Beyond The Canvas

Believe The Hype

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Sports
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Beyond The Canvas goes past the ring to uncover the real stories behind combat sports. Each episode dives into the mindset, challenges, and journeys of fighters, coaches, and the people who make it all happen. It’s raw, real, and all about what drives those who live to fight—beyond the canvas.

3d ago

#008 Job Salomão Rigon

In this episode, I’m joined by Job Salomão Rigon—a former Brazilian Tactical Police Officer, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, and amateur MMA fighter—for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation. We explore Job’s deep-rooted family history in service, from his grandfather in the army to his father in the police, and how that legacy carried through him and his brothers serving in the navy before transitioning into policing. He shares insights into Brazilian culture and the warrior mentality shaped by harsh environments, producing world-class fighters like José Aldo, Charles Oliveira, and Alex Pereira. Job also reflects on his move to the UK, adjusting to a completely different environment, and his journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, from his first exposure during police training to finding a home under Ali Mason at Range Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Gloucester. We discuss the brotherhood, discipline, and lifelong bonds that come with the sport, as well as his transition into MMA and the sacrifices required to compete across multiple disciplines. He opens up about the tragic loss of a close friend, murdered off duty in Brazil, whose influence continues to live on through Job’s journey in Jiu-Jitsu—the very art his friend introduced him to. We also touch on fatherhood, including the shared concerns around our sons entering martial arts and competing at a young age. Job finishes with a powerful message on chasing your dreams, emphasizing that success comes from fully committing and giving everything to the path you choose.

1h 31m
May 28

#007 Hassan Patel

In this episode, I’m joined by Hassan Patel—a firearms police officer, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, former amateur MMA fighter and boxer, and now a novice archer. We explore how he balances a demanding life across martial arts, career, fatherhood, and religious commitments, and what it takes to stay consistent across so many disciplines. Hassan shares insights into why rugby players often transition well into BJJ, his respect for MMA fighters and the dedication required to master multiple skill sets, and the importance of avoiding inconsistency, which he believes can quickly stall both progression and passion. We also dive into his journey with archery, and how it has brought a sense of clarity, mindfulness, and alignment with both his mental health and faith. Throughout the conversation, Hassan highlights how the discipline gained through martial arts carries into every aspect of his life—including his role as a firearms officer.

1h 19m
May 21

#006 Jon Pitman

In this episode, I’m joined by Jon Pitman, head coach of Fight Factory Gloucester, for a raw and honest conversation about his journey. From his early days as an amateur boxer, Jon opens up about a difficult period in his life involving trouble with the law and addiction, and the turning point that led him to rebuild his life through boxing. Now a respected coach and gym owner, Jon shares the mindset behind his no-nonsense coaching philosophy, the standards he sets, and the environment he’s created at Fight Factory. We also talk about his stable of fighters, and how the gym has grown into something much deeper than just a place to train—becoming a tight-knit family built on trust, discipline, and accountability.

53 min
May 14

#005 Michael Biggs

In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Biggs to explore his journey from the amateur ranks into his professional boxing career, and the decision to step away from competition to pursue a path in coaching. Now a Level 3 England Boxing Coach and DiSE Head Coach at Filton College, Michael is shaping the next generation of fighters. We dive into the evolution of dieting and weight cutting in boxing, the growing spotlight on female fighters, and the rise of white collar boxing—weighing it up against the foundations of traditional amateur competition. Michael also shares his experience working corners on major shows with Matchroom and BOXXER, offering a behind-the-scenes insight into elite-level boxing. To round off, Michael delivers powerful advice on resilience, highlighting how pushing through difficult moments can build character and set you up for long-term growth—both inside and outside the ring.

58 min
May 7

#004 Ben Rudman

In this episode, I’m joined by Ben Rudman to explore his journey through boxing, judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and how those experiences led him into MMA coaching and co-promoting his first event, Iron Fight Championship. Ben also shares insight into his life outside of combat sports, working as a landscaper and successfully using social media to grow his business and build a loyal following. We discuss the realities of fatherhood in combat sports, including the balance between fear and confidence as his son Kayden steps into the arena. Ben closes the conversation with a powerful message on taking action—why being a “doer” will always outweigh simply talking about being proactive.

1h 1m
Apr 30

#003 Ché Mills

In this episode, I’m joined by former UFC fighter Ché Mills for a powerful and honest conversation. We discuss his journey through MMA, the development of Mills Muay Thai Academy, and his passion for mentoring young people coming through challenging environments. Ché opens up about his childhood, including growing up while his father was incarcerated, and how those experiences shaped his mindset and direction in life. We also talk about his commitment to giving back to his community and the responsibility he feels to guide the next generation. A key part of this conversation focuses on men’s mental health, where Ché shares his advice on seeking help, opening up, and building the kind of support systems that allow men to grow stronger—mentally and emotionally.

1h 2m
Apr 23

#002 Dave Willmott

In this episode, I’m joined by former English, British, and European six-title Muay Thai champion David Willmott. We explore his incredible journey through combat sports, including stepping into the boxing ring at 48 years old and not even beginning his career until the age of 30. David shares stories from training across some of the UK’s toughest gyms, the moment a sparring session with Andrew Tate earned him the nickname “Da Bull,” and how his path eventually led him to finding faith in Islam. We also dive into a deeper conversation around modern masculinity, discussing what it really means to be a healthy man today—highlighting the importance of emotional openness, brotherhood, and building genuine, vulnerable relationships with other men.

49 min
Apr 16

#001 Max Mudway

Former professional boxer Max Mudway joins the show to share his journey beyond the ring. We discuss his transition from boxing to a new chapter focused on mindset coaching, personal training, and HYROX, exploring how the discipline and mental resilience of sport apply far beyond competition. Max also offers powerful insights into modern masculinity, reflecting on society’s expectations of men and the importance of reconnecting with our primal strength, purpose, and authenticity. A conversation about growth, mindset, and redefining what it means to be strong, inside and out.

50 min

8 Episodes

Creator

Believe The Hype
Years Active

2K
Episodes

8
Rating

Explicit
Show Website

Beyond The Canvas

Beyond The Canvas

Episodes

#008 Job Salomão Rigon

#007 Hassan Patel

#006 Jon Pitman

#005 Michael Biggs

#004 Ben Rudman

#003 Ché Mills

#002 Dave Willmott

#001 Max Mudway

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