Backbreakers and Bites

Clinch Chronicles

0.0 (0)
SPORT

Welcome to Backbreakers and Bites, the combat sports podcast where fights, food, and real stories collide. We link up with MMA fighters, pro wrestlers, and rising stars and catch them in their element at their favorite local food spots. From legends on a Hall-of-Fame path to the next wave coming up, we talk careers, life outside the ring or cage, and the real side of combat sports, with behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

17 JAN

Jose "Shorty" Torres: Equivalent Exchange

"I’m a good fighter, I just don’t like fighting." Former UFC flyweight and current RIZIN standout Jose "Shorty" Torres joins the table for a deep dive into the physical and mental "Equivalent Exchange" of the fight game. From the segregated streets of South Side Chicago to the legendary rings of Japan, Jose shares the raw reality of his journey: surviving a "blackballing" in the UFC, the loss of his father, and his daily battle with mental health. In this episode, we discuss: The RIZIN Experience: Why Japanese fans treat fighters like warriors, even in defeat. Chicago Roots: Growing up around the influence of a gang-chief father. The Power Ranger Connection: His deep brotherhood with the late Jason David Frank. Equivalent Exchange: How anime like Fullmetal Alchemist and Cowboy Bebop saved his life during his darkest days. The Team Shorty Foundation: Using 100% of his proceeds to keep kids off the streets and in the gym. The Bite: Mediterranean delicacies at La Marsa in Coral Springs. Follow Jose "Shorty" Torres:Instagram: @JoseShortyTorresSupport the foundation: TeamShorty.com Subscribe to Backbreakers and Bites for more unfiltered stories from the world of combat sports.

1h 32m
07/12/2025

Gilbert Burns : From Bartering to Big Fights

"I didn't want to, but I was... they said 'Put the gloves on.'" UFC veteran Gilbert Burns joins the table to share the raw, unfiltered story of his rise from bartering for karate lessons in Brazil to becoming one of the most feared welterweights in the world. In this deep dive, Gilbert reveals the reality of his most memorable battles against Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman, the technical "mistake" that cost him against JDM, and why he believes he still has one more legendary title run left in him. In this episode, we discuss: Roots: How his father traded car services to get him and his brothers into jiu-jitsu. Nova União: Training alongside legends like Jose Aldo during the humid, high-intensity days in Rio. The Knockout Epiphany: The moment Gilbert realized he had world-class power—and why knocking someone out is "addicting". Autopilot Mode: The "scary" reality of fighting on autopilot after a massive concussion. The Moneyberg Influence: Behind-the-scenes insights into his relationship with Derek Moneyberg and the mental game of professional fighting. The Bite: An all-you-can-eat authentic Brazilian feast at Pampa Gaúcho. Follow Gilbert "Durinho" Burns: Instagram: @Gilbert_Burns Twitter: @GilbertDurinho Subscribe to Backbreakers and Bites for more stories where combat sports meets the best food in the game.

1h 27m
07/12/2025

Evan Elder: Faith, Fighting & The Front Lines

"I need you to be the strongest warrior on the front lines." UFC standout Evan Elder joins the table for a profound conversation on why fighting is more than just a sport—it’s a forging of the spirit. From training with the legendary Diaz brothers in Stockton to finding his "why" through the Gospels, Evan shares the raw reality of his career: the whirlwind of a 4-day notice UFC debut, surviving a "doctor stoppage" loss, and his relentless pursuit of a Top 15 ranking. In this episode, we discuss: The Diaz Influence: Lessons in mental toughness from watching Nate Diaz push through 15 rounds of sparring. The Front Lines of Faith: How a Bible study with legend Nate Marquardt changed Evan's perspective on his purpose in the cage. Suffering as a Tool: Why Evan believes the ability to endure physical and mental pain is the key to understanding true "goodness". The Science of Recovery: Moving past the "meathead" workouts of his youth to master biomechanics and longevity. Vegas Life: Why Sin City is the perfect place to build a bespoke training schedule and utilize the UFC PI. The Bite: A "Dynamite" sushi feast at Oishi Sushi in Las Vegas. Follow Evan Elder: Instagram: @Evan_Elder Subscribe to Backbreakers and Bites for more unfiltered stories where combat sports meets the best food in the game.

1h 27m
07/06/2025

Robby Ramos: Grit, Legacy & Theater

"Make them love hating you." Actor Robby Ramos joins the table for a deep dive into the "meta as f***" reality of playing a wrestler who plays a wrestler. From a projectile-vomiting audition in a Gatlinburg gym to sharing the ring with legends like CM Punk and James Harrison, Robby shares the raw truth about the physical toll of indie wrestling and the relentless hustle of the Hollywood industry. In this episode, we discuss: The Heels Experience: How showrunner Michael O'Malley molded the character of Diego Cottonmouth around Robby’s real-life Cuban-Miami roots. The Reality of the Ring: Why taking a "bump" is the worst physical pain in the world and the immense respect he gained for pro athletes. HBO’s Duster: Robby’s technical experience on the set of the new Tarantino-esque series from J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan. The Walls Have Ears: The personal story behind Robby’s immersive play about his grandfather’s journey as a political prisoner in 1960s Cuba. Grit & Auditions: Stories of the industry’s "front lines"—from embarrassing audition moments to the mental game of memorizing lines. The Setting: Behind the scenes at Cultura Media House. Follow Robby Ramos: Instagram: @TheRobbyRamos Subscribe to Backbreakers and Bites for more unfiltered stories where combat sports meets the best of culture and cuisine.

43 min
21/05/2025

Luis Palomino: Motivation is a Scam

"Motivation is a scam... discipline is everything." Bare Knuckle legend Luis Palomino joins the table for a deep dive into the grit and grace that defined his career. From a 10-year-old child crossing the border with a "photo-switch" passport to reigning supreme as a double champ, Luis shares the unfiltered story of his life: surviving the gangs of 1990s Miami, the legal battles that kept him out of the UFC, and the spiritual awakening that fueled his late-career resurgence. In this episode, we discuss: The Undocumented Journey: The reality of living in the shadows for three decades while fighting the world's elite in MMA. MMA Masters Roots: Building a championship legacy from the ground up with nothing but Capoeira and grit. The Bare Knuckle Mentality: Why "Baboon" turned to bare knuckle to feed his family and how he outpaced fighters half his age. The Scam of Motivation: Why Luis believes discipline and structure—not temporary excitement—are the only paths to success. Warrior Nutrition: His "Secret Sauce" to longevity, including training fasted and the power of recovery. The Bite: Japanese-Peruvian fusion masterpieces at Ceviches By Divino in Miami. Follow Luis "Baboon" Palomino:Instagram: @LuisBaboon Subscribe to Backbreakers and Bites for more unfiltered stories where combat sports meets the best food in the game.

1h 41m
07/05/2025

Jay Jay Wilson: From the Attic to the PFL

"I was homeless at 12 years old... I had no guidance." PFL standout Jay Jay Wilson joins the table for an incredibly raw conversation about the challenges that forged his path to the top. From living in the attic of a gym on a diet of ramen noodles to headlining major cards, Jay Jay discusses the physical and emotional toll of the fight game—including the tragic loss of his siblings and his own battle with mental health. In this episode, we discuss: New Zealand Roots: Growing up on the streets and the moment a jiu-jitsu gym changed his trajectory. The Mark Hunt Connection: Stories of the legendary "Super Samoan" and the $23,000 breakfast that defined his early career. PFL Tournament Reality: The loss in his first fight with Gadzhi Rabadanov and his plan for revenge in the semifinals. Mental Health Advocacy: A candid discussion on the "macho" stigma in combat sports and why Jay Jay believes in the power of therapy. Rubber Guard & Technical Innovation: How a "sponge-like" ability to learn karate and jiu-jitsu from books helped him dominate world-class black belts. The Bite: A massive Mexican feast featuring pork belly tacos and "cake-ish" Tres Leches at Rocco’s Tacos in Fort Lauderdale. Follow Jay Jay Wilson:Instagram: @TheMaoriKid Subscribe to Backbreakers and Bites for more unfiltered stories where combat sports meets the best food in the game.

1h 30m
06/04/2025

Charles Johnson: Chasing Gold on the Track & in the Octagon

"I ain't never seen more than five figures in my bank account... I was fighting out of debt." UFC standout Charles Johnson joins the table for a high-energy conversation about the "Backbreakers" that defined his path to the Octagon. From being a homeless student-athlete living in a parking garage to becoming an LFA champion and a UFC veteran, Charles discusses the physical and emotional toll of the fight game—including his 11 fights in three years and the reality of providing for his family. In this episode, we discuss: St. Louis Grit: Growing up in a "dog-eat-dog" culture and the moment a track scholarship loss forced him to find his true identity. The Track Legend: Being a two-time AAU national champion and how the endurance of 3,000-meter races prepared him for five-round wars. Thailand Realignment: Living on $50 a month in Phuket to master Muay Thai and find his spiritual balance. The "InnerG" Mentality: Why Charles believes prayer, positivity, and perseverance are the three Ps of success—and how they keep him fighting through "numb legs" and injuries. Anime & Influence: Why Rock Lee and Zoro are his ultimate inspirations and how the "Shawn Michaels" vibe fuels his fan-favorite performances. The Bite: Authentic Thai Larb Gai and sticky rice at Sticky Rice in Orlando. Follow Charles Johnson:Instagram: @InnerG_MMA Subscribe to Backbreakers and Bites for more unfiltered stories where combat sports meets the best food in the game.

1h 25m
26/03/2025

Ailin Perez: No Filter

"In the gym, I’m an ogre... outside, I’m a lady." UFC standout Ailin Perez joins the table for a raw, no-holds-barred conversation about the "Backbreakers" that defined her rise. From working multiple jobs to pay for her early MMA career to balancing single motherhood with the pressures of the UFC, Ailin discusses the reality of her "Fiona" persona and why she refuses to stay quiet about her ambitions or her life outside the cage. In this episode, we discuss: The Kung Fu Foundation: Starting traditional training at age 11 and how the "Sanda" style shaped her striking. The OnlyFans Strategy: A candid look at why she opened her account, how she manages it, and her ultimate goal of replacing that income with a championship contract. Injury & Recovery: The reality of her shoulder surgery and why she’s traveling to the UFC PI in Las Vegas every month to ensure a dominant return. Calling Out the Best: Why she wants Irene Aldana, Kayla Harrison, and eventually Valentina Shevchenko - and why she believes she’s already the best in the world. The "Fiona" Philosophy: Dealing with envy, "hate," and why she only focuses on the present and future. The Bite: Authentic Argentine empanadas and "Short Rib" ravioli at Fiorito in Miami. Follow Ailin Perez:Instagram: @AilinPerezUFCTwitter: @AiluPerez Subscribe to Backbreakers and Bites for more unfiltered stories where combat sports meets the best food in the game.

1h 49m

Welcome to Backbreakers and Bites, the combat sports podcast where fights, food, and real stories collide. We link up with MMA fighters, pro wrestlers, and rising stars and catch them in their element at their favorite local food spots. From legends on a Hall-of-Fame path to the next wave coming up, we talk careers, life outside the ring or cage, and the real side of combat sports, with behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Creator

Clinch Chronicles
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

30
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Clinch Chronicles
Show Website

Backbreakers and Bites