MMA History Podcast

MMA Detective Mike Davis, Joey Venti
  • 4.9 (108)
  • Sports News
  • Updated Biweekly

MMA Det Mike Davis and Herb Dean’s Dog Sitter Joey Venti being you incredibly researched subjects that will give you information that will  surprise the hardest of OG’s  From the No Holds Barred to the Modern Era and everything in between: from choir boys to felon’s we interview everyone   Please leave us a review on iTunes and a comment on Spotify 

  1. 5d ago

    Kimo Leopoldo: I Nearly Beat Royce Gracie & Joe Son stories

    Kimo Leopoldo joins the MMA History Podcast to recount the raw early days of the sport, from his Huntington Beach roots and Christian transformation to the unforgettable moment he carried a full-sized cross into the Octagon and pushed Royce Gracie harder than almost anyone at UFC 3. The legendary fighter breaks down the chaotic tournament draw, the street-fight intensity of that classic bout, his contentious partnership with Joe Son, the fallout that followed, and the cascade of high-stakes battles that followed across K-1, Pride, and the UFC. Kimo opens up about training with Matt Hume and Joe Moreira, the Sakuraba and Takayama wars in Japan, the brutal nine-minute war with Paul Varelans, the Huntington Beach showdown with Tank Abbott, and the controversial Bob Sapp kickboxing match in Las Vegas. 0:00 start 0:28 MMA History Podcast intro 1:01 Joey Venti’s guest introductions 1:12 interview start 1:45 attending elementary with John Lewis 3:12 introduction to combat sports 3:42 getting introduced to Christ by Joe Son 5:10 High School wrestling career 5:51 moving to California 6:12 bouncing at Club Rubber 7:54 watching UFC 1 9:10 Joe Son pushing UFC debut for Kimo Leopoldo 9:47 Joe Son challenging Royce Gracie 10:15 Paul Herrera street fight with Joe Son 10:49 learning Jiu Jitsu from Randy Ziegler 12:24 fight with Gracie’s in Hotel lobby (rumor) 13:09 UFC 3 name drawing for tournament 15:43 UFC 3 promo “fighting for Christ” 16:48 carrying cross on back during walkout 18:17 unaware of Joe Sons street activities 19:45 Joe Sons acting career 20:12 training prior to UFC debut 21:25 dealings with Bob Meyrowitz and Art Davie 21:49 feelings before fighting Royce Gracie 23:49 Kimo Leopoldo vs Royce Gracie 27:06 Royce Gracie towel throw 29:00 interactions with the Gracie’s after fight 29:45 reason for alternates to have fights 30:47 apology letter to the Gracie’s (rumor) 32:20 wore out from walking out with heavy cross 34:00 negotiations to fight in Japan 34:32 Kimo Leopoldo vs Pat Smith 36:36 making $500 to fight Royce Gracie 38:54 training at J Sect 39:32 Joe Son vs Keith Hackney 41:55 Kimo Leopoldo vs Masaaki Satake 43:34 connecting with Matt Hume 43:53 incorrectly listed rematch with Pat Smith 44:44 training with Carl Franks 45:12 training partners at AMC 46:39 issues with Allan Goes 47:58 Royce Gracie blue belt narrative 51:29 parting ways with Joe Son 52:28 managed by father Dennis Leopoldo 53:36 negotiations for UFC 8 54:40 conflict backstage at UFC 8 56:11 Tank Abbotts reputation on the streets 56:47 bouncer Richard Alvarez 58:27 John Lober 59:54 Eddie Ruiz 1:00:37 Tiki Ghosn 1:01:03 early involvement training Tito Ortiz (rumor) 1:01:45 crew members 1:02:26 fallout with Matt Hume after Ken shamrock fight 1:05:18 training with Joe Moreira 1:07:34 releasing instructional with Joe Moreira 1:09:09 Kimo Leopoldo vs Kazushi Sakuraba 1:13:59 Kimo Leopoldo vs Yoshihiro Takayama 1:16:44 Kimo Leopoldo vs Bam Bam Bigelow 1:20:01 dealings with the Yakuza 1:22:10 interactions with Gerard Gordeau 1:23:29 Kimo Leopoldo vs Paul Varelans 1:29:18 NHB era not getting the respect 1:29:53 Kimo Leopoldo vs Brian Johnston 1:31:30 negotiations with Pride FC 1:32:16 Kimo Leopoldo vs Dan Severn 1:34:41 Rickson Gracie vs Nobuhiko Takada 1:35:29 falling out with the UFC after Pride Debut 1:36:44 Kimo Leopoldo vs Tsuyoshi Kosaka 1:37:59 cancelled bout with Gary Goodridge 1:38:57 no showing event 1:40:05 Joe Son vs Yusuke Imamura 1:41:37 current feelings about Joe Son 1:45:08 Kimo Leopoldo trading cards 1:46:45 Raul Ries 1:47:02 Joe Son vs Joe Moreira 1:48:34 Kimo Leopoldo vs Tim Lajcik 1:49:32 cancelled bout with Bas Rutten 1:51:47 running into Tank Abbott at a bar 1:54:08 Kimo Leopoldo vs Tank Abbott 1:57:20 Kimo Leopoldo vs Bob Sapp 2:05:54 conversations after Bob Sapp fight 2:07:30 interview wrap up 2:09:20 outro/ closing thoughts

    Kimo Leopoldo: I Nearly Beat Royce Gracie & Joe Son stories

  2. Aug 17

    John Perretti: My UFC Years – Matchmaking, Rules Changes & The Real Dark Era Story

    John Perretti returns to the MMA History Podcast to detail his transition from Extreme Fighting to the UFC and the turbulent early years that followed. The Gene LeBell black belt and key architect of modern MMA discusses the rapid call from the UFC just days after Battlecade closed, the challenges of matchmaking under Japanese financing, and the fight to implement gloves, weight classes, and rounds into a spectacle-driven promotion. From the controversial UFC Japan card and suspected works to booking future stars like Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson and Carlos Newton, Perretti recounts hostile environments, referee tensions, and the moment five-minute rounds and the ten-point must system finally arrived at UFC 21. Unfiltered stories from one of the key figures who lived it. 0:00 start 0:22 MMA History intro 0:54 Joey Venti’s guest introductions 1:09 interview start 1:11 plugs/ promotions 2:55 Art Davey and Bob Meyrowitz issues 3:55 finding out some fights were works in UFC Japan 6:58 Dealings with Mr Karoke 9:09 UFC Japan Card 10:21 Vitor Belfort vs Joe Charles 12:49 cornered by John McCarthy and Jeff Blatnick 16:00 Tank Abbott pulling out of tournament 17:36 bringing Frank Shamrock to the UFC 18:24 Frank Shamrock vs Igor Zinoviev 21:12 UFC Salary 21:41 170lb 4 man tournament 24:34 Mikey Burnett and Eugenio Tadeu size different 26:00 Jerry Bohlander vs Kevin Jackson 27:22 tension with other UFC staff 29:29 interactions with Joe Silva 29:40 UFC promotion commission 30:53 Chuck Liddell vs Noe Hernandez 32:16 Andre Roberts vs Harry Moskowitz 33:42 Dan Henderson vs Allan Goes 33:57 Carlos Newton vs Bob Gilstrap 34:28 Mike Van Arsdale vs Joe Pardo 35:02 Tank Abbott vs Hugo Duarte 35:39 Dan Henderson vs Carlos Newton 36:46 prize for winning 4 man tournament 38:45 Pete Williams airport story 39:56 Randy Couture cancelled bout with Mark Coleman 41:21 Pete Williams vs Mark Coleman 45:57 Frank Shamrock vs Jeremy Horn 47:34 promoter Sergio Batarelli 49:57 Tank Abbott vs Pedro Rizzo 51:53 talks about Royce Gracie 53:47 Bas Rutten Pedro Rizzo fight announcement 55:47 Rickson Gracie pushback 58:14 offering Rigan Machado fight in “The Contenders” 59:16 Jiu jitsu not favored in Extreme Fighting 1:01:48 dealings with Carlson Gracie 1:03:06 kicked out of the Machado academy 1:04:45 Tito Ortiz showing up to UFC Brazil 1:07:58 Frank Shamrock vs John Lober 1:10:46 Vitor Belfort vs Wanderlei Silva 1:11:42 Ebenezer Braga vs Jeremy Horn 1:12:50 Pat Miletich vs Mikey Burnett 1:15:12 Pete Williams vs Tsuyoshi Kosaka 1:16:40 UFC 18 fight card 1:18:20 Bas Rutten hype for UFC 1:20:28 dealings with Steve Nelson 1:21:00 Pedro Rizzo vs Mark Coleman 1:21:42 Tito Ortiz vs Jerry Bohlander 1:23:13 Bas Rutten vs Tsuyoshi Kosaka 1:24:52 John Perretti attending talk shows 1:26:16 UFC 19 fight card 1:28:12 dealings with Bob Shamrock 1:28:36 feelings about Gary Goodridge 1:29:28 Vitor Belfort pulls out of fight with Guy Mezger 1:31:13 Tito Ortiz double bird to Guy Mezger’s corner 1:31:48 announcing Tito Ortiz vs Evan Tanner 1:32:47 Bas Rutten vs Kevin Randleman 1:33:49 thoughts on Eddie Goldman 1:37:11 Pedro Rizzo Withdraws from Bas Rutten fight 1:37:33 Mark Laimon 1:39:08 Ron Waterman vs Chris Condo 1:40:08 LaVerne Clark vs Fabiano Iha 1:41:32 Marcelo Mello vs David Roberts 1:42:17 Wanderlei Silva vs Tony Patarra 1:44:18 Pedro Rizzo vs Tra Telligman 1:45:57 UFC 21 debut of 5 minute rounds 1:47:10 10 point must scoring system 1:48:08 John Perretti not receiving any credit 1:49:49 UFC 21 fight card 1:51:20 Paul Jones vs Flavio Moura 1:51:39 Pat Miletich vs Andre Pederneiras 1:52:46 Maurice Smith vs Marco Ruas 1:54:20 Frank Shamrock Vs Tito Ortiz announcement 1:55:30 receiving a standing ovation 1:56:48 interview wrap up/ outro

  3. Aug 13

    Tyrone Roberts: Meskwaki UFC Pioneer on Extreme Challenge, Miletich Gym & Early MMA Days

    Tyrone Roberts joins the MMA History Podcast for a deep dive into the earliest days of Midwest MMA. A Meskwaki First Nation pioneer and one of only three tribal members to compete in the UFC, Roberts recounts his path from high school wrestling state champion to Extreme Challenge standout under Monty Cox and Pat Miletich. He shares stories of tournament nights, Hook and Shoot bouts, a Rings King of Kings appearance in Japan, and his UFC 26 fight against David Dodd, alongside decades of work as a referee across boxing, MMA, and Muay Thai. From the Iowa fight scene of the late 1990s to coaching women’s wrestling today, this conversation captures the grit and longevity of a true pioneer still giving back to the sport. Subscribe for more interviews preserving the real history of mixed martial arts. 0:00 start 0:31 MMA History Podcast intro 1:03 guest introduction 1:19 interview start 1:29 current career 2:08 1 of 3 to compete in UFC from Meswaki tribe 5:01 Tyrone Roberts vs Rick Graveson 5:38 memories of Extreme Challenge 6:23 Tyrone Roberts vs Joe Leggett 7:25 training with Pat Miletich 9:36 thoughts on Nick Tarpeins 10:02 Reffing fights 10:18 training with Joe Slick 11:02 convincing Andre Roberts to come train 12:54 Ultimate Enticer tournament 13:47 conversations with Monte Cox 14:49 fights that aren’t on record 15:51 prize money for winning tournament 17:23 high school wrestling career 18:49 getting hand raised in the UFC 19:12 Tyrone Roberts vs Todd Frederickson 19:55 Tyrone Roberts vs Adrian Serrano 21:17 sobriety during fight career 22:10 reffing in the BKFC 24:44 fighting 2 4 man tournaments in two days 26:56 struggles with alcohol addiction 28:48 Tyrone Roberts vs Brian Dunn 31:09 wearing a shirt during fights 32:38 Tyrone Roberts vs Wesley Bockert 35:17 Tyrone Roberts vs Jonathan Ivey 37:37 Tyrone Roberts vs David Dodd 39:29 experience with Jamie Levine 40:24 relationship with Joe Slick 42:35 daughter’s college wrestling career 43:45 friendship with Andre Roberts 44:55 conversations with John Perretti 46:13 Tyrone Roberts vs Ricardo Fyeet 47:52 experience in Japan 48:58 getting the call for the UFC 49:49 Tyrone Roberts vs David Dodd 2 50:51 interactions with Bobby Hoffman 52:38 Big Papa Schnake 53:04 Travis Fulton 53:29 Cornering Andre Roberts 54:14 dealings with Brad Kohler 55:15 thoughts on Brian Robinson 55:53 Jason Mayhem Miller 56:14 training with Drew McFedries 57:01 training with Jeremy Horn 57:26 Amaury Bitetti 59:02 canceled bout with Chris Haseman 59:20 reason for never returning to UFC 59:52 Tyrone Roberts vs Sam Adkins 1:00:30 Tyrone Roberts vs Josh Stamp 1:01:30 interview wrap up/outro Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qr Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8g Apple Podcast MMA History Podcast YouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231 Venmo - Mike-Davis-63 ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support #MMAHistory #TyroneRoberts #EarlyMMA #UFC

  4. Aug 10

    Charlie Brenneman: From Spanish Teacher to UFC Co-Main Event in One of MMA’s Craziest Journeys

    Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman went from junior-high Spanish teacher and college wrestler to Pros vs. Joes champion and UFC fighter. In this episode of the MMA History Podcast, hosts Joey Venti and Mike Davis sit down with Brenneman for an uplifting deep dive into one of the more unlikely paths in mixed martial arts.Brenneman shares how boredom with teaching led him to answer a flyer for Pros vs. Joes, win the competition, and chase competition further into MMA. He recounts early amateur and pro fights in the Northeast, training alongside future stars like Eddie Alvarez, Frankie Edgar, and Chris Liguori, the eye-socket injury that nearly derailed him, and the grind of balancing grad school, local cards, and constant travel between gyms. The conversation builds to his short-notice UFC co-main-event victory over a surging Rick Story—a real-life Rocky moment Dana White himself highlighted—before the career-defining collision with Anthony “Rumble” Johnson.Now a professional speaker who brings lessons of resilience, perseverance, and choices to schools, businesses, and prisons, Brenneman reflects on the mentors, the grind, and the mindset that carried a regular guy from the classroom to the Octagon.Fellow historians, this is one of the more positive and inspiring stories we’ve told. Let us know what you think in the comments. 0:00 start 0:49 MMA History podcast intro 1:22 Joey Venti’s guest introductions  1:35 interview start  1:40 current life  3:21 different Spanish accents  7:31 participant on Pros vs Joes  11:15 promoting IAVA 12:43 Tattoo Sponsor  14:33 Charlie Brenneman vs Kellen Hughes 17:26 keeping opponents pinned down  20:18 reaching out to fighters for training  22:27 taking inspiration from Matt Brown 23:46 Charlie Brenneman vs Marcello Olivera 25:11 allegedly paid to kick people in the nuts  25:36 temporarily blinded from head kick 29:09 defeating black belt Marcello Olivera  29:55 keeping a low profile on fight career 32:24 training with Corey Bleaken  32:55 rolling with Adlan Amagov  36:15 Charlie Brenneman vs Jordan Damon 39:31 Charlie Brenneman vs Joseph Aviles  41:01 Charlie Brenneman vs Mark Berrocal 43:05 ROC 17 fight card  44:59 Charlie Brenneman vs Drew Puzon 47:38 sparring with Eddie Alvarez and Frankie Edgar  49:24 Kurt Pellegrino  50:11 relationship with Mike Constantino  52:31 feeling discourage after sparring accident  54:56 Charlie Brenneman vs John Howard 57:02 training with Jim Miller  59:37 Amanda Nunes and Jamie Varner 1:00:32 Charlie Brenneman vs Yanish Dimitry 1:05:31 Charlie Brenneman vs Edward O’Daniel 1:06:17 experience fighting at IWFC 1:07:05 Charlie Brenneman vs Mitch Whitesel  1:08:19 conversations with the UFC 1:08:57 jobs during early fight career 1:09:09 Charlie Brenneman vs Phillip Wyman  1:09:45 receiving a call from the UFC 1:10:16 Charlie Brenneman vs Jason High  1:11:19 connecting with Brands for sponsorships  1:12:06 Charlie Brenneman vs Johnny Hendricks 1:15:49 Charlie Brenneman vs Rick Story  1:20:46 driving 150 miles a day to train  1:21:17 training partners in New York  1:22:50 defeating Rick Story on short notice  1:25:15 Charlie Brenneman vs Anthony Rumble Johnson  1:25:56 interview wrap up  1:27:29 outro/ closing thoughts Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qr Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8g Apple Podcast MMA History Podcast YouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231 Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support #MMAHistory #UFC #CharlieBrenneman #MMAPodcast

  5. Aug 3

    Frank Trigg Before the UFC | MMA History Podcast #341

    This week on the MMA History Podcast episode 341, hosts Joey Venti and the MMA Detective Mike Davis sit down with two-time UFC welterweight title challenger, Hollywood stuntman and actor Frank Trigg for a raw, unfiltered look at the chaotic early days of mixed martial arts. Trigg shares how he coached a talented high school wrestler named Kid Yamamoto in Phoenix before the Japanese star became a Pride FC standout, the real reasons Yamamoto was deported, and the explosive behind-the-scenes fallout from the infamous Rickson Gracie versus Rico Chiapparelli showdown that got Chiapparelli uninvited from major grappling circles. From his time with Real American Wrestling alongside the likes of Randy Couture and Dan Henderson, the first Abu Dhabi Combat Club tournament against Renzo Gracie, early Japan promotions including Vale Tudo Japan against Jean Jacques Machado, Pride Bushido commentating, and the cutthroat realities of 1990s fight money and worked matches, Trigg delivers stories and details few others have ever heard. You think you know Frank Trigg? Think again. Subscribe to the MMA History Podcast for more exclusive interviews preserving the true history of the sport. 0:00 start 0:30 MMA History Podcast intro 1:02 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 1:20 interview start 1:44 training at RAW 2:51 Reality super fighting tournament 4:50 Rico Chiapparelli forced to leave Renzo Gracie’s gym 9:40 wrestlers banned from early ADCC 11:26 high school state titles 12:57 transferring to Phoenix College 13:30 experience living with Homer Moore 15:39 coaching Kid Yamamoto 17:43 manager Rich Hamilton 18:54 training with Townsend Saunders 19:59 interactions with Ron Tripp 20:16 meeting Pat Burris 23:45 Frank Trigg vs Bill Simpson 24:36 meeting the Lions Den 27:35 thoughts on Oklahoma wrestling 29:32 Paulo Filho Pride Bushido incident 33:50 Frank Trigg vs Dan Gilbert 34:49 Frank Trigg vs Ali Elias 35:53 receiving invite to ADCC 37:24 Frank Trigg vs Renzo Gracie (ADCC) 39:13 Gracie losses being erased 41:20 Rickson Gracie asking for large payment 44:01 training with Lyota Machida 46:12 Mark Shultz worked fight 48:42 experience with Antonio Inoki 51:31 gambling problems in combat sports 53:18 IFC cancelled event 55:50 Andy Foster building a cage with chicken wire 58:18 Frank Trigg vs Marcelo Aguiar 59:28 Frank Trigg vs Jean Jacques Machado 1:01:49 fighting in different promotions 1:03:05 Pride FC Tax evasion 1:04:24 UFC screwed over buying Pride FC 1:07:53 reason for leaving commentary job 1:11:28 reffing from a fighters perspective 1:14:34 Frank Trigg vs Fabiano Iha 1:18:10 Dan Henderson and Rico Chiapparelli’s friendship 1:18:55 dealings with promoter Jamie Levine 1:24:23 leaving wrestling to become a fighter 1:29:29 experience with Ryan Bennett 1:32:23 Ryan Bennett’s departure from UFC 1:35:09 leaking Red Devil fight deal with the UFC 1:36:54 reason for Matt Hughes rivalry 1:38:14 Frank Trigg vs Hayato Sakurai 1:39:59 Plugs/ promotions 1:41:27 interview wrap up 1:43:43 outro/ closing thoughts Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support#MMAHistoryPodcast #FrankTrigg #EarlyMMA #UFC

  6. Jul 27

    Isaac Vallie-Flagg | Dope Sick Fighting Gomi

    Isaac Vallie-Flagg: From Street Fights & Jackson’s Gym to UFC, Strikeforce & Sobriety | MMA History Podcast #340Fellow historians, this is one that should never have happened. Isaac Vallie-Flagg had no wrestling pedigree, no karate or boxing background—just a tough kid from Michigan who liked to fight. He moved to Albuquerque, trained under Tate Fletcher and Alberto Crane, then walked into the golden era of Jackson’s MMA and somehow made it all the way to Strikeforce and the UFC.In this raw, unfiltered episode, Isaac sits down with the MMA Detective Mike Davis and Joey Venti and lays out the full story. He talks about the early street-fight days and the punk-rock New Mexico scene, then describes what it was like training as the perpetual nail alongside Nate Marquardt, Mike Van Arsdale, Melvin Guillard, Leonard Garcia, Cub Swanson, Joe “Daddy” Stevenson, Cowboy Cerrone and the rest of the Jackson-Wink murderer’s row. He recounts the chaotic Dominican Republic card where the entire lineup got stiffed, his Strikeforce debut against Brian Melancon (the hardest hitter he ever faced), the career-defining win over Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante, the legendary Yves Edwards fight, and going to war with Takanori Gomi while deep in opiate withdrawal and cutting weight at the same time. Isaac is brutally honest about the physical and mental hell of kicking opioids while making weight for UFC fights, the difference between a hard partier and a true addict, and what recovery has taught him about grace, trauma, and becoming a better man. This is not a prison interview—it’s a hard-earned happy ending from a fighter who refused to quit.If you’ve ever wondered what the real “punk rock days” of MMA looked and felt like inside one of the greatest gyms of all time, this episode delivers.Like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews and deep dives into the men who built this sport. Drop your thoughts below—especially if Isaac’s story hits home.The only podcast dedicated 100% to the preservation of mixed martial arts history.Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support#MMAHistoryPodcast #IsaacVallieFlagg #UFC #JacksonsMMA

  7. Jul 20

    Drew McFedries - "I Fought Grown Men as a Kid to Protect My Family... Then Became a UFC Monster"

    From surviving one of the darkest childhoods imaginable to becoming one of the most feared knockout artists in the UFC, this is the remarkable and unflinching life story of Drew McFedries. In Episode #339 of the MMA History Podcast, MMA Detective Mike Davis and Joey Venti sit down with former UFC middleweight contender Drew McFedries for one of the most powerful and honest interviews in the show’s history. Drew opens up about growing up in a home destroyed by addiction and prostitution, where drug dealers and violent strangers constantly came through the house. As a young boy he became the protector for his younger brother and two little sisters, learning early that if he could not fight, the people he loved would pay the price. He discusses his mother’s murder, being stabbed himself, and how every statistic suggested his life should have ended in prison, addiction, or an early grave.Instead, Drew walked into a gym and transformed into a devastating striker. The conversation explores his early days at the legendary Miletich Fighting Systems, the brutal sparring sessions, training alongside Matt Hughes and Robbie Lawler, and his rapid rise through Midwest tournaments. He shares stories from his first fights, the Lee Murray bout with no formal training, his battle with Crohn’s disease that sidelined him for nearly a year, and his UFC debut on just 17 days notice against Alessio Sakara. Drew also reflects on key moments with fighters like Nate Quarry, Claude Patrick, Steve Dao, Tim Sylvia in his corner, and the unique challenges strikers faced in getting booked.Beyond the cage, this episode delves into deeper themes of survival, making different choices than the environment around him, family trauma, fatherhood considerations, and finding peace later in life through fishing, biking, and quiet reflection.This is far more than a typical fighter interview — it is a raw masterclass in resilience, personal accountability, and turning darkness into drive.Guest: Drew McFedriesEpisode: #339Fellow historians, welcome back to the only podcast 100 percent dedicated to preserving mixed martial arts history.Like and subscribe for more in-depth MMA stories direct from the fighters who lived them. Drop your thoughts in the comments. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support#DrewMcFedries #MMAHistory #UFC #MiletichFightingSystems

  8. Jul 13

    Ron Tripp beat Rickson Gracie... And Didn't Even Know Who He Was!

    The Only Man to Officially Beat Rickson Gracie — And Didn’t Even Know It In this episode of the MMA History Podcast, host Mike Davis and Joey Venti sit down with Dr. Ron Tripp — one of the most accomplished American grapplers of all time. A Sambo world medalist, judo champion, and the only man with an official victory over Rickson Gracie, Ron shares how he defeated Gracie in the semi-finals of the Pan Ams without even realizing the significance of the win until years later.Ron details his remarkable combat sports journey, beginning with basement training sessions on a concrete floor in Michigan, transitioning to high school wrestling as a junior, and excelling in college at Hillsdale. He discusses his deep involvement in Sambo, competing at World Championships and earning multiple medals, as well as his long tenure as assistant wrestling coach at the University of Oklahoma alongside legends like the Schultz brothers (Dave and Mark) and Andre Metzger.The conversation covers unforgettable stories from the OU wrestling room, coaching elite athletes, the early days of mixed martial arts with C3 Fights, and his work with fighters including Melvin Guillard and Joe Stevenson. Ron also reflects on his time as president of USA Judo, his experiences with figures like Pat Burrus, Steve Nelson, Anthony Johnson, and Danny Hodge, and the evolution of combat sports.This episode is packed with raw history, behind-the-scenes insights, and wisdom from a true pioneer who has shaped champions across wrestling, Sambo, judo, and MMA.Like and subscribe for more in-depth interviews and stories from the early days of mixed martial arts. Drop a comment with your thoughts on Ron Tripp’s incredible career.Subscribe for more. 0:00 start 0:45 MMA history podcast intro1:17 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 1:38 interview start 1:42 current life2:20 beginnings in combat sports 5:14 experience wrestling in college 6:21 training Andre Metzger 8:23 Andre Metzger missing the Olympics 11:35 relationship with Anthony Macias 13:49 dealings with Buddy Albin 14:08 coach Richard Hamilton 14:59 experience with Mark Densberger16:14 American Sambo Association 17:08 Sambo Steve Koepfer17:51 promoter Steve Nelson20:14 competing internationally in Sambo 27:27 coaching at the university of Oklahoma 31:00 bringing in the Schultz brothers 32:34 experience coaching Mark Schultz35:38 Mark Schultz vs Ed Banach 36:34 Stan Abel relationship with Mark Schultz 39:50 Schultz brothers reputation in college wrestling 44:04 honoring Danny Hodge 47:02 Dave Schultz pinning Mark Schultz 48:25 Mike Sheets ability to score points 49:58 training with Makoto Takimoto51:14 relationship with Melvin Guillard56:18 Melvin Guillard career highlights 1:03:17 training under Chonosuke Takagi1:06:50 Ron Tripp vs Regan Machado1:07:45 Organizing US Sambo Championship Oklahoma 1:09:59 tournament with Rickson Gracie 1:15:22 Rickson Gracie’s accomplishments 1:17:11 offered to fight Rickson Gracie in the UFC1:20:39 money donations for Oklahoma wrestling 1:21:57 interactions with Gary Goltz1:25:07 dealings with John Du Pont 1:28:08 interactions with Guy Mezger 1:29:49 relationship with Anthony Johnson1:34:32 Joe Daddy Stevenson1:40:18 relationship with Adrian Serrano1:43:27 interview wrap up 1:46:51 outro/ closing thoughtsInstagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

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4.9
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About

MMA Det Mike Davis and Herb Dean’s Dog Sitter Joey Venti being you incredibly researched subjects that will give you information that will  surprise the hardest of OG’s  From the No Holds Barred to the Modern Era and everything in between: from choir boys to felon’s we interview everyone   Please leave us a review on iTunes and a comment on Spotify 

Information

  • Creator
    MMA Detective Mike Davis, Joey Venti
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    363
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © MMA Detective Mike Davis, Joey Venti
  • Show Website
    MMA History Podcast