THE FIGHT FAMILY PODCAST

THE FIGHT FAMILY PODCAST
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

Weekly, father and son duo Kris and Ryan Buckner sit down with a new guest to share stories, insights, and laughs. Drawing from their experiences running a local MMA organization, many of their guests are fighters, trainers, and personalities they've met along the way. Whether you're a fan of combat sports or just love great conversations, this podcast offers a unique blend of MMA culture and personal connections.

  1. Sep 24

    Richie Miranda Had 10 Days to Become a UFC Fighter

    UFC lightweight Richie “El Machete” Miranda talks about finally getting his UFC debut on just ten days’ notice—and why a close loss leaves him feeling he still has something to prove. The Santa Ana fighter breaks down that first fight, the years of waiting for his chance, and what he’s learned training with Cub Swanson. He also shares the story behind his Danny Trejo-inspired nickname, his bond with teammate Danny Silva, and the life he keeps outside the cage with his family and his dad’s auto shop.Chapters00:00 Meet UFC fighter Richie Miranda01:23 Why reaching the UFC doesn’t feel complete yet02:44 The ten-day call for his UFC debut05:50 Breaking down his fight with Manoel Sousa07:37 Waiting years for the right opportunity09:58 The loss, his family and what comes next13:04 Training with Cub Swanson16:16 Bloodline rallies around Danny Silva17:49 Representing Santa Ana20:06 The Danny Trejo story behind “El Machete”23:55 Feeling most alive inside the cage26:08 Richie’s rare bulldog-choke finish28:12 The cost of leaving fights to the judges30:47 The fighters Richie looks up to32:52 Dealing with MMA fans and social media36:25 The pressure on regional fighters39:25 The mental toughness behind his UFC journey41:32 When the UFC call almost comes—but doesn’t45:15 Motorcycles and his dad’s auto shop47:20 Where Richie wants to fight next

  2. Sep 17

    The Couch Surfing Show, UNF Fight Nights and the High-Stakes World of Live Production

    Alani Media’s Joe Alani and Omar Gadahn reveal how a surf broadcast that got shut down at the US Open grew into The Couch Surfing Show—and eventually led to work with the same organization that stopped them. They take viewers behind the scenes of live MMA, from production meltdowns and frantic communication to the rush of getting a broadcast right with no second take. Joe also explains his unexpected on-camera alter ego, while Omar breaks down the innovation, risk and investment behind their work. CHAPTERS00:00 Meet Joe Alani and Omar Gadahn00:56 The Couch Surfing Show and Joe’s alter ego03:58 Running a full broadcast from the beach05:10 When live-production failures become part of the show08:33 Omar’s technical approach to live streaming09:17 UNF’s TikTok livestream breakthrough11:05 How the UNF broadcast evolved13:29 Getting shut down at the US Open15:08 From 10 episodes to approximately 60 broadcasts16:02 Random beachgoers become part of the show18:41 Shut down by the WSL—then hired by them20:20 Taking the production from the beach to the cage23:33 Why the partnership feels like a family25:11 Live production is chess with a timer26:27 Feeling the fight-night crowd from the control room29:25 Production comms and the fighters they root for30:48 Their worst UNF broadcast failure33:12 Taking ownership when something goes wrong35:53 Chasing unpredictable swells37:54 How real-time clipping increased their reach40:24 Taking The Couch Surfing Show around the world41:22 Do bodyboarders get the same respect?43:18 Their most unusual production jobs45:15 The grueling work behind a live fight broadcast47:32 How Joe and Omar became family and business partners48:48 Investing six figures in live production51:17 Predictions for UNF 36

  3. Sep 10

    A Weight Cut That Could Have Killed Danny “El Puma” Silva

    UFC featherweight Danny “El Puma” Silva opens up about surviving blood clots and a pulmonary embolism that left doctors unsure whether he would ever fight again. He explains why he refuses to stop moving, how a promise to his late manager carried him to the UFC, and why growing up as a scared kid forced to fight his cousins shaped the fighter he became. Danny also revisits silencing a hyped London prospect, representing Santa Ana and his Chicano identity, and the opponents he wants when cleared to return.

  4. Sep 2

    UNF 35 Recap: New Champions, Viral Moments & Emotional Goodbyes

    The Fight Family recaps an unforgettable night at UNF 35 with the fighters and personalities who experienced it firsthand. Jack Sauter reflects on his action-packed MMA debut, MMA Kid takes us behind the scenes of interviewing 17 fights, Artur Mkrtumyan explains his viral judo slam, and new champion Diego Sanchez opens up about the emotion behind winning the belt. Khaleel Pearson discusses his performance, overcoming tough losses and why every opponent who promises to strike eventually tries to wrestle. Keenan Lewis then reflects on the dramatic final fight of his career, his decision to retire and the next chapter of his journey. He also shares his reaction to the viral UFC moment involving a coach jumping over the cage and appearing to throw a shadow spinning elbow. Plus, Kris and Ryan discuss the best performances from UNF 35, UFC stars interacting with the fans, controversial decisions and what’s coming next at UNF 36.

  5. Aug 26

    Sped Gets Honest About Ian Garry, Dean Thomas & UNF 35

    Sped joins the Fight Family Podcast to preview UNF 35, a stacked 17-fight event taking over Commerce Casino on August 29. We discuss Roman Puga’s unforgettable Contender Series performance, the controversy surrounding Dean Thomas, Ian Garry’s place in the welterweight division and the rising talent coming through Up Next Fighting. Sped also shares his predictions, highlights the athletes to watch and explains why UNF continues to stand apart on the regional MMA scene. Get your tickets or watch UNF 35 live on pay-per-view at StarFund.stream. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:32 UNF 35 preview and the canceled main event 02:06 Roman Puga’s incredible Contender Series performance 03:43 The Dean Thomas coaching controversy 09:20 Behind the scenes at UNF 10:22 Who should Roman Puga fight next? 13:23 Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry 16:51 Sped’s personal message to Ian Garry 17:55 Jaheed Parker vs. Diego Sanchez 24:53 Kamo Grigoryan vs. Nehemiah Rogers 28:49 Keenan Lewis vs. Carlos Elizarraraz 31:45 Garrett Williams vs. Khaleel Pearson 35:46 Fedya Chobanyan vs. Jeffrey Bishop 40:54 Brandon Spencer vs. Brandon Carrillo 42:10 Pargev Khachatryan  vs. Carson Costanza  43:08 The future of grappling at UNF 46:04 Yassin Saededdin vs. Noah Ozuna 49:15 Moises Garibay vs. Chris Martinez 50:13 Are other promotions copying UNF? 52:49 Rapid-fire UNF 35 predictions 54:37 Connor Haller  vs. Zahid Hashemi 56:10 Jacob Dulbetsyan vs. Adam Bashandy 57:35 Final fight predictions 59:42 Sabrina Lopez’s professional debut 01:00:26 UNF 35 details and closing

  6. Aug 14

    One Last Fight. No Regrets. Garrett Williams Is Going Out Violent! 😤

    Garrett Williams doesn’t need to fight but he’s choosing to step back into the cage one final time. Ahead of his retirement bout at UNF 35, Garrett joins the Fight Family Podcast to talk about balancing a successful career with the grind of fight camp, why this last fight matters, and the mentality it takes to compete when the stakes are personal. He also shares stories from his journey through wrestling and MMA, the coaches and teammates who shaped him, his love for the spectacle of fighting, and the unforgettable story of how he met his wife in a gym. This is a conversation about competition, purpose, taking risks, and leaving with no regrets. This episode is powered by Pokitomik: Nothing Suspicious, Simply Delicious. Visit them at Pokitomik.com to learn more. Chapters: 00:00 Why Garrett Williams is fighting one last time 01:00 Balancing a career, life, and fight camp 02:45 The coach’s message that lit a fire 05:00 Inside the CMMA team culture 08:00 UFC controversy and what makes a true fighter 13:00 Why great coaches matter 15:00 Amateur experience, losses, and the road to the UFC 18:45 Garrett’s UFC dream and health setback 22:00 The next generation of MMA prospects 27:40 Breaking down Garrett’s final opponent, Khalil Pierce 29:00 Why this fight could become a war 37:30 The business of MMA and competing promotions 41:00 The biggest fights in the UFC right now 47:45 Building hype for the final fight 49:00 Studying Khalil Pierce and fight strategy 52:00 The mindset of fighting—and making the crowd roar 56:30 Building UNF from a family passion for MMA 59:00 What regional promotions owe their fighters 01:03:00 The struggle behind a fighter’s career 01:07:30 Why Garrett had to take one final fight 01:08:00 How Garrett met his wife through MMA 01:11:00 Final thoughts

  7. Aug 7

    He Works Full-Time, Raises 3 Kids… and Might Be the Next UFC Contender | Royce Butler

    Before he faces Artur Arutyunyan for the UNF Flyweight Championship in the BIGGEST FIGHT of #UNF35, “Too Smooth” Royce Butler joins the Fight Family Podcast to talk about the balance between being a father AND a fighter! This episode is powered by Smosh Town, LA's first Wagyu smash burger truck, serving premium, juicy burgers with bold flavor and big energy. Follow The Fight Family Podcast on other platforms! YouTube: @FIGHTFAMILYPODCAST Instagram: @fightfamilypodcast 00:00 Intro 00:10 Why Royce Butler vs. Arthur is a huge fight 02:42 Royce reflects on taking two short-notice fights 05:43 Training to beat UFC-level competition 06:14 From garage boxing to professional MMA 08:50 Building drift cars—and learning through YouTube 10:07 Raising three kids while chasing the fight dream 13:35 Full-time job, family, and elite-level MMA 14:49 “I’m not motivated—I’m disciplined” 16:28 Tough parenting, discipline, and raising resilient kids 18:50 PFL/MVP merger: what it means for fighters 21:05 Why a UFC contract would change everything 22:18 Royce’s game plan for Arthur 26:03 Is Arthur Royce’s toughest test yet? 28:18 Royce breaks down his first pro loss 29:43 His wife, family, and support system 34:36 Paintball rivalry—and why it’s fight cardio 38:54 Royce’s walkout song and fight-night nerves 40:34 AI predicts Royce Butler vs. Arthur 42:16 The biggest fight on the UNF card 47:41 What Royce would buy with his first UFC paycheck 49:00 Growing food, eating clean, and family goals 53:40 Royce’s UFC dream matchup 56:25 Why martial arts matters for kids 58:21 Self-defense, confidence, and handling bullies 01:01:37 Why Royce chose homeschooling for his children 01:04:29 Royce talks drifting, paintball, and life outside MMA 01:06:05 Message to Arthur before their fight 01:07:14 Why this fight could lead to the UFC

  8. Jul 31

    The Journey That Changed Keenan Lewis’ Life Through Fighting

    Keenan Lewis steps back into the cage on August 29! Before his fight with Carlos Elizarraraz, he sat down with Kris and Ryan Buckner to discuss being a gym owner, making a living as a fighter, the MMA game, and more! This episode is powered by Beloryan & Manukyan LLP, a personal injury litigation firm in Los Angeles with over a DECADE of experience and REAL results! Call 747-444-4444 or follow @beloryanandmanukyanllp on Instagram to learn how they can maximize your compensation after an injury. Follow The Fight Family Podcast on other platforms! YouTube: FIGHT FAMILY PODCAST Instagram: @fightfamilypodcast Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:18 Meet Keenan Lewis | From UNF Day One to Today 03:35 Becoming a Gym Owner | Saekson Muay Thai 07:30 The Family Behind Saekson Muay Thai 15:23 Training, Social Media & Constant Improvement 16:40 From Self-Doubt to Professional Fighter 18:20 Opening the Santa Clarita Saekson Muay Thai Gym 19:00 The Fight That Changed Everything 21:25 Lessons From the Biggest War of His Career 25:02 Carlos Fight Preview 27:44 Why MMA Is the Hardest Sport 29:55 Discipline, Consistency & Time 32:00 Building a Loyal Fan Base 37:46 McGregor vs. Holloway Breakdown 43:29 "Drink Your Best" Story 😂 44:40 Coaching While Still Fighting 47:28 Fear, Nerves & Fight Psychology 50:48 Losing Doesn't Define You 51:46 Can You Let Your Coach Down? 55:21 Arthur Arutyunyan vs. Royce Butler Preview 01:01:57 Missing Weight & Learning the Hard Way 01:03:24 Final Message to the Fans 01:04:44 Outro

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Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Weekly, father and son duo Kris and Ryan Buckner sit down with a new guest to share stories, insights, and laughs. Drawing from their experiences running a local MMA organization, many of their guests are fighters, trainers, and personalities they've met along the way. Whether you're a fan of combat sports or just love great conversations, this podcast offers a unique blend of MMA culture and personal connections.

Information

  • Creator
    THE FIGHT FAMILY PODCAST
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © THE FIGHT FAMILY PODCAST
  • Show Website
    THE FIGHT FAMILY PODCAST