Mixed martial arts went from a no-rules spectacle in 1993 to one of the world’s biggest sports. Brian Rose, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner himself, has interviewed the fighters who built it since London Real’s first year. These conversations cover what it takes to become a champion, the coaches and systems behind them, jiu-jitsu’s rise, and the referees, commentators, cutmen and promoters who make fight night happen. Many guests also talk about fear, discipline and life after fighting. Every full interview is free to watch.
From two-division UFC champion Georges St-Pierre, UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping and UFC 1 winner Royce Gracie to former UFC heavyweight champion Bas Rutten, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coach Javier Mendez, jiu-jitsu coach John Danaher and 10th Planet founder Eddie Bravo: how champions are made.
Georges St-Pierre explains how he changed the UFC and what made him so dominant. Michael Bisping talks about his road from Manchester to UFC champion and the Hall of Fame. Bas Rutten describes going from street fights to the Octagon. Dan Hardy, who fought St-Pierre for the UFC welterweight title, looks back on the highs and lows of his career. Rory MacDonald, Michael “Venom” Page, Paul Daley and Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal share their own paths. Rosi Sexton, the first British woman to fight in the UFC, talks about opening the sport to women, and Tim Kennedy links fighting with his military service.
Royce Gracie explains how Brazilian jiu-jitsu came to dominate after the first UFC. Renzo Gracie says nothing is as rewarding as teaching, Rener Gracie argues that jiu-jitsu makes you a better person, and Roger Gracie talks about the family legacy. John Danaher, the coach who inspired Brian to start training, sets out his philosophy of martial arts, and Eddie Bravo explains the 10th Planet system. Javier Mendez describes how he coached Khabib Nurmagomedov. Steve Maxwell covers conditioning and self-defence, and Mike Dolce explains how he manages fighters’ weight.
Fight night depends on people outside the spotlight. UFC commentators Jon Anik and John Gooden describe calling fights, referee Marc Goddard explains when to stop one, and cutman Jacob “Stitch” Duran shows what happens in the corner. Scott Coker, founder of Strikeforce and long-time Bellator president, talks about the business of promotion, and journalist Gareth A. Davies covers the sport from ringside. Justin Wren explains why he stepped away from the cage to help others.
Get every new episode free: watch the latest London Real interviews.
Who has London Real interviewed about MMA and the UFC? Brian Rose has interviewed Georges St-Pierre, Michael Bisping, Royce, Renzo, Rener and Roger Gracie, Bas Rutten, Dan Hardy, Rory MacDonald, Michael “Venom” Page, Javier Mendez, John Danaher, Eddie Bravo and Jon Anik, among others.
Why does Brazilian jiu-jitsu come up so often? Royce Gracie explains how jiu-jitsu won the early UFC events and changed the sport, and the coaches on this page argue it is the foundation of modern MMA. Brian Rose trains in jiu-jitsu himself and credits John Danaher with inspiring him to start.
What do champions say it takes to win? Georges St-Pierre, Michael Bisping and Javier Mendez all point to discipline, preparation and the right coaching. Many guests also talk about managing fear and the mental side of fighting.
Are the full MMA and UFC episodes free to watch? Yes. Every full-length interview on this page can be watched free on londonreal.tv.
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