UFC flyweight contender Alex Perez joins The Heart of the Bad Wolf for a raw, honest conversation about the realities of life inside and outside the cage. From fighting friends and overcoming self-doubt to building a life for his family, Alex opens up about the mindset it takes to compete at the highest level.

Ranked in the top 10 of the UFC flyweight division, Perez shares what it’s really like to carry pressure into every fight, why he still questions himself despite success, and how discipline, sacrifice, and competition have shaped his journey.

This episode dives deep into the mental side of fighting, the grind behind the scenes, and the balance between being a father, husband, coach, and elite athlete.

Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe for more conversations with fighters and athletes about the mindset behind combat sports.

Follow Alex Perez on Instagram: @alexperezmma

Follow the show's Instagram page @theheartofthebadwolf

Watch the show on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf

Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://commandcreativestudios.com

#UFC #AlexPerez #MMA #CombatSports #UFCPodcast #MMAInterview

UFC bantamweight Ethyn Ewing joins The Heart of the Bad Wolf to share one of the most real journeys in MMA today.

Just days after winning a title with a knockout, Ethyn got the call to step into the UFC—and then went right back to his day job.

In this episode, Ethyn breaks down what it’s really like chasing a UFC career while balancing a full-time job, fatherhood, and the grind of daily life. From early setbacks and tough losses to building a 9-fight win streak, he opens up about the mindset it takes to keep going when nothing is guaranteed.

This is a story about resilience, sacrifice, and doing whatever it takes to build your future—whether that’s inside the cage or on a job site.

If you’re looking for motivation, discipline, and a real look at the fighter’s life beyond the spotlight, this episode delivers.

Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe for more conversations with fighters and athletes about the mindset behind combat sports.

Follow Ethyn Ewing on Instagram: @professorfinessermma

Follow the show's Instagram page @theheartofthebadwolf

Watch the show on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf

Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://commandcreativestudios.com

#EthynEwing #UFC #MMApodcast #FightMindset #CombatSports #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf

UFC bantamweight Elijah “Swift” Smith joins The Heart of the Bad Wolf to talk about his journey into the UFC, the mindset required to compete at the highest level, and the realities of life as a professional fighter.

Elijah breaks down the difference between being hurt and being injured, the mental toughness required inside the cage, and why recovery, discipline, and smart training are key to longevity in MMA.

In this conversation, Elijah also shares:

• How he transitioned from wrestling to professional MMA • The origin of his nickname “Swift” • Knocking out his first amateur opponents in seconds • The importance of film study and game planning in the UFC • Training with elite fighters and learning the levels of the sport • Working with a sports psychologist to strengthen the mental side of fighting • Balancing life as a UFC fighter and a father

Elijah also reflects on fighting on Dana White’s Contender Series, earning his place in the UFC, and the motivation that drives him to keep improving every day.

This episode dives deep into the mindset, discipline, and sacrifices required to compete in the world of mixed martial arts.

Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe for more conversations with fighters and athletes about the mindset behind combat sports.

Follow Elijah Smith on Instagram: @shakurdabag02

Follow the show's Instagram page @theheartofthebadwolf

Watch the show on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf

Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://commandcreativestudios.com

#ElijahSmith #UFC #MMAPodcast #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf #UFCFighter #CombatSports