The Clinch Chronicles Podcast

Clinch Chronicles
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Welcome to the Clinch Chronicles Podcast, 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.

  1. Mitchell Chamale: The Blueprint of Hustle

    MAR 3

    Mitchell Chamale: The Blueprint of Hustle

    "If you're waiting until you get to the UFC to be Conor McGregor, it's too late." Combat Night CEO and professional fighter Mitchell Chamale joins the table to break down the sheer hustle required to build the most successful MMA empire in Florida. From the "fat kid" who started wrestling just to lose weight to the accidental cheerleader who became a one-night One FC sensation in Singapore, Mitchell’s journey is a masterclass in seizing opportunities and the relentless pursuit of the "Blueprint of Hustle." In this episode, we go deep into the mechanics of the fight business: navigating the loss of a business partner, the legal minefield of early Florida MMA, and the viral marketing strategies that turned Combat Night into a powerhouse. In this episode, we discuss: The Evolution of Hustle: How Mitchell used side-hustles- from reselling bodybuilding supplements to flipping Craigslist cars- to fund his first $20k fight card. Pandemic Pioneers: The inside story of running the only live sporting event in the world during the March 2020 lockdowns, beating the UFC to the punch in Jacksonville. The Weight-Cut "Spit" Test: The moment Mitchell saw a friend spitting out French fries that hooked him on the discipline of wrestling. The "Bring It On" Transition: Why a professional fighter spent his college years as a cheerleader and how that gymnastic foundation improved his MMA game. The One FC Call-Up: Taking a fight in Singapore on 24 hours' notice while eating a bowl of noodles at weigh-ins. The UFC Branding Myth: Why waiting for a big stage to build your brand is a losing game, and how "bits" and viral weigh-ins actually pay the bills. Follow Mitchell Chamale: Instagram: @machamale Check out the fights: CombatNight.com Subscribe to Backbreakers and Bites for more unfiltered stories from the world of combat sports.

    1h 7m
  2. Jose "Shorty" Torres: Equivalent Exchange

    JAN 17

    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
  3. Gilbert Burns : From Bartering to Big Fights

    12/07/2025

    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
  4. Evan Elder: Faith, Fighting & The Front Lines

    12/07/2025

    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
  5. Robby Ramos: Grit, Legacy & Theater

    06/07/2025

    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
  6. Luis Palomino: Motivation is a Scam

    05/21/2025

    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
  7. Jay Jay Wilson: From the Attic to the PFL

    05/07/2025

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

    04/06/2025

    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
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About

Welcome to the Clinch Chronicles Podcast, 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.

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