay for an expensive seat, that angled wall's above you.

A cage you can see into, an elevated platform sort of stage you can see clearly into because it's basically flat. But the athletes could fall off and injure themselves. So if something happens to UFC fire passes, the elevated flat stage It's kind of scary to be near the edge. You go off, you're going to land on concrete. You might want to do that to the other guy if you're that way inclined.

A cage you can see into, an elevated platform sort of stage you can see clearly into because it's basically flat. But the athletes could fall off and injure themselves. So if something happens to UFC fire passes, the elevated flat stage It's kind of scary to be near the edge. You go off, you're going to land on concrete. You might want to do that to the other guy if you're that way inclined.

But the alley, the angled wall solves all those problems. Very minimal referee interference. Again, the only thing that holds people back is the expense of building it. But again, when you're spending someone else's money, you will spare no expense in production.

But the alley, the angled wall solves all those problems. Very minimal referee interference. Again, the only thing that holds people back is the expense of building it. But again, when you're spending someone else's money, you will spare no expense in production.

So we've spent a lot of money on the alley, and we've really gone out of our way to create an experience that around the alley, we've elevated everything so that the people watching will be able to see down into it. Because your instinctual thought is, oh, it sounds great, but how am I going to see in it unless I'm far up?

So we've spent a lot of money on the alley, and we've really gone out of our way to create an experience that around the alley, we've elevated everything so that the people watching will be able to see down into it. Because your instinctual thought is, oh, it sounds great, but how am I going to see in it unless I'm far up?

You'd need a Colosseum-like structure, which is basically what we've attempted to create so that you get both a perfect... place to wrestle, to grapple in, as well as a perfect viewing angle for the fans. Well, I think it's an amazing idea.

You'd need a Colosseum-like structure, which is basically what we've attempted to create so that you get both a perfect... place to wrestle, to grapple in, as well as a perfect viewing angle for the fans. Well, I think it's an amazing idea.

I'll be honest, I competed for Karate Combat twice. Never once did I ever step foot into the pit. Just, again, like you said before the podcast, if there's a right way of doing things, I'm probably doing it the opposite.

I'll be honest, I competed for Karate Combat twice. Never once did I ever step foot into the pit. Just, again, like you said before the podcast, if there's a right way of doing things, I'm probably doing it the opposite.

i'm mostly an inspirational speaker at this point yeah you and tony robbins are like this same size at least but in terms of the training for obviously the athlete's very difficult some of these guys have gone out there and built their own angled walls yeah i saw that there's a cool video of that they're getting into that that's a smart thing to do there's a million dollars on the line you should probably invest in that but i also like a new surface that no one's competed on no one's

i'm mostly an inspirational speaker at this point yeah you and tony robbins are like this same size at least but in terms of the training for obviously the athlete's very difficult some of these guys have gone out there and built their own angled walls yeah i saw that there's a cool video of that they're getting into that that's a smart thing to do there's a million dollars on the line you should probably invest in that but i also like a new surface that no one's competed on no one's

gamed it yet. We're going to see it unfold. Like when UFC, when people started figuring out how to use the cage, we're going to see this unfold in front of our very eyes, how the strategies work for this. The other thing we've done too is we're doing rounds. So qualifying rounds would be three five-minute rounds. The final would be five fives.

gamed it yet. We're going to see it unfold. Like when UFC, when people started figuring out how to use the cage, we're going to see this unfold in front of our very eyes, how the strategies work for this. The other thing we've done too is we're doing rounds. So qualifying rounds would be three five-minute rounds. The final would be five fives.

why i want to do that is to incentivize action we're going to incentivize action through penalizing people but we really want i love a short burst a break and the guys can go hard again i don't like a jiu jitsu match where the guy takes the back early and he's like oh if i keep this position i've won and that's something that people that don't compete don't realize is if you take some if you get a good position early get up on the points

why i want to do that is to incentivize action we're going to incentivize action through penalizing people but we really want i love a short burst a break and the guys can go hard again i don't like a jiu jitsu match where the guy takes the back early and he's like oh if i keep this position i've won and that's something that people that don't compete don't realize is if you take some if you get a good position early get up on the points

You just sit there and go, oh, let's ride this to the end. That's why I want rounds so that you might take guys back. You really incentivize to get that finish. And the way we're trying to grow the sport is to steal the MMA scoring structure, which a lot of people criticize because they think it's overly complicated. They don't understand it.

You just sit there and go, oh, let's ride this to the end. That's why I want rounds so that you might take guys back. You really incentivize to get that finish. And the way we're trying to grow the sport is to steal the MMA scoring structure, which a lot of people criticize because they think it's overly complicated. They don't understand it.

But to the mass audience, they understand a 10-point must understand a decision in that sense. They understand it being scored round by round. So we're trying to appeal to a broader audience here.

But to the mass audience, they understand a 10-point must understand a decision in that sense. They understand it being scored round by round. So we're trying to appeal to a broader audience here.

But we think based on the structure, based on how hard we'll call stalling penalties, based on you wanting to finish your opponent quick to have a better chance at a million dollars, because it's 10,001 to show up and a million to win. If you ain't first, you're last. There's no reward for second place. I'm punishing the one position I've only ever been able to achieve in tournaments.

But we think based on the structure, based on how hard we'll call stalling penalties, based on you wanting to finish your opponent quick to have a better chance at a million dollars, because it's 10,001 to show up and a million to win. If you ain't first, you're last. There's no reward for second place. I'm punishing the one position I've only ever been able to achieve in tournaments.

Are you worried that because of how much money is on the line, people will play careful? A very generous friend of mine has provided this money. I'm like, unless you guys go out there and try to kill each other and put it all on the line, I just won't do it again. I'm giving you guys a massive platform.

Are you worried that because of how much money is on the line, people will play careful? A very generous friend of mine has provided this money. I'm like, unless you guys go out there and try to kill each other and put it all on the line, I just won't do it again. I'm giving you guys a massive platform.

We've turned down offers from streaming platforms that wanted to buy the rights to this event because the marketing's gone very well. We're turning down money to grow the sport. The ADCC promoter said he wanted to grow the sport. So what he did is he put it behind a paywall and he used the money from the paywall to buy a more expensive sport. I don't think that's how you grow the sport.

We've turned down offers from streaming platforms that wanted to buy the rights to this event because the marketing's gone very well. We're turning down money to grow the sport. The ADCC promoter said he wanted to grow the sport. So what he did is he put it behind a paywall and he used the money from the paywall to buy a more expensive sport. I don't think that's how you grow the sport.

I think you grow the sport like comedians do these days. Guys like Mark Norman will release a special for free. Andrew Schultz did it first, released a special for free, and it grew his audience massively. I think that's what jiu-jitsu needs.

I think you grow the sport like comedians do these days. Guys like Mark Norman will release a special for free. Andrew Schultz did it first, released a special for free, and it grew his audience massively. I think that's what jiu-jitsu needs.

We need an exciting show that's not behind a paywall that'll grow the sport, grow the audience, and really then ultimately we can get to a level where it could be behind a paywall, but I just don't think we're there yet.

We need an exciting show that's not behind a paywall that'll grow the sport, grow the audience, and really then ultimately we can get to a level where it could be behind a paywall, but I just don't think we're there yet.

And then you get a million every year. If this is a crazy, exciting event, the funding's going to be so easy year after year. And the other aspect we're doing to it is, unfortunately, I'm not going to make any money off this thing. It's a non-profit, and the money from charity... Except the OnlyFans, but whatever. That's the real cash cow. Yeah. But that's the real work, too.

And then you get a million every year. If this is a crazy, exciting event, the funding's going to be so easy year after year. And the other aspect we're doing to it is, unfortunately, I'm not going to make any money off this thing. It's a non-profit, and the money from charity... Except the OnlyFans, but whatever. That's the real cash cow. Yeah. But that's the real work, too.

Oh, that'll be for the follow-up therapy. That'll be an expensive gig for whoever takes that on board. Love hurts. That physically will, yeah. Ticket proceeds to charity. So, obviously, we've got the $3 million budget. We've got production expenses. We've got a team of staff to hire. But... If we could sell this thing out, we could potentially donate a ton of money to charity.

Oh, that'll be for the follow-up therapy. That'll be an expensive gig for whoever takes that on board. Love hurts. That physically will, yeah. Ticket proceeds to charity. So, obviously, we've got the $3 million budget. We've got production expenses. We've got a team of staff to hire. But... If we could sell this thing out, we could potentially donate a ton of money to charity.

One of those charities is Tap Cancer Out. And what's great about this is Rich Byrne is a black belt from New York who's in the banking world. He used to run an event called Kasai Grappling. He went through cancer. He basically had a very aggressive cancer. He had it treated.

One of those charities is Tap Cancer Out. And what's great about this is Rich Byrne is a black belt from New York who's in the banking world. He used to run an event called Kasai Grappling. He went through cancer. He basically had a very aggressive cancer. He had it treated.

And now he basically has said to us that whatever we donate from the profits of the event, he's going to match dollar for dollar. And we've also had another guy who wants to remain anonymous agree to match dollar for dollar as well. So the more ticket sales revenue we can create here, the more we can actually give back to charity. So it's really all round, it's going to be a great event.

And now he basically has said to us that whatever we donate from the profits of the event, he's going to match dollar for dollar. And we've also had another guy who wants to remain anonymous agree to match dollar for dollar as well. So the more ticket sales revenue we can create here, the more we can actually give back to charity. So it's really all round, it's going to be a great event.

I've never wrestled a big woman either. Well, I have, but not in this form.

I've never wrestled a big woman either. Well, I have, but not in this form.

What's been the hardest aspects of actually bringing this to life? The first one was people believing it was real. That was quite difficult. And then communicating with the athletes. That's basically my responsibility is securing these guys, getting these guys to commit to things. It's very difficult. There's a reason a few athletes in every sport really stand out.

What's been the hardest aspects of actually bringing this to life? The first one was people believing it was real. That was quite difficult. And then communicating with the athletes. That's basically my responsibility is securing these guys, getting these guys to commit to things. It's very difficult. There's a reason a few athletes in every sport really stand out.

And it's kind of professionalism and kind of the way they market themselves. And I think those two things do go hand in hand. So we're in a sport where there's not enough money, where a lot of these guys do have managers. I think in MMA, things would be a lot easier for the promoter because you're not talking directly to the athlete.

And it's kind of professionalism and kind of the way they market themselves. And I think those two things do go hand in hand. So we're in a sport where there's not enough money, where a lot of these guys do have managers. I think in MMA, things would be a lot easier for the promoter because you're not talking directly to the athlete.

You're talking to a guy who might, who's obviously taking a cut, but like... There's a middleman. So in a situation where you're talking directly to the athlete, it can be very difficult. can be very annoying, can be very hard to reach these guys. They can be very noncommittal. That, for me, has been one of the biggest challenges. The guys that I speak to that are like, I'm in.

You're talking to a guy who might, who's obviously taking a cut, but like... There's a middleman. So in a situation where you're talking directly to the athlete, it can be very difficult. can be very annoying, can be very hard to reach these guys. They can be very noncommittal. That, for me, has been one of the biggest challenges. The guys that I speak to that are like, I'm in.

And they're like, I'm out. I'm in, like navigating this area. One other aspect is because we did this basically from idea to event will be less than three months, three and a half months. So it's like we're having to do so much in such a short period of time. Little things like of the show money we've given them, they're expected to basically secure their own flight and hotel to the event.

And they're like, I'm out. I'm in, like navigating this area. One other aspect is because we did this basically from idea to event will be less than three months, three and a half months. So it's like we're having to do so much in such a short period of time. Little things like of the show money we've given them, they're expected to basically secure their own flight and hotel to the event.

We're cutting down on staff. Cause that would be one of the, if I had to coordinate getting these guys flights, I would just jump off a building. Like it's, it's hard enough to get them to agree to the event. Let alone coordinate, hey, what date do you want to come in? It's like herding cats. So really just the interpersonal stuff's been difficult.

We're cutting down on staff. Cause that would be one of the, if I had to coordinate getting these guys flights, I would just jump off a building. Like it's, it's hard enough to get them to agree to the event. Let alone coordinate, hey, what date do you want to come in? It's like herding cats. So really just the interpersonal stuff's been difficult.

Obviously going up against ADCC, the legacy event has been pretty damn difficult as well. Well-established, huge history. They've been selling tickets for two years. Everyone's known it's been coming for two years. That thing was largely sold out before we even announced the event. So we're going head to head with this event. So from a ticket sales perspective, very difficult.

Obviously going up against ADCC, the legacy event has been pretty damn difficult as well. Well-established, huge history. They've been selling tickets for two years. Everyone's known it's been coming for two years. That thing was largely sold out before we even announced the event. So we're going head to head with this event. So from a ticket sales perspective, very difficult.

Oh, I mean, we can name names. I mean, obviously, Kynan, he was a semi-in, semi-out. His suggestion was actually to do a second and third place prize rather than a million. And I'm like, no, we want all or nothing. It's all or nothing here. That's a better spectacle, better entertainment. Yeah. Probably more injuries, but it's all or nothing. Miki Galvao, the one that got away. Yeah. That's sad.

Oh, I mean, we can name names. I mean, obviously, Kynan, he was a semi-in, semi-out. His suggestion was actually to do a second and third place prize rather than a million. And I'm like, no, we want all or nothing. It's all or nothing here. That's a better spectacle, better entertainment. Yeah. Probably more injuries, but it's all or nothing. Miki Galvao, the one that got away. Yeah. That's sad.

But we got the Rotolos. The Rotolos, props to these kids, because Cade's the reigning champion. These are two of the best guys in the sport. Allegedly... were offered pretty significant show money to stay. But they hit me up and they said, hey, promise us one thing. We're on opposite sides of the brackets and we'll fight to the death in the final for the million. And we know, everyone knows that.

But we got the Rotolos. The Rotolos, props to these kids, because Cade's the reigning champion. These are two of the best guys in the sport. Allegedly... were offered pretty significant show money to stay. But they hit me up and they said, hey, promise us one thing. We're on opposite sides of the brackets and we'll fight to the death in the final for the million. And we know, everyone knows that.

We've seen them compete against each other multiple times. So that... was not a surprise because I know they're good kids, but to basically turn down allegedly show money to do this event, to support the event, to me is incredible. Mika Galvao, things would be more complicated there. Like obviously, Mika officially joined ADCC before he secured the Rotolos. Cade beat him in the final.

We've seen them compete against each other multiple times. So that... was not a surprise because I know they're good kids, but to basically turn down allegedly show money to do this event, to support the event, to me is incredible. Mika Galvao, things would be more complicated there. Like obviously, Mika officially joined ADCC before he secured the Rotolos. Cade beat him in the final.

Mika's personally motivated to face off against Cade. So he didn't know Cade was in our event before he agreed to ADCC. Mm-hmm. There's more to that story too in terms of Mika doing ADCC because a bunch of the kids in his team, I think they're being flown out to do the ADCC kids event. So there's like his two teammates, well, at least one of his teammates will be doing the ADCC 66 kilo division.

Mika's personally motivated to face off against Cade. So he didn't know Cade was in our event before he agreed to ADCC. Mm-hmm. There's more to that story too in terms of Mika doing ADCC because a bunch of the kids in his team, I think they're being flown out to do the ADCC kids event. So there's like his two teammates, well, at least one of his teammates will be doing the ADCC 66 kilo division.

So his dad, his coach doesn't really want to split time between two events. That's a difficulty for athletes there. But obviously disappointing. We couldn't secure Mika. Mika said he was about the legacy. So he wanted to be the youngest guy ever to double Grand Slam, which is basically win all the Gi events and win the ADCC that same year.

So his dad, his coach doesn't really want to split time between two events. That's a difficulty for athletes there. But obviously disappointing. We couldn't secure Mika. Mika said he was about the legacy. So he wanted to be the youngest guy ever to double Grand Slam, which is basically win all the Gi events and win the ADCC that same year.

My thoughts were, if I was in his position, and I never was obviously a prodigy, a talent like that, is I thought he had... a position to make a statement in the sport, to kind of, as cheesy as it sounds, be on the right side of history, to have turned down a double Grand Slam to be in an event that supports athlete pay. Again, I don't overly criticize him.

My thoughts were, if I was in his position, and I never was obviously a prodigy, a talent like that, is I thought he had... a position to make a statement in the sport, to kind of, as cheesy as it sounds, be on the right side of history, to have turned down a double Grand Slam to be in an event that supports athlete pay. Again, I don't overly criticize him.

But I think in terms of your legacy and reputation, to be at a point and choose to do that is much more memorable than him getting that double grand slam, which I'm sure he will win the ADCC 77 kilo division this year, but it'll be somewhat tarnished anyway.

But I think in terms of your legacy and reputation, to be at a point and choose to do that is much more memorable than him getting that double grand slam, which I'm sure he will win the ADCC 77 kilo division this year, but it'll be somewhat tarnished anyway.

So I do feel bad for some of the athletes that win this year and potentially people will be like, oh yeah, but that was half the people weren't in the division. I feel bad for those guys. But at the end of the day, Most of these guys had an opportunity to be a part of an event that really there's no downside to. You'll have a chance to be paid more money than you've ever been paid in your life.

So I do feel bad for some of the athletes that win this year and potentially people will be like, oh yeah, but that was half the people weren't in the division. I feel bad for those guys. But at the end of the day, Most of these guys had an opportunity to be a part of an event that really there's no downside to. You'll have a chance to be paid more money than you've ever been paid in your life.

You're selling tickets that are going to go to charity, and it's not behind a paywall. So anyone, anywhere in the world can stream this event, watch it, and there's no barrier to entry in terms of finances.

You're selling tickets that are going to go to charity, and it's not behind a paywall. So anyone, anywhere in the world can stream this event, watch it, and there's no barrier to entry in terms of finances.

I don't think so. I don't think so. Is that something you tried? Me and Gordon don't text each other too often. I tag him on Instagram and things, but he doesn't respond. Tell me about your history with Nicholas Merigali. My history with Nicholas Merigali. Actually, it dates back to a time where probably he does not even remember. Back when I used to wear a kimono. So I went to Abu Dhabi World Pro.

I don't think so. I don't think so. Is that something you tried? Me and Gordon don't text each other too often. I tag him on Instagram and things, but he doesn't respond. Tell me about your history with Nicholas Merigali. My history with Nicholas Merigali. Actually, it dates back to a time where probably he does not even remember. Back when I used to wear a kimono. So I went to Abu Dhabi World Pro.

I was chasing my gi dreams. I lost in, I can't even remember. Again, probably the final, not me. I probably lost in the final against Tommy Langlacker in the weight division. This was the last year they did the absolute. I went into the absolute. I made it all the way to the semis. Nicholas Merigali destroyed me in the gi. I did hit a nice little reversal on him though.

I was chasing my gi dreams. I lost in, I can't even remember. Again, probably the final, not me. I probably lost in the final against Tommy Langlacker in the weight division. This was the last year they did the absolute. I went into the absolute. I made it all the way to the semis. Nicholas Merigali destroyed me in the gi. I did hit a nice little reversal on him though.

He passed my guard and I somehow reversed him from side control. That's the only part of the match I share, after which he swept me, submitted me.

He passed my guard and I somehow reversed him from side control. That's the only part of the match I share, after which he swept me, submitted me.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah, exactly. Exactly.

Yeah, exactly. Exactly.

But then years later, I left the team. Mary Golly replaced me. So they brought in a more credentialed, handsome guy. Doesn't speak as well, but they brought him in. He's my replacement. He's coming to the team. We face off at ADCC. I do a heavier division thinking, I looked at the names and I was like, that looks like an easier division. And I had two teammates at the time that were in my 88.

But then years later, I left the team. Mary Golly replaced me. So they brought in a more credentialed, handsome guy. Doesn't speak as well, but they brought him in. He's my replacement. He's coming to the team. We face off at ADCC. I do a heavier division thinking, I looked at the names and I was like, that looks like an easier division. And I had two teammates at the time that were in my 88.

And I was like, those guys will have to face off first round. I'll have to face one of them second round, the way they do the seating and the structure of the bracket. So I was like, I'll do 99. I'll leave 88 for the boys. They both lost my division first round, unfortunately. I faced off against Merigali beginning of day two. Lot of pressure because Danaher used to corner me, used to be my coach.

And I was like, those guys will have to face off first round. I'll have to face one of them second round, the way they do the seating and the structure of the bracket. So I was like, I'll do 99. I'll leave 88 for the boys. They both lost my division first round, unfortunately. I faced off against Merigali beginning of day two. Lot of pressure because Danaher used to corner me, used to be my coach.

Now, he's cornering the Brazilians who we used to complain about as the enemy. I'm like, what's going on over here? It's like karate kid stuff. I faced off against Merigali. I go hard early because I think he can't defend leg locks. For the first three minutes, I'm just attacking legs, legs, legs. I ended up sweeping him, getting on top.

Now, he's cornering the Brazilians who we used to complain about as the enemy. I'm like, what's going on over here? It's like karate kid stuff. I faced off against Merigali. I go hard early because I think he can't defend leg locks. For the first three minutes, I'm just attacking legs, legs, legs. I ended up sweeping him, getting on top.

No points before the points period, but I'm very tired at this point. Merigali's big. There's some guys that get juiced up to hit a certain weight. That's what I did to enter this division. You can't keep your gas tank. Merigali's just a big dude. Who knows if he's on the juice or not, but he's just naturally sits around 230 pounds or even 225.

No points before the points period, but I'm very tired at this point. Merigali's big. There's some guys that get juiced up to hit a certain weight. That's what I did to enter this division. You can't keep your gas tank. Merigali's just a big dude. Who knows if he's on the juice or not, but he's just naturally sits around 230 pounds or even 225.

When you're naturally that big, your gas tank's a bit better. Again, if you balloon yourself up on every substance possible, gas tank's surprisingly not too good. So we have a bit of a close one. Decision goes my way. Ultimately, finals next, I lose that. But that is sort of our competitive history.

When you're naturally that big, your gas tank's a bit better. Again, if you balloon yourself up on every substance possible, gas tank's surprisingly not too good. So we have a bit of a close one. Decision goes my way. Ultimately, finals next, I lose that. But that is sort of our competitive history.

We were meant to have a match that had been pre-booked immediately after ADCC. So we agreed to this before ADCC. I was like, if the price is right, I'm in. So I sign up for it, and I'm thinking ADCC that we're going to face off soon after. Miragali chose instead to have some vacation time. He wanted to go on vacation. He wanted to relax. A bit of relaxation down in Brazil.

We were meant to have a match that had been pre-booked immediately after ADCC. So we agreed to this before ADCC. I was like, if the price is right, I'm in. So I sign up for it, and I'm thinking ADCC that we're going to face off soon after. Miragali chose instead to have some vacation time. He wanted to go on vacation. He wanted to relax. A bit of relaxation down in Brazil.

So the match is scrapped. Flo hit me up. And they say, can you do February? And this was about the time that Volks fought Islam in Perth. I was like, no, I can't do February because I'll be helping Volkanovski. That's going to take precedence over this match. Flo goes, you know what we'll do? We'll announce it anyway. We'll sell those tickets anyway.

So the match is scrapped. Flo hit me up. And they say, can you do February? And this was about the time that Volks fought Islam in Perth. I was like, no, I can't do February because I'll be helping Volkanovski. That's going to take precedence over this match. Flo goes, you know what we'll do? We'll announce it anyway. We'll sell those tickets anyway.

We'll get the people hyped and then we'll just have you pull out. And I'm like, all right, do whatever you want. That's fucking probably not a good idea, but they do that. And then people keep trying to rebook this match. But now I barely even train anymore. I'm busy being a promoter, traveling around.

We'll get the people hyped and then we'll just have you pull out. And I'm like, all right, do whatever you want. That's fucking probably not a good idea, but they do that. And then people keep trying to rebook this match. But now I barely even train anymore. I'm busy being a promoter, traveling around.

So now instead of facing him in competition again, which I would do if the price was right, they'd have to pay me very well. Two of the shows have offered me the match, but the money, terrible. What do you think is a number that would convince you? It would have to be, I would think, half a million dollars. Otherwise, I just can't be bothered. You know what I mean? It has to be worth it.

So now instead of facing him in competition again, which I would do if the price was right, they'd have to pay me very well. Two of the shows have offered me the match, but the money, terrible. What do you think is a number that would convince you? It would have to be, I would think, half a million dollars. Otherwise, I just can't be bothered. You know what I mean? It has to be worth it.

Because to put a price on a guy that takes himself as serious as Merigali, Merigali's a very serious man. He's talking about authenticity. He's talking about words he doesn't even understand. For me to give him the opportunity to live in a world where he had won the last match against me, it's hard to put a price on that.

Because to put a price on a guy that takes himself as serious as Merigali, Merigali's a very serious man. He's talking about authenticity. He's talking about words he doesn't even understand. For me to give him the opportunity to live in a world where he had won the last match against me, it's hard to put a price on that.

You know, when people say it's not about the money, it's not about the money. It's about me waking up every day knowing that he knows he lost to me.

You know, when people say it's not about the money, it's not about the money. It's about me waking up every day knowing that he knows he lost to me.

I think over five minutes, I beat anyone in the world.

I think over five minutes, I beat anyone in the world.

I still think I got it. Gabby about to find out, too.

I still think I got it. Gabby about to find out, too.

Yeah, she for sure will remember. I think the fans will remember it as well. I'm open to it. If we do this match... I'm taking it very serious, but we'd be open to rematches. I've always said I would have a MMA fight with her. I wouldn't be afraid to hit a big woman.

Yeah, she for sure will remember. I think the fans will remember it as well. I'm open to it. If we do this match... I'm taking it very serious, but we'd be open to rematches. I've always said I would have a MMA fight with her. I wouldn't be afraid to hit a big woman.

I'm a bit of a romantic. I think she deserves a few finishes, you know? Not one and hit the bed that night.

I'm a bit of a romantic. I think she deserves a few finishes, you know? Not one and hit the bed that night.

I think so, yeah. I mean, you could throw a riddle at him before the match. That'd fucking complicate things for him for the next hour. Will you and Gordon ever get along again? I think so. I think we need... The origins of MDMA was couples therapy in the 70s in Houston, I believe. I believe something like that for us could resolve these underlying issues.

I think so, yeah. I mean, you could throw a riddle at him before the match. That'd fucking complicate things for him for the next hour. Will you and Gordon ever get along again? I think so. I think we need... The origins of MDMA was couples therapy in the 70s in Houston, I believe. I believe something like that for us could resolve these underlying issues.

Just imagine a therapist sitting down with him. They'd be like, clear the schedule for the next couple of weeks.

Just imagine a therapist sitting down with him. They'd be like, clear the schedule for the next couple of weeks.

I do have a therapist, actually. They prescribed me Vyvanse. He's quite confident in my well-being.

I do have a therapist, actually. They prescribed me Vyvanse. He's quite confident in my well-being.

It's a Russian website.

It's a Russian website.

I think me and Gordon, a debate of some type would be awesome. Like a political debate? Yeah. Me representing Kamala Harris and him representing Donald Trump.

I think me and Gordon, a debate of some type would be awesome. Like a political debate? Yeah. Me representing Kamala Harris and him representing Donald Trump.

An intellectual battle. A battle of wits.

An intellectual battle. A battle of wits.

For sure. They have to be worthy of being attacked. You know what I mean? Like, if someone attacks, that's the thing. It's like, you want a worthy adversary, not in a sense of, I don't want to battle someone that has better banter than me, because I'm going to lose, but I want to battle someone with a profile large enough that it doesn't look like you're just...

For sure. They have to be worthy of being attacked. You know what I mean? Like, if someone attacks, that's the thing. It's like, you want a worthy adversary, not in a sense of, I don't want to battle someone that has better banter than me, because I'm going to lose, but I want to battle someone with a profile large enough that it doesn't look like you're just...

Chael is better. I mean, I think if you can shit talk an MMA, because there's far worse consequences for you. If you're still willing to do it, when really violent things can happen to you, I mean, I'm getting death threats, but he has a certainty of violence against his opponents in MMA.

Chael is better. I mean, I think if you can shit talk an MMA, because there's far worse consequences for you. If you're still willing to do it, when really violent things can happen to you, I mean, I'm getting death threats, but he has a certainty of violence against his opponents in MMA.

That's a good question. Hey, I think it would have happened after I moved to America. Because in Australia, we just, on a daily basis, say some of the worst things you could ever imagine. Like in private life? Yeah. We're just trying to ruin each other's day. In a way that's so blasé, you're going back and forth. And the guy that actually gets upset and says some real shit, that's... your victory.

That's a good question. Hey, I think it would have happened after I moved to America. Because in Australia, we just, on a daily basis, say some of the worst things you could ever imagine. Like in private life? Yeah. We're just trying to ruin each other's day. In a way that's so blasé, you're going back and forth. And the guy that actually gets upset and says some real shit, that's... your victory.

You know what I mean? Like you're like, Oh, we gotcha. You're actually, that actually bothers you. All right. We'll take that as a victory.

You know what I mean? Like you're like, Oh, we gotcha. You're actually, that actually bothers you. All right. We'll take that as a victory.

An Australian entering American banter is like Neo getting his matrix skills. You're just like, Whoa, I see everything coming.

An Australian entering American banter is like Neo getting his matrix skills. You're just like, Whoa, I see everything coming.

I don't think so. I don't think so. So you're proud of yourself? I think what I offer is some balance. It's like I'm bringing some justice. Ultimately, it'll probably come back in spades to me. Yeah.

I don't think so. I don't think so. So you're proud of yourself? I think what I offer is some balance. It's like I'm bringing some justice. Ultimately, it'll probably come back in spades to me. Yeah.

I wish he'd buy it back. He doesn't buy it back anymore, though.

I wish he'd buy it back. He doesn't buy it back anymore, though.

I mean, it's been a love-hate relationship. Like with Gabby? Like any good relationship, if you don't get blocked at the end of it, were you really in love to begin with? Right. That's my thoughts anyway. So in terms of my friendship with Mo, me and Mo were really close friends for a long time. We'd talk a lot. He was instrumental in us moving down to a death squad to Puerto Rico.

I mean, it's been a love-hate relationship. Like with Gabby? Like any good relationship, if you don't get blocked at the end of it, were you really in love to begin with? Right. That's my thoughts anyway. So in terms of my friendship with Mo, me and Mo were really close friends for a long time. We'd talk a lot. He was instrumental in us moving down to a death squad to Puerto Rico.

He lives in Puerto Rico, spends most of his time in Puerto Rico. I've spent time with him in Florida, California. But in terms of our relationship, I'm trying to think of an exact time where it went south. But I guess him being the ADCC organizer, in my attack of athlete compensation, I was taken personally, which is obviously gonna ruin whatever friendship you had.

He lives in Puerto Rico, spends most of his time in Puerto Rico. I've spent time with him in Florida, California. But in terms of our relationship, I'm trying to think of an exact time where it went south. But I guess him being the ADCC organizer, in my attack of athlete compensation, I was taken personally, which is obviously gonna ruin whatever friendship you had.

I mean, to be honest, CJI was a result of the response of my discussion of athlete compensation. So me and Mo had been close friends. Even after the Danaher team broke up, we were still close friends for quite a while after that. But it does complicate things when someone is, for all intents and purposes, as an ADCC competitor, and he runs ADCC, the event, he's in control of it now.

I mean, to be honest, CJI was a result of the response of my discussion of athlete compensation. So me and Mo had been close friends. Even after the Danaher team broke up, we were still close friends for quite a while after that. But it does complicate things when someone is, for all intents and purposes, as an ADCC competitor, and he runs ADCC, the event, he's in control of it now.

He is your boss. So that does complicate our friendship. Have you had a conversation since you announced CJI? Have we had a conversation? When did you get blocked? I honestly didn't get blocked. I was just joking. Nah. Honestly, we had a disagreement about athlete compensation. I said, let's do a podcast and talk about it because I'm a big fan of transparency.

He is your boss. So that does complicate our friendship. Have you had a conversation since you announced CJI? Have we had a conversation? When did you get blocked? I honestly didn't get blocked. I was just joking. Nah. Honestly, we had a disagreement about athlete compensation. I said, let's do a podcast and talk about it because I'm a big fan of transparency.

If you think I'm an idiot for thinking athletes should get paid more, tell me it. Show it to me. And I've made public statements. Other people have asked why we don't get paid more money. You can both tell me and the world at the same time, the grappling world at the same time, but was not interested in doing a podcast.

If you think I'm an idiot for thinking athletes should get paid more, tell me it. Show it to me. And I've made public statements. Other people have asked why we don't get paid more money. You can both tell me and the world at the same time, the grappling world at the same time, but was not interested in doing a podcast.

Again, maybe he thought I was going to hit him with some gotcha questions or something. But really, at the end of the day, I personally believe you've got nothing to hide. If you are confident in the business decisions you've made, then there's no gotcha moment that I could actually do.

Again, maybe he thought I was going to hit him with some gotcha questions or something. But really, at the end of the day, I personally believe you've got nothing to hide. If you are confident in the business decisions you've made, then there's no gotcha moment that I could actually do.

I could easily, I would have done the podcast if I looked like a complete idiot, would have released it anyway, because it would be a good message to where we are in the sport. But again, considering what I know about Thomas and Mac's price, which I believe we're paying $200,000 for, and T-Mobile's $2 million...

I could easily, I would have done the podcast if I looked like a complete idiot, would have released it anyway, because it would be a good message to where we are in the sport. But again, considering what I know about Thomas and Mac's price, which I believe we're paying $200,000 for, and T-Mobile's $2 million...

How do you justify no increase in athlete pay while we have a 1.8 million increase in venue cost?

How do you justify no increase in athlete pay while we have a 1.8 million increase in venue cost?

I've never once thought this was some organization where Mo's stealing money for himself. I'm just saying that And again, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. So he might fully think that what he's doing is going to grow the sport. I'm going about it in a completely different way. I don't think we need T-Mobile. I don't think we need a behind a paywall.

I've never once thought this was some organization where Mo's stealing money for himself. I'm just saying that And again, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. So he might fully think that what he's doing is going to grow the sport. I'm going about it in a completely different way. I don't think we need T-Mobile. I don't think we need a behind a paywall.

I think we need cheap venue, still maintain good quality production, release it for free. If you want something to grow, present it for free. Is there a future where the two of you talk? Yeah, for sure. He keeps insisting on talking face-to-face. I don't have a problem with that, but my argument is this is a public feud. We're having a disagreement.

I think we need cheap venue, still maintain good quality production, release it for free. If you want something to grow, present it for free. Is there a future where the two of you talk? Yeah, for sure. He keeps insisting on talking face-to-face. I don't have a problem with that, but my argument is this is a public feud. We're having a disagreement.

Let's settle the disagreement in a way that answers the question to the fans. Because if one of us is a complete idiot, then I believe the world... of people following this story are entitled to know which one of us is an idiot.

Let's settle the disagreement in a way that answers the question to the fans. Because if one of us is a complete idiot, then I believe the world... of people following this story are entitled to know which one of us is an idiot.

I don't even think I need to troll them. I just say, Hey, why? Like, like show us the books. You know what I mean? Like, honestly, when our event's done, we're going to be pretty transparent. Obviously we are ran as a nonprofit. We're going to be pretty transparent about everything. I mean, obviously, ultimately, all the views we get.

I don't even think I need to troll them. I just say, Hey, why? Like, like show us the books. You know what I mean? Like, honestly, when our event's done, we're going to be pretty transparent. Obviously we are ran as a nonprofit. We're going to be pretty transparent about everything. I mean, obviously, ultimately, all the views we get.

When an event's on Flow Grappling or Fight Pass or any other streaming provider, unless it's a pay-per-view, you're not going to know how many people watched. So that's one aspect of what we're doing is we're going to have a visual sort of guide to how many people are fans of grappling.

When an event's on Flow Grappling or Fight Pass or any other streaming provider, unless it's a pay-per-view, you're not going to know how many people watched. So that's one aspect of what we're doing is we're going to have a visual sort of guide to how many people are fans of grappling.

Well, I mean, just because basically it's going to grow the sport. You know what I mean? Like, if you have to subscribe to a platform... to watch something you have a mild interest in, a mild curiosity in. There's a financial barrier there. So I want to open it up because again, we have an investor who's contributing and is happy for it to be spent this way.

Well, I mean, just because basically it's going to grow the sport. You know what I mean? Like, if you have to subscribe to a platform... to watch something you have a mild interest in, a mild curiosity in. There's a financial barrier there. So I want to open it up because again, we have an investor who's contributing and is happy for it to be spent this way.

Happy for us not to be held hostage by these sort of streaming providers. And really like, again, I'm not making accusations against Flow Grappling or UFC Fight Pass. They are making the right business decision by not providing streamer numbers, because that's leverage that those people can use against the streaming provider.

Happy for us not to be held hostage by these sort of streaming providers. And really like, again, I'm not making accusations against Flow Grappling or UFC Fight Pass. They are making the right business decision by not providing streamer numbers, because that's leverage that those people can use against the streaming provider.

But for me as an individual athlete that really wants to understand the metrics of how many people actually watch this sport, to leverage that in my own sponsorship negotiations,

But for me as an individual athlete that really wants to understand the metrics of how many people actually watch this sport, to leverage that in my own sponsorship negotiations,

Then if I'm in a position to have this out free and also give every athlete involved the same metrics and information, like you will literally be able to see the spikes when you compete and you'll be able to take that and present it. for opportunities, for sponsorships, for businesses to say, look, look how many views this got. I was one of the most viewed moments of this event.

Then if I'm in a position to have this out free and also give every athlete involved the same metrics and information, like you will literally be able to see the spikes when you compete and you'll be able to take that and present it. for opportunities, for sponsorships, for businesses to say, look, look how many views this got. I was one of the most viewed moments of this event.

So I want to put the power back in the athlete and take it away from the host. And it creates a lot of incentive for the athlete to make it exciting. Yeah. This is your time. It might never happen again. I fully intend to run this every year. That's the goal. But again, it might never happen again.

So I want to put the power back in the athlete and take it away from the host. And it creates a lot of incentive for the athlete to make it exciting. Yeah. This is your time. It might never happen again. I fully intend to run this every year. That's the goal. But again, it might never happen again.

Could I take over ADCC? I think from... an ADCC perspective, it would make a lot of sense. I think it would make a lot of sense to wait to see if this event turns into Fyre Festival first before you commit to something like that. But I think a more modern approach to the promotion of the event, again, I keep going back to the comedians. If you want to grow your brand, whatever that may be,

Could I take over ADCC? I think from... an ADCC perspective, it would make a lot of sense. I think it would make a lot of sense to wait to see if this event turns into Fyre Festival first before you commit to something like that. But I think a more modern approach to the promotion of the event, again, I keep going back to the comedians. If you want to grow your brand, whatever that may be,

provide content for free, and you can paywall eventually. You can grow the audience, create the audience free. I think, again, if your goal is to create, a huge sport here, then it's like, if we're already a niche sport, and competition aspect of that is an even smaller niche, then we need to grow that providing this content for free.

provide content for free, and you can paywall eventually. You can grow the audience, create the audience free. I think, again, if your goal is to create, a huge sport here, then it's like, if we're already a niche sport, and competition aspect of that is an even smaller niche, then we need to grow that providing this content for free.

It would be a poetic ending. It would be an underdog story from a man that could never win the event. to running the event on behalf of the Shakedown.

It would be a poetic ending. It would be an underdog story from a man that could never win the event. to running the event on behalf of the Shakedown.

I mean, psychologically, it's really, really brutal. Like for me, anytime I'm leading up to any event of any meaningful significance, it's horrible on a psychological level because you're always thinking about, are you training enough? Are you doing enough? If you feel any signs of sickness, injury, the stress levels increase, your sleep quality decreases.

I mean, psychologically, it's really, really brutal. Like for me, anytime I'm leading up to any event of any meaningful significance, it's horrible on a psychological level because you're always thinking about, are you training enough? Are you doing enough? If you feel any signs of sickness, injury, the stress levels increase, your sleep quality decreases.

It's all those little subtle things that are so hard to mitigate. So like whether you feel like you're training hard enough, you're overtraining, those to me are the most difficult aspects. And I think really those are an individual thing. And that's really something where a coach can provide guidance. what he thinks to you is the right amount of work.

It's all those little subtle things that are so hard to mitigate. So like whether you feel like you're training hard enough, you're overtraining, those to me are the most difficult aspects. And I think really those are an individual thing. And that's really something where a coach can provide guidance. what he thinks to you is the right amount of work.

And I think that's different for different people. I think Nicky Rod could do eight hours a day. You know what I mean? I think Nicky Ryan, eight minutes.

And I think that's different for different people. I think Nicky Rod could do eight hours a day. You know what I mean? I think Nicky Ryan, eight minutes.

Yes.

Yes.

That is satisfying to watch, honestly.

That is satisfying to watch, honestly.

Yeah. I mean, and it's an impossible thing to grasp. It's like some of the best performances I've had, I've been called up last minute or I've been sick or my camp's been horrible. And for me personally, I've gone in there and thought, oh, relaxed. Almost like, oh, well, you know, like you got called up a week ago. You're injured, you missed four weeks of your camp.

Yeah. I mean, and it's an impossible thing to grasp. It's like some of the best performances I've had, I've been called up last minute or I've been sick or my camp's been horrible. And for me personally, I've gone in there and thought, oh, relaxed. Almost like, oh, well, you know, like you got called up a week ago. You're injured, you missed four weeks of your camp.

And I went in there super relaxed and accepting of the result and performed much better. Sometimes when I know three months out, I've got an event coming up and that event only happens every two years. The stress of that alone. Personally, on an individual level, I'd rather wing it. I'd rather be in the stands and just roll down.

And I went in there super relaxed and accepting of the result and performed much better. Sometimes when I know three months out, I've got an event coming up and that event only happens every two years. The stress of that alone. Personally, on an individual level, I'd rather wing it. I'd rather be in the stands and just roll down.

Gunnar Nelson, I remember he had a brilliant performance in an ADCC Absolute. He was out drinking the night before. He had no idea he was competing the next day. He was in the stands eating ice cream. And they called his name for the absolute and he went out there and I believe he got bronze. I believe he beat Jeff Munson. So it's like, it's different for different people.

Gunnar Nelson, I remember he had a brilliant performance in an ADCC Absolute. He was out drinking the night before. He had no idea he was competing the next day. He was in the stands eating ice cream. And they called his name for the absolute and he went out there and I believe he got bronze. I believe he beat Jeff Munson. So it's like, it's different for different people.

Obviously you don't want that to be the standard. You've got to be putting in the work at all times. But even now in my crazy travel schedule where I don't train anywhere near like I used to. As long as your game is technical and as long as your body's in good condition, I believe you can still train well against world-class guys.

Obviously you don't want that to be the standard. You've got to be putting in the work at all times. But even now in my crazy travel schedule where I don't train anywhere near like I used to. As long as your game is technical and as long as your body's in good condition, I believe you can still train well against world-class guys.

You might not be able to do an hour straight, but if you're technique-orientated, you're just losing fitness.

You might not be able to do an hour straight, but if you're technique-orientated, you're just losing fitness.

For sure, for sure, yeah. I've never wanted to win anything bad enough to train properly for it.

For sure, for sure, yeah. I've never wanted to win anything bad enough to train properly for it.

I think so. I think that's the only logical explanation. And I also use it as mind games too. Again, no one knows whether what I'm saying is true or not. Right. And I'm not saying this story to say anything bad about my opponent at the time, but I booked two matches and two consecutive weekends. And I've been traveling. I think I just got back from – One of my trips.

I think so. I think that's the only logical explanation. And I also use it as mind games too. Again, no one knows whether what I'm saying is true or not. Right. And I'm not saying this story to say anything bad about my opponent at the time, but I booked two matches and two consecutive weekends. And I've been traveling. I think I just got back from – One of my trips.

I've been over international, so I don't even know where the fuck I was. You're in Texas right now, by the way, just in case you forgot. Texas, just for you. Just came back for you. Thank you, man. It's an honor. But I hadn't really even trained. I couldn't train. I was traveling, just had no ability to train. I trained for like a week, had the Phil Roe match.

I've been over international, so I don't even know where the fuck I was. You're in Texas right now, by the way, just in case you forgot. Texas, just for you. Just came back for you. Thank you, man. It's an honor. But I hadn't really even trained. I couldn't train. I was traveling, just had no ability to train. I trained for like a week, had the Phil Roe match.

And I said to myself, I was down in Mexico City. And I said, you know what? If you win this match, you got to face Lovato next week. Don't go out and party. Don't celebrate the victory. But as a 32-year-old man at the time hitting a flying triangle submission, I thought that deemed a worthy after party. And we got out of control that night.

And I said to myself, I was down in Mexico City. And I said, you know what? If you win this match, you got to face Lovato next week. Don't go out and party. Don't celebrate the victory. But as a 32-year-old man at the time hitting a flying triangle submission, I thought that deemed a worthy after party. And we got out of control that night.

And it wasn't until the next day I woke up, I was like, oh, I have Lovato next weekend. But I'm also, people don't know whether I'm telling the truth or not, but it's also, I'm almost too honest because I'll be like doing interviews saying, yeah, I was out partying, I barely trained. The opponent looks into that and they question it. Is he telling the truth? Is he baiting me?

And it wasn't until the next day I woke up, I was like, oh, I have Lovato next weekend. But I'm also, people don't know whether I'm telling the truth or not, but it's also, I'm almost too honest because I'll be like doing interviews saying, yeah, I was out partying, I barely trained. The opponent looks into that and they question it. Is he telling the truth? Is he baiting me?

Is he really that unconcerned? You know what I mean? It's almost a psychological battle in and of itself. But for the most part, it's true.

Is he really that unconcerned? You know what I mean? It's almost a psychological battle in and of itself. But for the most part, it's true.

Shit talking. Well, I mean, you got to silently sit back and think about a good response, you know?

Shit talking. Well, I mean, you got to silently sit back and think about a good response, you know?

Yeah, I think you have to put in the hard rounds. It depends at what point in your career you are. You know, like I think like... Someone like Nicky Ryan might almost train too technically too often, and when he comes to competition, it's a confronting experience when someone hits him hard and he feels that pressure. So I think different people require different things.

Yeah, I think you have to put in the hard rounds. It depends at what point in your career you are. You know, like I think like... Someone like Nicky Ryan might almost train too technically too often, and when he comes to competition, it's a confronting experience when someone hits him hard and he feels that pressure. So I think different people require different things.

When Nicky Rod is breaking the spine of a 37-year-old father of a three-bus driver, it might be time for him to train in a more technical manner. So it's like you've got to cater to what they need. And again, depending on the opponent, it's a game of strategy. For me...

When Nicky Rod is breaking the spine of a 37-year-old father of a three-bus driver, it might be time for him to train in a more technical manner. So it's like you've got to cater to what they need. And again, depending on the opponent, it's a game of strategy. For me...

When I was more active, I look at an opponent that I want, that I could steal some clout from, of which the clout you can make money. And I think to myself, what's the best rule set I can beat him in? That's the strategy. And then how would I beat him in that rule set? So there's so many strategic layers to go above and beyond just the training for me. But nowadays I like to, if I train.

When I was more active, I look at an opponent that I want, that I could steal some clout from, of which the clout you can make money. And I think to myself, what's the best rule set I can beat him in? That's the strategy. And then how would I beat him in that rule set? So there's so many strategic layers to go above and beyond just the training for me. But nowadays I like to, if I train.

Short duration, high intensity. That's the best of me. I don't like this six or like 10 six-minute rounds, whatever. Like I don't like this long training. I don't like – for me, it's too much toll on the body. I think I go to the gym. We bang – maybe the first round slightly light and then just bang it out. Two hard rounds, tops.

Short duration, high intensity. That's the best of me. I don't like this six or like 10 six-minute rounds, whatever. Like I don't like this long training. I don't like – for me, it's too much toll on the body. I think I go to the gym. We bang – maybe the first round slightly light and then just bang it out. Two hard rounds, tops.

A little bit of problem solving, get out of there because you want to feel –

A little bit of problem solving, get out of there because you want to feel –

the a little bit of the competition intensity that feels the best on my body uh when you're traveling you're doing seminars and just doing jiu-jitsu with folks are you training with them i'm sure there's like from everything i see people would love to train with you yeah they want to they want to i mean i don't know what it is obviously you yeah i guess you it's like people want to play basketball with like a basketball star or something you know what i mean but uh

the a little bit of the competition intensity that feels the best on my body uh when you're traveling you're doing seminars and just doing jiu-jitsu with folks are you training with them i'm sure there's like from everything i see people would love to train with you yeah they want to they want to i mean i don't know what it is obviously you yeah i guess you it's like people want to play basketball with like a basketball star or something you know what i mean but uh

I guess if you played one-on-one with a basketball, there's no great risk of injury. That's the real problem is like, if you don't roll at your seminar, the seminar participants don't feel like they got the full experience. But there's snipers at these seminars. There's these sharks that are circling wanting to attack you. And you have to look at it from both perspectives.

I guess if you played one-on-one with a basketball, there's no great risk of injury. That's the real problem is like, if you don't roll at your seminar, the seminar participants don't feel like they got the full experience. But there's snipers at these seminars. There's these sharks that are circling wanting to attack you. And you have to look at it from both perspectives.

I think you should provide excellent technique Excellent question and answer time. And I think you should roll a little bit. For the most part these days, I'll just roll 30 minutes straight. I'll just do 10 guys, three minutes, no break, 30 minutes straight. I might even get the guy to pick because, again, some of these guys come in hot.

I think you should provide excellent technique Excellent question and answer time. And I think you should roll a little bit. For the most part these days, I'll just roll 30 minutes straight. I'll just do 10 guys, three minutes, no break, 30 minutes straight. I might even get the guy to pick because, again, some of these guys come in hot.

I'm in Odessa. I'd like to get to know the people, try some food, have a couple of drinks, and enjoy the place. But to them, it's time to go. You've got to rope it open a bit. If I meet pressure with pressure, I get tired. But if I don't provide resistance where they think there should be resistance, now... It slows their pace down. They get shocked a bit.

I'm in Odessa. I'd like to get to know the people, try some food, have a couple of drinks, and enjoy the place. But to them, it's time to go. You've got to rope it open a bit. If I meet pressure with pressure, I get tired. But if I don't provide resistance where they think there should be resistance, now... It slows their pace down. They get shocked a bit.

But 100%, if I'm at a seminar and someone's rolling too hard with me, if I feel like I might get hurt, I will 100% rip a submission on them. You know what I mean? It's like you're confronted with a threat. Yeah. You have to meet it with a threat. It's like, uh, I've spoken about this with Ryan Hall. Ryan Hall, give him a warning and then gone. And I think it's perfectly acceptable.

But 100%, if I'm at a seminar and someone's rolling too hard with me, if I feel like I might get hurt, I will 100% rip a submission on them. You know what I mean? It's like you're confronted with a threat. Yeah. You have to meet it with a threat. It's like, uh, I've spoken about this with Ryan Hall. Ryan Hall, give him a warning and then gone. And I think it's perfectly acceptable.

Like I won't endanger them for no reason, but if you're coming hot, you better tap fast. If I feel a threat, you better tap. I'm not going to break, break it for the sake of breaking it. But if you're, if you do some crazy shit that might potentially hurt me and I get a submission. and I'm tired. If you're fresh, you can catch a heel hook, hold it tight, the guy tries to wiggle out, you got it.

Like I won't endanger them for no reason, but if you're coming hot, you better tap fast. If I feel a threat, you better tap. I'm not going to break, break it for the sake of breaking it. But if you're, if you do some crazy shit that might potentially hurt me and I get a submission. and I'm tired. If you're fresh, you can catch a heel hook, hold it tight, the guy tries to wiggle out, you got it.

Yeah. If you're tired, and you've been nice with the heel hook, and then they slip out and club you in the head, then next time is going to be the last time.

Yeah. If you're tired, and you've been nice with the heel hook, and then they slip out and club you in the head, then next time is going to be the last time.

Oh, but they're coming for you, too.

Oh, but they're coming for you, too.

across the world for like for many more years to come but it's tough you can't do it if you if you've reached any level of notoriety whether it's in the sport or just as a celebrity you're better off to just have three four trusted training partners and train privately that's the sad situation people used to say oh you could be such as you go to any gym not those days are over now now

across the world for like for many more years to come but it's tough you can't do it if you if you've reached any level of notoriety whether it's in the sport or just as a celebrity you're better off to just have three four trusted training partners and train privately that's the sad situation people used to say oh you could be such as you go to any gym not those days are over now now

If you show up and you have any sort of name, they're coming to kill. Honestly, you're better off. It's so much safer. Training is about trusting. Trust is built from safe rounds.

If you show up and you have any sort of name, they're coming to kill. Honestly, you're better off. It's so much safer. Training is about trusting. Trust is built from safe rounds.

Strangers are scary.

Strangers are scary.

Are they from Eastern Europe? I'll tell you what, the most dangerous. That's a good one. You know what? Anyone that wears a Pitbull sports rash guard or anyone from the country of Poland, be ready. Oh, Polish people go hard. People go hard.

Are they from Eastern Europe? I'll tell you what, the most dangerous. That's a good one. You know what? Anyone that wears a Pitbull sports rash guard or anyone from the country of Poland, be ready. Oh, Polish people go hard. People go hard.

To send a message or just for your own personal enjoyment? I don't enjoy it. You know, they... You don't enjoy the violence. It is humorous after the fact though. I mean, it's just like, hey, like, bro, I'm jet lagged. I'm tired. I'm here for you guys. Why are you trying to hurt me? You know, like if I get a submission, tap, don't hesitate at all. Don't hesitate.

To send a message or just for your own personal enjoyment? I don't enjoy it. You know, they... You don't enjoy the violence. It is humorous after the fact though. I mean, it's just like, hey, like, bro, I'm jet lagged. I'm tired. I'm here for you guys. Why are you trying to hurt me? You know, like if I get a submission, tap, don't hesitate at all. Don't hesitate.

You know, like, it's like, it's, I mean, Jiu Jitsu is dangerous. It's a dangerous thing. And when strangers going crazy, it's their show. They think they're getting an invite to the CJI if they tap me. It's just wild.

You know, like, it's like, it's, I mean, Jiu Jitsu is dangerous. It's a dangerous thing. And when strangers going crazy, it's their show. They think they're getting an invite to the CJI if they tap me. It's just wild.

I mean, honestly, picking safe training partners and trying to understand the positions and not just freaking out. Like you might escape if you freak out, but you also might be stuck in something and you injure yourself. So it's like, I think if you can, it's just about longevity. You know, like if you can find a pace to train at,

I mean, honestly, picking safe training partners and trying to understand the positions and not just freaking out. Like you might escape if you freak out, but you also might be stuck in something and you injure yourself. So it's like, I think if you can, it's just about longevity. You know, like if you can find a pace to train at,

and a like sort of intensity and the right people, you could potentially train five years without injury. It's really about how you move. If you are always moving in an explosive way, eventually you're going to do that from a position in which you can't move and then someone's going to tear. And you also want to be able to trust training partners to not go too crazy and inflict too much pain.

and a like sort of intensity and the right people, you could potentially train five years without injury. It's really about how you move. If you are always moving in an explosive way, eventually you're going to do that from a position in which you can't move and then someone's going to tear. And you also want to be able to trust training partners to not go too crazy and inflict too much pain.

You know what I mean? It's like, uh, Yeah, I think I've managed to avoid a lot of injuries because I just never roll too athletically, explosively. I think I'm probably incapable of moving at that rate of speed.

You know what I mean? It's like, uh, Yeah, I think I've managed to avoid a lot of injuries because I just never roll too athletically, explosively. I think I'm probably incapable of moving at that rate of speed.

I let them put me in a bad position, but I try to stay relaxed at all times. You know, that's the key here is like... I mean, yeah, obviously you got the cheesy, keep it playful, but it's like, if you can remain calm in bad positions, that is a skill. That's your confidence, not in yourself, but that the other guy's incapable of submitting you. That's the ultimate confidence.

I let them put me in a bad position, but I try to stay relaxed at all times. You know, that's the key here is like... I mean, yeah, obviously you got the cheesy, keep it playful, but it's like, if you can remain calm in bad positions, that is a skill. That's your confidence, not in yourself, but that the other guy's incapable of submitting you. That's the ultimate confidence.

You can give him whatever you want.

You can give him whatever you want.

Yeah. If you can make someone panic, you will fatigue them. It's the same. It's like if you're... Even if you're a higher level and you're worried about getting your guard passed... It's the panic that leads to fatigue in your guard retention. But if you're so flexible, you remain calm. I think it's because you're not panicked. Fear is the mind killer.

Yeah. If you can make someone panic, you will fatigue them. It's the same. It's like if you're... Even if you're a higher level and you're worried about getting your guard passed... It's the panic that leads to fatigue in your guard retention. But if you're so flexible, you remain calm. I think it's because you're not panicked. Fear is the mind killer.

I mean, financial motivation. If you can hit moves that no one else knows how to do, you can sell those instructionals. But also, it keeps it interesting, because it's like, I mean, it can get stagnant and boring. A lot of people get to blue belt. They're good at one thing. They only do that one thing. I think it's finding creative ways to beat people.

I mean, financial motivation. If you can hit moves that no one else knows how to do, you can sell those instructionals. But also, it keeps it interesting, because it's like, I mean, it can get stagnant and boring. A lot of people get to blue belt. They're good at one thing. They only do that one thing. I think it's finding creative ways to beat people.

And sometimes, creativity is in how they respond to it. So if you can find a humiliating move to do to someone, Well, not even necessarily humiliating, but a move that is unexpected. When you get hit with something you don't expect, I think that is sort of really one of the most fun aspects of it. You know what I mean? Like you train to stay better than the people you're better than.

And sometimes, creativity is in how they respond to it. So if you can find a humiliating move to do to someone, Well, not even necessarily humiliating, but a move that is unexpected. When you get hit with something you don't expect, I think that is sort of really one of the most fun aspects of it. You know what I mean? Like you train to stay better than the people you're better than.

That's what keeps you in the game. And finding creative ways to beat those people is some of the most entertainment.

That's what keeps you in the game. And finding creative ways to beat those people is some of the most entertainment.

Yeah. Trying to, if you get swept with something that you don't think should work, I think that's fulfillment.

Yeah. Trying to, if you get swept with something that you don't think should work, I think that's fulfillment.

I mean, you just studying tape, just study, study tape and try to reverse engineer. Like if I see a, if I see something or I train with someone and it feels like You know when you have those moments where you're like, oh, I don't even know what they're doing here. And if you can put someone in a position they don't understand, that's also where they panic.

I mean, you just studying tape, just study, study tape and try to reverse engineer. Like if I see a, if I see something or I train with someone and it feels like You know when you have those moments where you're like, oh, I don't even know what they're doing here. And if you can put someone in a position they don't understand, that's also where they panic.

So it's like creating different ways to make people panic. But also, I mean, it's just innovation, like having fun with it. You know, like I guess the artistic aspect of it is fun. You can be creative in how you can beat people.

So it's like creating different ways to make people panic. But also, I mean, it's just innovation, like having fun with it. You know, like I guess the artistic aspect of it is fun. You can be creative in how you can beat people.

Both.

Both.

I don't think I've come up with anything, but I've popularized things. You know, like certain styles of leg entry. I definitely didn't invent them, but I popularized them. Octopus guard, playing more from turtle, sort of the pinning style of game. Like as a...

I don't think I've come up with anything, but I've popularized things. You know, like certain styles of leg entry. I definitely didn't invent them, but I popularized them. Octopus guard, playing more from turtle, sort of the pinning style of game. Like as a...

because of my jokes online, put me in a position of power in the sport so that when I post content, it can popularize a move or at least an instruction or popularize a game. But it's still, I'm not trying to sell inauthentic products. I'm still, I want the technique to work.

because of my jokes online, put me in a position of power in the sport so that when I post content, it can popularize a move or at least an instruction or popularize a game. But it's still, I'm not trying to sell inauthentic products. I'm still, I want the technique to work.

I mean, unfortunately, Meta, the ads, were not appreciating some of that humor. So we had to soften the titles a bit.

I mean, unfortunately, Meta, the ads, were not appreciating some of that humor. So we had to soften the titles a bit.

I didn't. Allegedly, the company hosting it did.

I didn't. Allegedly, the company hosting it did.

I haven't trained with him. I met him when Volk's fought Ilya. We've spoken briefly. Interesting guy, for sure. Loves jiu-jitsu. Loves MMA. He's really intending to compete in something, I think.

I haven't trained with him. I met him when Volk's fought Ilya. We've spoken briefly. Interesting guy, for sure. Loves jiu-jitsu. Loves MMA. He's really intending to compete in something, I think.

We'd love to have him. But he is coming off of ACL surgery. I think he's returned to sport. He's August. So I think he'll be back training again soon.

We'd love to have him. But he is coming off of ACL surgery. I think he's returned to sport. He's August. So I think he'll be back training again soon.

I mean, for me personally, what's so interesting about Volkanovski is his, I guess where he came from. It's like you have pre-existing ideas. of what a UFC champion is. Again, I would say it's similar to when I started training jiu-jitsu and I first traveled to America and got to train with some really famous people. You realize how relatable they are in some aspects.

I mean, for me personally, what's so interesting about Volkanovski is his, I guess where he came from. It's like you have pre-existing ideas. of what a UFC champion is. Again, I would say it's similar to when I started training jiu-jitsu and I first traveled to America and got to train with some really famous people. You realize how relatable they are in some aspects.

We had security, but only by Joe Rogan's request. Because he said, you're really going to bring it?

We had security, but only by Joe Rogan's request. Because he said, you're really going to bring it?

Volkanovski trains a freestyle, and it is humble beginnings, humble origins. It's a small gym in a small... beachside city. They're running puzzle mats. You know what I mean? When you think UFC champion, you don't think puzzle mat gym. You know what I mean? He's not training at an American top team. He's not at one of these big gyms.

Volkanovski trains a freestyle, and it is humble beginnings, humble origins. It's a small gym in a small... beachside city. They're running puzzle mats. You know what I mean? When you think UFC champion, you don't think puzzle mat gym. You know what I mean? He's not training at an American top team. He's not at one of these big gyms.

To me, it just shows what you're capable of through hard work and self-educating in such an isolated place. It's insane to me that he's still considered probably the pound for pound best featherweight ever, in my opinion. And he's basically come across and started late from a rugby background.

To me, it just shows what you're capable of through hard work and self-educating in such an isolated place. It's insane to me that he's still considered probably the pound for pound best featherweight ever, in my opinion. And he's basically come across and started late from a rugby background.

Do you have security? I said, no. He's like, don't worry about it. I'll send my security. So you were going to do it without security? Yeah, we're going to wing it. I thought, I mean... I was told not to tell anyone. Yeah. But I sent pictures of it to everyone I know. Yeah. So that was probably a security risk. Yeah. So it's just you in a car with a bag of cash. Yeah.

Do you have security? I said, no. He's like, don't worry about it. I'll send my security. So you were going to do it without security? Yeah, we're going to wing it. I thought, I mean... I was told not to tell anyone. Yeah. But I sent pictures of it to everyone I know. Yeah. So that was probably a security risk. Yeah. So it's just you in a car with a bag of cash. Yeah.

But also, in terms of what I've learned, on a technical level, I've picked up a lot of stuff from him in sort of grappling exchanges, how to get back up, obviously wall wrestling. In terms of how hard he trains, how hard he works the cardio aspect is insane. His cardio workouts are absolutely insane. So he's the opposite of you. Complete opposite of me, probably publicly and privately.

But also, in terms of what I've learned, on a technical level, I've picked up a lot of stuff from him in sort of grappling exchanges, how to get back up, obviously wall wrestling. In terms of how hard he trains, how hard he works the cardio aspect is insane. His cardio workouts are absolutely insane. So he's the opposite of you. Complete opposite of me, probably publicly and privately.

As an athlete, yeah. The amount of work he puts in and just his sheer sort of mental willpower. I remember there's been a couple of times where I've watched him do weight cuts where like, that's horrible. You're watching your friend. You know, obviously we started as... Basically, I would help him in certain jiu-jitsu aspects and then becomes a close friend of yours.

As an athlete, yeah. The amount of work he puts in and just his sheer sort of mental willpower. I remember there's been a couple of times where I've watched him do weight cuts where like, that's horrible. You're watching your friend. You know, obviously we started as... Basically, I would help him in certain jiu-jitsu aspects and then becomes a close friend of yours.

But the whole process of the MMA fight is horrible, especially when you care about the person fighting. Because some of those weight cuts you see are awful. You're basically seeing guys' eyes roll back in their head. Him just powering through a 5-kilo, 10-pound cut. And just constantly talking about how easy it is. But while clearly... These guys look like they're dying.

But the whole process of the MMA fight is horrible, especially when you care about the person fighting. Because some of those weight cuts you see are awful. You're basically seeing guys' eyes roll back in their head. Him just powering through a 5-kilo, 10-pound cut. And just constantly talking about how easy it is. But while clearly... These guys look like they're dying.

To push through that and then to push through some of the moments in his fight. To watch him be completely relaxed until five minutes before the fight and then he starts talking about, you're never going to take this belt away from my family. He's singing about his family before he fights his kids. You see the character change. It's just absolutely insane to watch.

To push through that and then to push through some of the moments in his fight. To watch him be completely relaxed until five minutes before the fight and then he starts talking about, you're never going to take this belt away from my family. He's singing about his family before he fights his kids. You see the character change. It's just absolutely insane to watch.

On the other side of that is obviously watching the ups and downs. There's been so many ups. The last two have been downs. So you're seeing the full spectrum of the highest highs and the lowest lows. How is he able to deal psychologically with loss? I don't know. Obviously, he's still hungry, still motivated. Obviously, I thrive in a losing environment, but here...

On the other side of that is obviously watching the ups and downs. There's been so many ups. The last two have been downs. So you're seeing the full spectrum of the highest highs and the lowest lows. How is he able to deal psychologically with loss? I don't know. Obviously, he's still hungry, still motivated. Obviously, I thrive in a losing environment, but here...

him on the other hand i'm not sure but we don't talk too much on that level obviously we check in his friends see what he's up to see what he's planning yeah uh we were trying to get him a grappling match at cji i won't say the reasons it fell through but we were setting one up with mikey musumichi but we couldn't get it done

him on the other hand i'm not sure but we don't talk too much on that level obviously we check in his friends see what he's up to see what he's planning yeah uh we were trying to get him a grappling match at cji i won't say the reasons it fell through but we were setting one up with mikey musumichi but we couldn't get it done

I can't say the reasons, but it would have been awesome.

I can't say the reasons, but it would have been awesome.

Being the promoter, tournament, not as bad. The super fights, really, really difficult. I don't think we could have set it up with more time that particular match, but that was the dream. That's what we're hoping to do.

Being the promoter, tournament, not as bad. The super fights, really, really difficult. I don't think we could have set it up with more time that particular match, but that was the dream. That's what we're hoping to do.

It was a company that sponsors me. Shuffle.com. It was their friend, a friend of theirs. So a guy that's never met me before.

It was a company that sponsors me. Shuffle.com. It was their friend, a friend of theirs. So a guy that's never met me before.

Yeah, I'd love to see. I mean, personally, I really want to see Vox and Ortega have an actual grappling match because we saw him get out of those deep submissions and apply a ton of ground and power. I'd love to see him. Just have a grappling match. I'd love to see more of the UFC stars have grappling matches, especially if they've had any head trauma in a fight.

Yeah, I'd love to see. I mean, personally, I really want to see Vox and Ortega have an actual grappling match because we saw him get out of those deep submissions and apply a ton of ground and power. I'd love to see him. Just have a grappling match. I'd love to see more of the UFC stars have grappling matches, especially if they've had any head trauma in a fight.

It's like, hey, let's keep them busy. Because as you see, some of those guys go crazy if they can't train. What about the fights against Makachev? You think Vol could beat him? I think the first fight showed he could beat him. For sure. Showed it's possible. Even in the second fight, when he reversed the grappling exchange, I wish he'd tried to take Makachev down.

It's like, hey, let's keep them busy. Because as you see, some of those guys go crazy if they can't train. What about the fights against Makachev? You think Vol could beat him? I think the first fight showed he could beat him. For sure. Showed it's possible. Even in the second fight, when he reversed the grappling exchange, I wish he'd tried to take Makachev down.

I really think he has a huge strength advantage against Makachev. And I personally believe he has a fence wrestling advantage. You might not see it in a... In a sense of the technical hip tosses and things like that. But I do believe Vox is one of the best, if not the best, cage wrestler in the world. Who do you think wins in a grappling match? That would be interesting.

I really think he has a huge strength advantage against Makachev. And I personally believe he has a fence wrestling advantage. You might not see it in a... In a sense of the technical hip tosses and things like that. But I do believe Vox is one of the best, if not the best, cage wrestler in the world. Who do you think wins in a grappling match? That would be interesting.

Just took the risk to show up to a stranger's house with a million dollars in cash to bring to Joe Rogan. It was a big risk of him. And you just put it in the car and drove it. Drove it over there. Yeah. Yeah. Well, no security except Joe. Except Joe. That's common sense. And then Joe said he'd never seen a million dollars before.

Just took the risk to show up to a stranger's house with a million dollars in cash to bring to Joe Rogan. It was a big risk of him. And you just put it in the car and drove it. Drove it over there. Yeah. Yeah. Well, no security except Joe. Except Joe. That's common sense. And then Joe said he'd never seen a million dollars before.

The problem is, while you are a champion like Islam is, you could just never book him. You could never get it.

The problem is, while you are a champion like Islam is, you could just never book him. You could never get it.

I mean, I think, personally, those guys are just like... They just love it. It's just about like... It's how they train, like it's a fight to the death. You know what I mean? Like it's just built in them. They don't wanna concede an inch ever. I think for MMA and wrestling, that can be very, very good.

I mean, I think, personally, those guys are just like... They just love it. It's just about like... It's how they train, like it's a fight to the death. You know what I mean? Like it's just built in them. They don't wanna concede an inch ever. I think for MMA and wrestling, that can be very, very good.

I think sometimes when those guys come over to Jitsu specific events, they get leg locked, they fall into traps, overly aggressive or overly evasive. But I think the way they train just is perfect for a fight, a fight. They can just forward pressure, eat some shots, grind a guy against the wall. Fence wrestling is technical. Jiu-jitsu is far more technical.

I think sometimes when those guys come over to Jitsu specific events, they get leg locked, they fall into traps, overly aggressive or overly evasive. But I think the way they train just is perfect for a fight, a fight. They can just forward pressure, eat some shots, grind a guy against the wall. Fence wrestling is technical. Jiu-jitsu is far more technical.

There's way more things you can do in a grappling scenario from top and bottom than I think against the wall. So a grinding nature of how they train works really good to walk a guy down and take him down against the wall. And then obviously with ground and pound, very good to hold a guy down. So I think just never conceding an inch in training is just...

There's way more things you can do in a grappling scenario from top and bottom than I think against the wall. So a grinding nature of how they train works really good to walk a guy down and take him down against the wall. And then obviously with ground and pound, very good to hold a guy down. So I think just never conceding an inch in training is just...

They've done that since they were born, basically. So you learn how to grind somebody down. Yeah, like they're just trying to break each other at all times, trying to have some dominance over their friends and who they train with.

They've done that since they were born, basically. So you learn how to grind somebody down. Yeah, like they're just trying to break each other at all times, trying to have some dominance over their friends and who they train with.

Not when you can pull guard and submit from your back. I think that sort of negates some of that grinding pressure. I think that has to be met with more slow technical lateral movement. I think that's the way you, like that would be the dream for me is a guy just comes straight forward into my guard. So that grinding approach works well if he's taken me down and got already close to me.

Not when you can pull guard and submit from your back. I think that sort of negates some of that grinding pressure. I think that has to be met with more slow technical lateral movement. I think that's the way you, like that would be the dream for me is a guy just comes straight forward into my guard. So that grinding approach works well if he's taken me down and got already close to me.

But if I'm laying flat on my back and he's standing and he has to engage, he has all that danger at range. But if he can connect to my body before we go down, now we're in his world again, I think.

But if I'm laying flat on my back and he's standing and he has to engage, he has all that danger at range. But if he can connect to my body before we go down, now we're in his world again, I think.

We get him with a buggy, I reckon.

We get him with a buggy, I reckon.

But I don't know if I believe him.

But I don't know if I believe him.

Really? You can catch anyone. Really? Okay. You're not a buggy believer.

Really? You can catch anyone. Really? Okay. You're not a buggy believer.

Khabib would go to sleep for sure.

Khabib would go to sleep for sure.

Yeah. There's no way he would tap to a buggy choke. Who was it I faced recently? I faced a Russian guy from Tatar. I couldn't buggy him. I was trying the closed guard one, though. It is harder to pull off. I had to put him to sleep twice at the end of the match with a triangle, but he was just willing.

Yeah. There's no way he would tap to a buggy choke. Who was it I faced recently? I faced a Russian guy from Tatar. I couldn't buggy him. I was trying the closed guard one, though. It is harder to pull off. I had to put him to sleep twice at the end of the match with a triangle, but he was just willing.