Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking What does it mean to be truly fight ready? With the UFC back in the headlines and combat sports once again part of the national conversation, Adam sits down with one of the sport's most respected minds: Santino DeFranco. A former professional MMA fighter, Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, elite UFC coach, former college English teacher, and now author of Fight Ready, Santino has spent decades helping athletes prepare for the biggest moments of their lives. But as you'll hear in this conversation, his lessons extend far beyond the cage. Together, Adam and Santino explore the difference between discipline and self-destruction, why fear is often misunderstood, how confidence changes the way we move through the world, and why recovery may be more important than hustle. They discuss the psychology of elite performers, the danger of burnout disguised as ambition, the power of habits, the importance of sleep, and why the toughest opponent many of us will ever face is staring back at us in the mirror. Whether you're training for competition, building a business, navigating a setback, or simply trying to become a stronger version of yourself, this episode offers practical wisdom, hard-earned perspective, and a refreshing reminder that success isn't built on hacks, gimmicks, or overnight transformations. It's built one decision, one habit, and one day at a time. As Santino says, being fight ready isn't really about fighting. It's about being prepared when life demands your very best. In This Episode• Why habits matter more than motivation • The difference between discipline and self-destruction • How learning to fight can teach you not to fight • Why fear is necessary for growth and performance • The hidden dangers of overtraining and burnout • Sleep, recovery, and sustainable success • The power of self-belief and "healthy delusion" • What it means to be fight ready outside the gym • Why the person in the mirror is often our toughest opponent • Lessons from coaching UFC champions and elite athletes Links & Resources• Fight Ready by Santino DeFranco • Santino DeFranco Official Website ******** *PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS! Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:Official Website: adammontiel.comApple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple PodcastsSpotify: Up+Adam on SpotifyiHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadioYouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music******** CHECK OUT OUR WOODS HUMANE PET OF THE WEEK! ******** ADAM’S TEDX VIDEO IS HERE! ******** FOLLOW ADAM ON INSTAGRAM ********* Sincere Thanks to the current supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them! Life Elements City of SLO WoodsHumaneSociety Tin City Distillery Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective Moonshiner on Spotify HERE Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com ©2026 Up+Adam with Adam Montiel / LoBro Studios, All Rights Reserved.
