In today's episode, we discuss Michael's journey in karate, being the son of a karate master, the black belt mindset and philosophy, as well as some of the emotional and mental aspects that a fighter needs to overcome to succeed. Today's episode is sponsored by Tenacity and Perseverance Clothing. TNP is a Latin founded, faith based workout apparel brand with t-shirts, shorts and hoodies. Use code doubledecker15 at https://tenacitynperseveranceclothing.com for 15% off your entire order. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christian-dexter/message ..read more

Today we're bringing out the big guns with "The Gorilla" Jose Carlos. In this two part episode break the first rule of Fight Club and discuss how being an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in MMA has shaped Jose's journey. Jose reveals all, so sit back, strap in and let's get going. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christian-dexter/message ..read more

Welcome back to Episode 10 of Combat Contenders: The Fighters Guidebook. After a short hiatus, we are back with another episode, featuring Gary Grant Jr. Gary is the founder of Grant Martial Arts, designer of the famous Circular Ring patented for Bare Knuckle FC, and promoter & matchmaker of USKA Fight Sports based out of the mid-Atlantic United States. Grab your notebook as Gary and I discuss what fighters should look for when booking fights with certain promotions, as well as what makes a promotion want to sign and continually resign fighters to their shows. Episode Sponsor: https://ten ..read more

In EP. 09 of Combat Contenders: The Fighters Guide Book, we have a technical conversation today as we are joined by dietician and Jiu jitsu brown belt, Oliver Lopez. Oliver goes deep into what it means to fuel an athlete’s body, whether it be for performance, recovery, or cutting weight. So sit back, grab a note book, and let’s jump in. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christian-dexter/message ..read more

What does it take to be a good teammate? How can you support other fighters at your gym? Today, Brandon Sonoda and I discuss what it is like to foster a relationship amongst fighters and build trustworthy and beneficial training situations. Today's episode is sponsored by Tenacity and Perseverance Clothing. TNP is a Latin founded, faith based workout apparel brand with t-shirts, shorts and hoodies. Use code DoubleDecker15 at https://tenacitynperseveranceclothing.com for 15% off your entire order. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christian-dexter/message ..read more

Today I am joined by head coach of Chop and Chops MMA Rael Baisden. We discuss what he believes is the purpose, mindset, and meaning of martial arts by diving deep into his history, upbringing in Brooklyn, NY, and his purpose for training. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christian-dexter/message ..read more

Today, I am joined by co-founder and coach of Chop and Chops MMA, Jaime Perea. As a former MMA fighter with a wealth of martial arts knowledge to share, we unpack some of the skills and tools necessary to learn martial arts, and the mindset required to continue to pursue the sport. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christian-dexter/message ..read more

If you haven't had a chance to listen to part one with Jose Carlos, make sure to listen to that to get insight into Jose's history. In part 2, we begin to unpack what happened after Jose's first fight, his break from the game, and what brings him back. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christian-dexter/message ..read more

Welcome back to Combat Contenders, the Fighters Guidebook Episode 03. Today, I'm joined by Becca "the Giraffe" Evans, an undefeated professional MMA fighter out of my home state of Delaware. We discuss what it's like being a female in the sport as well as the road back from injury and how to deal with setbacks. Episode Sponsors Tenacity N Perseverance: DoubleDecker15 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christian-dexter/message ..read more

Taylor and I had a great discussion today about the highs and lows of a fighter's career, the importance of building a community, and the emphasis and need for structure and routine. Join us as we unpack and discover some of the key traits that make up a winning fighter, and get a little personal into what drives an athlete emotionally. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christian-dexter/message ..read more