Why UFC Fighters are Doomed to Fail

[@xeftones]

Demetrious Johnson, GSP & Khabib did it right. Walked away at the top and seem relatively sane.

[@catmikaaa]

Relatively is wild💀

[@cloudmaster182]

​@@catmikaaa it's really not

[@djkell78]

I agree . They did , do it right. But there's only a very few that can do that.

[@hughgrection7246]

Ummm Johnny Hendricks hit GSP so fucking hard he started losing time and thought he was being abducted by aliens dude ... GSP did not get out unscathed .

[@afistfuloflambsauce2641]

​@@catmikaaa bruh how

[@MatheusBrasil-q7j]

Demetrius Johnson truly achieved a happy ending, put on a show, won belts, fought with impressive technique and retired as one of the greats with little effect on his health, i really wish we could see more endings like his.

[@sup13462]

this is not how CTE works. We will see how he holds up in a decade…

[@MatheusBrasil-q7j]

@@sup13462 man, all i know is that bro went to the hospital and the doctor told him that everything's alright

[@mario10zeus]

GSP walked away with his health too

[@zorlockts5744]

Khabib did it best

[@jayyy4491]

It’s cause he’s not a one trick pony. He’s not just standing up throwing haymakers like the majority of fighters. Wanna get far in that game then learn how to grapple and it’s really as simple as that. Majority of the ufc roster even today aren’t as well rounded as dj. Either that or they let egos take over thinking they need to prove themselves. It’s sad honestly

[@evilryutaropro]

Volk is a victim of his own hubris. Taking the short notice rematch and then defending two months later was such a bad string of decisions

[@darwinsanchez4842]

Living up to his name lol

[@Takeadaa]

@@darwinsanchez4842😭😭

[@Harinjo916]

True, it was Volks fault and his fans who somehow thought that he won the first match against Islam just because he won the last minute of the last round... The fight was a real 3-2 for Islam not gonna lie, and it wasn't a split decision or close and gotta take in mind that was Islam who was at his worst with bad hydration, no way you take a short notice fight against a dude who beat you at his worst at his best on short notice

[@drummingtildeath]

He's just that kind of guy

[@harorider96]

He said in an interview he “lost the plot” and started drinking when not in camp, just like must fighters. Wasn’t hubris I don’t think

[@duke_aep]

its horrible how the fight game treats you like trash after a few losses

[@poatanalex-n6k]

1*

[@jesterbob828]

That's objectively not true.

[@rwholemilkisgood5050]

@@jesterbob828wdym?

[@educatedfool5121]

It depends on the promotion, the UFC? Yes, unless of course you have "Dana White privilege." But ONE treats its fighters pretty well relatively speaking, and back when PRIDE FC was a thing, their rule was as long as you put on an entertaining fight, win or lose you will be back to fight again if you want to. It's a shame PRIDE went defunct. Every single event they put on was superior to anything the UFC ever produced.

[@luisponceart]

yeah, also in every industry, after a few not so good projects or losses, majority of people flip on you and presume that you will stay a failure but the truth is no one knows what the future will bring

[@colesprouse4013]

If you ever weigh your worth based on your achievements and status, you will never rest or know peace. The hard fact that I am glad that I have accepted in my twenties. We are mere mortals who cannot beat father time, but we have every right to spend our days improving , learning, and guided by honour and morals.

[@MrFlamoose]

Those early years... Forming a champ, the sweet life only lasts so long.

[@colesprouse4013]

@@MrFlamoose It is only about your perspective of life. I used to hate waking up and starting a new day. Now, I am more than eager to embark on the new part of my journey. Truth is overwhelming and tough to swallow at first, but you finally rest and know peace when you realise your actual goal.

[@sirajphiri]

Good wisdom brother 🔥

[@soursewer3279]

Real shit

[@UncleDouglas-rc6mr]

This however must not be used as an excuse to not try and achieve anything in your life.

[@mas72450]

Khabib, DJ, and GSP truly did it right

[@wyattrussell7496]

Nate Diaz’s exit from the UFC was like a Disney ending, then he loses a boxing match to a Disney star.

[@philsimes5210]

Your right. But fuck you. I hope you understand my sentiment.

[@robertclent5502]

And we have a Jake Paul di ick rider here.

[@Marta1Buck]

That's actually sad, but your delivery is hilarious

[@griffinkelly8694]

Tony being like, “after this next win, I’ve probably got 5 fights left” is insane, yet I believe him.

[@aymen_b1267]

He can still fight, no-one doubts that, but the question is, should he?

[@griffinkelly8694]

@@aymen_b1267 he can still get into a cage, and if that’s all he knows how to do to make a living, I get it. His options might be limited. But yeah, it’s tough to keep watching him. It’s probably tough to make a solid booking for him too. People are always going to watch a Tony fight, but you can’t throw him in with the fresh rookies who’ve got something to prove, and you can’t put him against many of the vets cause they’ve still got solid in-cage ability. At this point, I feel like he should be fighting a guy like Diego Sanchez or Nick Diaz.

[@SlappyHippo]

​@@griffinkelly8694those are the only responsible match ups i can think of too... conor maybe? At very least gives Tony a nice pay day on his way out?

[@uhok6712]

@@aymen_b1267I doubt that. Bro can’t fight. That’s like saying bugs fight me when I step on them. Bro is definitely able to like… make weight and show up on time.

[@jackmehoff916]

You mean he has 5more ass whoopings coming he's way

[@hasanagic96]

I am 27,through 14 years of mma n thaiboxing along with some semi pro fights, my body has taken the better of me already. Knees r fucked ,brain dmg checked by a neurologist due to concussions left me with symptoms for a year. Now i kinda struggle to accept a new self. One that can't really fight anymore as am not even allowed to sparr. It sucks, in all my life this is all i did and known

[@8secondjokes]

You're a young person. You can do many, many other things with your life and make a difference to a lot of people. That's all that really matters in the end anyway.

[@APE029]

I’m 29 and was considering boxing,trained hard felt great. Sparred twice got some headaches asked if it was normal I didn’t like the full sharp pain I had. I’m tough but I have a family and don’t want brain damage I’m in the lighter weight I want to fight but the mental damage as I can see is very real

[@dmoney7536]

Look into mushrooms that help regrow neurons like lions mane and psilocybin. It has helped me and some good friends of mine recover some from chronic TBIs. Oxygen chambers and breathing exercises are also quite good. Main thing is avoid the depression that comes with TBIs as that can impair brain function further. We can't change the past, but we can choose to embrace the present.

[@ajseb]

Damn bro you’re still very young, I’m 34 and I just started boxing since July….in a way I’m grateful I started late because I’m not trying to permanently mess my body….btw you cannot regrow neurons, once you lose them they are loss forever

[@dmoney7536]

@@ajseb lots of research on neurogenesis suggesting that neurons can be regrown.

[@educatedfool5121]

Everyone thinks they're going to be Connor Mcgregor when the sad truth is most of them will end up like Nam Phan...

[@bitterweet5115]

its sad man, i want to pursue this dream yet this dream isnt truly a good path

[@educatedfool5121]

@@bitterweet5115 I've had 7 amateur fights across MMA and Muay Thai. I train with guys who are in bellator and the UFC 5 days a week. Let me tell you this now if you are remotely capable of making an honest and sufficient living using your brain like I am do not pursue this path. The guys I train with who fight professionally are slowly but surely losing their brains. Meanwhile I retired after my 7th amateur fight because I was afraid of losing my mind which is how I make my money. I've been knocked down twice throughout my amateur career never KOd or TKOd and that's enough for me. And frankly speaking the only way you will ever make the money worthy of such a life changing sacrifice is if you end up at the top. Which 99% who try never do.

[@taokenhanma2083]

@@bitterweet5115 trust me.... the key is defense. the firefight, brawls get cheers.... but demetrious, and mayweather, got the belts, cash, family , legacy, AND health. both would not be cheered as much when defending, ....but their ALIVE. chase the dream, ACHIEVE the dream sir...... SAFELY

[@willhall7791]

@@bitterweet5115 if you’re young already training and defensively minded you’ve got a good shot of at the very least seeing how far you can get safely never give up

[@kfhhg2613]

No, Nam phan was the top of the basket. Even with his palmares he was a far better fighter than what most mma practitioner will ever be. Most mma guys fights in relatively small amateur organisation. Not in the ufc.

[@maxxreignz6005]

Father time is undefeated

[@thersten]

So it's Khabib. 👊

[@vigilantvoice9778]

Jon Jones saying anyone else is a really bad person is laughable!

[@enekaitzteixeira7010]

I get what you're saying, but doesn't mean he's wrong.

[@nashbullet3213]

I’d be more inclined to believe him knowing he knows Colby more than you..

[@vigilantvoice9778]

@@nashbullet3213I’m sure he probably does. That being said, the point I was making is Jon Jones has no business saying another person is a really bad person. Hypocrisy at its finest!

[@nashbullet3213]

@@vigilantvoice9778 Jon Jones hasn’t exactly called himself a good person. He’s on video saying he’s a bad person who’s trying to be good, when he was asked if he was a good or bad person by the person interviewing him, so where’s the hypocrisy in that? Unlike a depraved person like Covington who still has people believing he’s only putting on an act and is a decent human being in real life..

[@TheConfusedTaco]

​@enekaitzteixeira7010 jones doesn't have the capacity to judge what a 'bad person' is.

[@ricosuave6898]

The narration for this video was very well written; the prose walks right up to the line of being too much, but stops at the sweet spot. Nicely done!

[@imnotsofancy6241]

As a fighter. I would just say the biggest thing in ensuring you’re good later on is making sure you’ve got money working for you n saving . And , most importantly taking care of your physical and mental wellbeing. I took two losses back to back, stepped away for a whole year to heal. Coming back this month stronger and more focused than ever. Khabib mentality.

[@odabuu]

Cheering for you brother

[@imnotsofancy6241]

@@odabuu thank you brother. 💯🫡it means alot

[@ozkaa]

I don't care. No sport rivals MMA. Fighters need more pay.

[@NicolasOtero-w1q]

Glazer

[@hunterhill1013]

Motocross athletes also put it all on the line and risk fatality every race and they make no money compared to other forms of racing, very similar to fighters. But its a passion youre either born with or youre not

[@ozkaa]

​@@hunterhill1013I get what you're saying but I don't think it's a good argument for fighters not getting a bigger (fairer) slice of the massive pie the UFC is making.

[@greytuesday28]

@@ozkaa "I don't care because I like MMA" isn't a compelling argument either when discussing ethics

[@ozkaa]

@@greytuesday28 lol don't think you understood my point

[@DaveElwoodCutter]

Most MMA fighters retire with a ridiculously low fight record compared to amateur boxers and especially Muay Thai fighters in Thailand where most have 200+ professional fights and usually 30-40 losses. It seems like they either take a lot more damage or the training takes a different toll on their body and there’s this western mentality of how they view losses. The absolute Muay Thai GOATs have plenty of losses and even longer loss streaks before coming back to a winning streak. Of course if you only fight 2-3 times a year instead of 20-30 like in Thailand time catches up after a lot less fights as well and loosing some fights in a row takes a few months instead of a few years.

[@offTheMedsYe]

maybe it has sth to do with taking punches with the body against fence or ground. especially strikes to the head in GnP where the head also bounces against the floor - so two impacts, basically. At least there's less room for some of the impact to dissipate VS punches taken standing up in free space, where some of the impact can be transferred into the "suspension system" of the neck.

[@cairnethunderhoof6225]

Anyone with more than 50 fights spent most of their career fighting nobodies so why are we even making this comparison.

[@DaveElwoodCutter]

@@cairnethunderhoof6225 You clearly have no clue about the Stadium Circuit in Thailand or how Tournaments/Cups work. Once they’re a regular in the big stadiums they face elite competition every few weeks or fight in Tournaments (which take place after elimination bouts so it’s only the top who competes) where they accumulate several fights in a day. The comparison is valid because despite allowing blows and 12-6 elbows to the back of the head and neck and fighting elite competition, fighters have much longer lasting careers with less apparent accumulative damage taken that reflects in CTE or similar things we see in MMA or even Boxing. Analyzing this and finding out why that is may allow for improved fighter safety.

[@cairnethunderhoof6225]

@DaveElwoodCutter Maybe you don't know how real life works but no one "elite" is fighting multiple times a day those fighters are not good... This is like comparing that female who got more races won than Usain Bolt, it's pretty easy to have a higher volume vs lower competition. No team or individual in any sport has played MORE or scored MORE vs HIGHER competition. REAL COMPETITION is what makes a career shorter. And no... There is no magic safer way to fight in Thailand lol... Football(soccer) players get concussions... Yes thai fighters get messed up too.. stop the glaze.

[@DaveElwoodCutter]

@ I never said they compete more against higher competition. They compete more against the same level. The UFC is not the highest level of fighting in existence, just in MMA. Every single UFC fighter would lose against a boxer or Muay Thai fighter if they fought under those rules (unless they switched over from those styles like pereira or Joanna), just like they in return would lose in MMA. The Thais enormous records also come from how they fight, round 1-2 are slow so the betters can place their bets, round 3-4 are fought hard and round 5 is usually easier again while the fight isn’t scored per round but as a whole. I think we’ll see a lot more messed up fighters in the future due to Small Glove 3 round Muay Thai we see in One and other promotions which promotes quick knockouts and brawls. Then there is the question of training, how hard to they spar? The MMA guys I spar with occasionally like to throw fairly hard. Whereas Muay Thai sparring is usually quite easy on the head while going hard on body shots. Lots of factors matter. Not just competition level also how the competition is fought

[@Scotland2306]

Athletes should get pensions and financial literacy classes.

[@hunterhill1013]

😂

[@realbosstakea]

or they should choose a different professions fighting is not a new age job its a job for gladiator times

[@Scotland2306]

@@realbosstakea you're right. It's an opportunity.

[@Luka-vl3wj]

@@realbosstakea Lmao what a stupid statement.

[@realbosstakea]

@@Luka-vl3wj not really when you cant even explain why you disagree

[@therodentryresistance95]

Khalabib is the only fighter I know that retired at the perfect moment. Maybe GSP too. Volk should have retired after the Yair fight, Conor should have retired after the Floyd fight, Tony should have retired after the Dariush fight, Adesanya should have retired after the second Pereira fight and the list goes on and on and on... I'm sure it's extremely hard for these guys to hang the gloves.

[@HoboGardenerBen]

Yup, GSP and Khabib are the only fighters to defeat the UFC and they don't want that to happen ever again. Retiring on top is the last way they want fighters to leave the promotion. Cejudo almost did the same and then he came back and messed it up. Either stay, like Silva, or go and stay away, like GSP or Khabib. Don't leave and come back, can't give the ufc dirtbags what they want. They exploit the fighters so I wish them ill.

[@DrSpaceman42]

Khabib retired too soon imo

[@mb2776]

@@DrSpaceman42 idk. did he? He got out in his prime, didn't had that many fights and tried to end them quickly with submissions instead of a slugfest. Sounds like the perfect plan to me.

[@blondequijote]

​@@mb2776Call me crazy, but a good comeback story is way more interesting than a guy who retired undefeated because he left at the right time. Just like in war, where a victorious general will eventually give someone a good picture of what tactics they use and how to counter them, fighters who seem to develop a winning formula will inspire other guys to watch the footage and figure out how to counter them. That's the stuff rivalries are made of

[@BarryAllen-no9nj]

​@@DrSpaceman42 khabib is one of those guys that got into fighting solely for his father. I can understand that after his dad died there was no reason for him to remain a contender in the game if he has lost the heart. To continue to fight after that is just dumb. Maybe its best to leave the stage open for other fighters like islam and umar who do have the fire burning to prove themselves

[@hitomukawakami7124]

Leo Cooper is a straight-up badass. This video is actually so well written and badass

[@LeoCooperMMA]

My man 🤝

[@christianpoint0888]

Agreed !

[@LeoCooperMMA]

@@metalkicker23 please do tell me 😂 i write every single one of my scripts myself, and can show you them like

[@MichaelCConstant]

Nick Diaz's slurred speech is being used for examples of CTE, but let us be real that is also just being a long term pot head.

[@MichaelCConstant]

@@DrSpaceman42 I was speaking as one of us...

[@bearwolffish]

Feel like them man spoke that way since kids, think it is lack of being communicated to at a very young age. Had some kids like that around when growing up.

[@sup13462]

How would a slur be the effects of a long term pothead? Wouldn’t we be seeing more potheads walking around with slurs? I live in a legal state, and I can assure u that lifelong weed smokers don’t slur. This is straight up denial of Nate’s reality. There is no saving yourself from CTE, after 20 years of fighting. Misinfo like this is dangerous.

[@watersnortmoment3734]

@sup13462 20 years of fighting, using your durability and cardio as your main weapons will always destroy your brain. Ferguson is another example of that, sometimes durability is working to your own detriment.

[@gregorsamsa1364]

Being a pothead doesn't give you a speech impediment

[@aymenjr45]

Thank you for this great quality video. I am an amateur fighter with over 30 fights between boxing and kickboxing and i know exactly what u mean by its addictive and almost impossible to quit. This is like my 8th or 9th i say i am done before founding myself comin back at it and preparing for a fight. I get so depressed and stressed when i dont box or preparing for a fight like i lost purpose or something.

[@playwithm381]

I love you cooper but that haircut is awful

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Each to their own my man

[@playwithm381]

@@LeoCooperMMAstill love your content

[@GhostLungss]

All mullets are

[@sergustus_]

@@LeoCooperMMA I think you're sporting it like a G

[@LeoCooperMMA]

@@sergustus_ ❤

[@ThatFreeWilliam]

Gladiators don't need to be starving enterpreneurs. They should get to focus on fighting. Instead of giving all that money Dana and a tiny number of lucky fighters, they could give those guys a decent salary and benefits.

[@garethwilliams4467]

pro sport is about winning. Can't pay the losers big money ... or where is the incentive to win ?

[@ThatFreeWilliam]

@@garethwilliams4467 "Decent salary and benefits" isn't "giving losers big money". And all that money didn't exactly make Conor a greater fighter, did it?

[@garethwilliams4467]

@@ThatFreeWilliam Yes it is .. they are there to win, to the victor goes the spoils. You want to pay salaries and benefits to someone who never wins., Just pay him for being fit, and not able to fight. In your world they still get paid ?

[@ThatFreeWilliam]

​@@garethwilliams4467 Is that how other jobs work, Gareth? Or was that a strawman?

[@garethwilliams4467]

@@ThatFreeWilliam this isn't a "job" in the traditional sense - they are all prizefighters. But ... the prize only goes to the best, not just some monkey with no teeth, brains and cauliflower ears who isn't a winner. if winning isn't the most important financial thing then you don't really have a sport as we know it. You have this 'olympian' purist bollocks. They all know the risks.

[@holdencawffle626]

Dana dont give two shyts about the fighters. Nuff said!

[@Bluudclaat]

He’s a billionaire high roller, not looking much like a charity from here

[@conspiracytherapist1869]

The irony of PicoJon calling anyone a bad person 🤦‍♂️

[@Lhama36]

3:16 that quote gives me chills every time

[@yssfbll]

Henry Cejudo another prime example, left on top, came back to lose two fights and looking for a third.

[@c0r0siv39]

He initially retired because he wanted to leverage that for a better deal, only he didn’t realize ufc does not give a fuck about him lol. He came back because he needed the money, although I do hope he can make a final title run, I do enjoy watching him fight

[@JewruMMA]

Add on doing a terrible podcast as well

[@ickysnowman]

Beautiful video. Appreciate you for making this

[@LeoCooperMMA]

My pleasure

[@Ndw1995]

For every fighter highlighted in this video, there’s two or three who have healthy egos, and can take losses just fine, they’re in this purely for the sport of it

[@tangerinesarebetterthanora7060]

Even when they take losses "just fine" they are usually just good at putting on a poker face. It can be extremely difficult for them. They put so much time into fighting and sacrifice so much for it.

[@alexvollkommer1598]

Shit it’s a Leo video, need to slow the playback speed down to normal!! Thanks as always brotha, you make great content ❤️❤️

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Thank you Alex

[@decimated550]

9:30 The pot calling the kettle black. Jon Jones saying that Colby Covington is a bad person. Love it

[@realbosstakea]

the cons outweigh the pros by a landslide in fighting as a career, good to know how to fight but not to do it as a career

[@onelmstreet8839]

GSP is the most honest guy. Yeah, who likes losing or getting kicked the teeth out.. lose braincells etc

[@vgn_wrld3413]

this the type of doc that should win an award or two.

[@BigJoe2600]

It seems with a lot of these people what they lack is the awareness to take a step back and have an unbiased perspective on where they are career-wise or health-wise. These events could be avoided if you have a good level of thinking

[@Zolified984]

Prince Naseem (I know he was a boxer) had the perfect retirement, he sensed his prime was over and retired.

[@MaxEdge-pf3pp]

And no point did that guy ever give the impression of taking the sport seriously. He just danced his way through the ring making a massive mockery of his super serious and hypercompetitive opponents. He was just in it for the lolz, and the only reason he had that single loss is because he got bored and stopped trying. That guy was actually a comedian.

[@trunksbrief6728]

He made the fights entertaining tho. Def worth the money​@@MaxEdge-pf3pp

[@fightingfisherman9690]

He had one worse, he got beat once and quit. And like fought 27 times, he is fat went to jail, and talks about come fighting Jake Paul, and now talks rubbish

[@colinlucas7662]

@@MaxEdge-pf3ppso your saying he sucked

[@MaxEdge-pf3pp]

@@colinlucas7662 sounds like American reading comprehension skills. No, I never said he sucked. I said he didn't take the sport seriously and made a mockery of all his opponents. I actually liked that about him. I called him a comedian. But he actually had to be the best to do all that, and he was.

[@orionfire1947]

"There is no courage without fear" is an astoundingly astute indictment of all of the failures to adhere to the human limit. It's almost astonishing how far these men have gone in the pursuit of Id, forgetting to give respect to the fear we should naturally have to do these things. That's what made him the best.

[@dimitriosliolios9856]

What a video. The story told is delivered perfectly. You put a ton of work and it shows! Wish you all the best and hopefully you grow even bigger that what you are now

[@knobjob2839]

The mullet/broccoli top

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Mullet yes, Broccoli top, absolutely not

[@Antoniotopino]

dangerously underrated mma channel, keep it bro💪🏼

[@LeoCooperMMA]

❤

[@ronharts-c8e]

As and mma fighter and someone who wants to get there it’s sad man still want like it’s my passion I wish things will get better for fighter or try learn to use it for they favor more

[@ramoee359]

For these fighters, they know what they’re getting into. They’re warrior at heart. This is all they know. This is their purpose. Their dream. They know what they have to sacrifice in order to achieve their dreams. It won’t stop them. They will still be happy regardless of the bad things that come with it.

[@job7973]

Nice video mate, with spot on insight!

[@sk8punk318]

So sad with Nam, I remember seeing him on TUF years ago

[@streamingnowstreamingnow2568]

“A different car for every day of the week?” Truly a Golden Age for the Insurance Industry.

[@motivateovercomeinspire]

Amazing video, got me hooked from start to finish and excited to check out the rest of your content!

[@betonezzard555]

Guys just have fun. The goal is to live. Enjoy training. Live nice. I immediately told myself this would stop a few people and might confuse their future but rrally no theres no need to think its bad to lsoe your belt. HAVE FUN. YOU WERE A CHAMPION. LOSE LIKE A WINNER!!! I LOVE YOU ❤❤ HAVE A GREAT WEEK❤️❤️

[@HoboGardenerBen]

Aging is the main reason. Can't maintain the same intensity at 35 as 25, just not gonna happen. The ongoing rise in skill matters too. So does the way the UFC steamrolls fighters with rising talent, they want to prevent another GSP or Khabib. The want fighters to go out with a loss so they do everything they can to make it happen. It's really hard to be that far above anyone else at this point because the general skill bar has risen so high. Most fighters coming up are complete now, where not long ago being an elite wrestler with decent striking was enough to get you the belt. That's still the strongest approach, but not always.

[@jayyy4491]

Idk man look at Islam and Alex. Islam tho is getting ao much better tho.

[@HoboGardenerBen]

@@jayyy4491 Hey there, I'm not sure what you mean. Look at Alex and Islam in what way? Being super skilled while on the older end? Too bad Alex had too strong of a champion's mindset, too used to pushing through every barrier. Can't just oush away brain damage, got heal, and that thing is tricky, doesn't always work

[@jayyy4491]

@@HoboGardenerBen most fighters aren’t complete😂😂😂 look at dj for example barely getting his black belt in bjj. Being an elite wrestler with decent striking is legit describe Islam lmao the reverse would be Alex or Izzy even Sean. Best example of them would be Alex.

[@HoboGardenerBen]

@@jayyy4491 Dude, DJ is the most complete fighter we've seen so far. Getting his black belt later in his career just means his coach has elite standards for doing that, not that he has been unskilled. I'm talking about actual skills expressed in fights, not a symbol of skill that often means nothing. Plenty of celebs with a jiu jitsu black belt that couldn't do anything in a real fight. And then you get kids who have been grapppling since they were 5 and are still purple belts at 17 who can sub most adult black belts because their teacher has standards. Islam is an elite striker, he isn't Khabib. He is the only guy to land on Volk like he did, that was timing and skill against a faster guy. Same against Dustin, his striking was doing well against him. I'm talking about the rising talent, not the guys that have been here for years. Elite wrestling\judo is still a bit OP, best base and all, but most fighters rising up are at least good to very good at wrestling along with whatever else they bring. I wonder if Alex has gained enough skill to face a truly elite wrestler. I don't know if Ankalaev is that, seems like he mostly strikes. Seems like Alex must have pretty good skills now, he's been training with Glover for years.

[@jayyy4491]

@@HoboGardenerBen lol Islam an elite striker 🤣🤣🤣 dj has said himself doing the bjj tournaments was something he set to the side to focus on on his mma career as a whole. You can’t be called an elite striker just cause you can throw hands in the octagon. Islam in a boxing match would get totally destroyed. Without that worry from his opponents getting taken down by him Islam gets pieced up. I don’t know how many years of training he has with AKA but if it ain’t a consistent 2years minimum training 3 times a week then he’s not elite or anywhere close.

[@Eric_412]

Conor can’t give up the addictive high he gets from a bump of “Charlie” to once again experience the addictive high of winning..

[@Jneal1013]

Im an amatuer that's getting ready to turn pro in mma and im gonna be honest . After hearing Shane Carwin can't even tie his shoes and has bad cte symptoms , as well as Fabrico Werdum. I think it's time I go full bjj, breaks my heart, but I want to live a long, healthy life and have always been about self dependance. I don't want to he in my 50s relying on my family to take care of me. Obviously i knew there was a risk fighting, but seeing all these legends not even 50 having issues has just been stuck in my head

[@linguine5970]

"some people never go crazy. What horrible lives they must lead" - Charles Butowski

[@bobbituka123]

Seduced by the lights and cheers, the high of dominating another human being or at least trying to dominate, the rush…..compensates for all the psychological scar tissue .

[@brockmassa1002]

*Walks up to Khazmat * “ u are doomed to fail brather*

[@boogynights]

Yeah slowly UFC losing prestige is a good thing for the sport overall. Competition is good for the sport and of course rivalry is needed heavily right now.

[@in4mus85]

I think this applies to combat sports in general tbh. Major differences are the increased revenue and danger in boxing.

[@PKDeviluke25]

Its sad seeing Tony trying to go for that one last win.

[@frankzappa9853]

To much respect is given to these guys, they are not warriors, they didn't fight in wars, they didn't sacrifice their bodies for someone else. They did it for themselves so they could have a belt and money. This idea you should earn their respect is a bit ridiculous They are entertainers no more deserving of respect then any other entertainter.

[@JS-lc4kg]

hard to retire when your boss barely pays you while hes printing away

[@Paula-R]

This video is so good! So well made, thank you!🙏

[@GarthOJ]

I dont even watch mma really, but this is such a good video

[@nicolaswinter4095]

One thing you said that wa wrong was Conor was himself. He created that image

[@MsHaiducu]

The only one to brake this cycle was khabib. i m not a big fan of his but i have to admit he did things right!

[@Crest28]

Fighters like Volk, Dustin and stipe are still insanely successful. Despite having suffered kos, or multiple losses, theyre still Objectively winning in life

[@Lee-o8f]

Khabib killed conor spirit

[@PRSer]

As much as any artist, singer, musician, scientist, athlete has in their soul embedded to do the thing they feel and believe they were born to do. Fighters are the same. Human tragedy exists with beautiful lessons for us who never experience it. All respect to anyone willing to step into the ring.

[@Grayzful]

Seriously top tier video bro. Sub earned

[@KungLao-b5v]

My cousin Wang Suk Kok in China wanted to be a great fighter. Instead he got kicked in the groin and now cannot have normal relations with a woman.

[@MARCONIPUMA]

great vid. Forgot to mention mightly mouse and anderson silva though ! :)

[@marcoslopez127]

The UFC has an intentional high turnover rate meant to chew through fighters and move on to the next. For whatever reason, fans don’t want to address this.

[@SqueezeLift]

We want Tony TIME, no matter if he loses another 16 times! He has stolen the hearts of all of us through his sheer tenacity and passion to do it!!!

[@xyzmediaandentertainment8313]

It's brain damage time

[@decimated550]

Another major factor to take into consideration is the in group the immediate social group that the fighter is the center of. He doesn't make his decisions or conversations out there like a monologue. He has his trainers and manager and other buddies and some people in that circle profit directly from him and so he's their gravy train. Even when they know. Just like the dull brains of the dumbest fan would know that a guy needs to retire, it's these guys who don't say anything and probably get a attitude of hey, he's our meal ticket. He pays our bills. We're stuck on this mixed martial arts death ride with him. We have to keep getting him back in the ring in the cage

[@HiYannick]

Good fight.. Well done putting it together.

[@ajseb]

I’ll train boxing just for self defense and conditioning only, maybe spar a few times but that’s it 🤷‍♂️

[@kevinbazarek]

great video but could be even better with captions! hard of hearing and captions are a huge thing

[@LeoCooperMMA]

If i had time to write them manually honestly iwould. I wish KZbin's auto captions worked better!

[@333baphomet]

Picogram and Braindead talking about someone else being a bad person is peak hypocrisy

[@wvw_one]

Khabib running away like a chicken was smart, actually.

[@marnanahihain8695]

How old are you ? You sound like a preteen who doesn't understand this stuff a lot.

[@wvw_one]

@ What, so do you think that Khabib running away like a chicken wasn’t a smart move?

[@marnanahihain8695]

@@wvw_one First of all, he is literally a legend who retired at the peak instead of dragging on and destroying his reputation and health trying to cling on, Secondly you are a much bigger chicken than he ever was or will be ,yapping like a lil passive aggressive bish in the comments.

[@kennethhardeman3292]

Lol why do other grown men care about this man’s hair/mustache? The video is informative and well-edited Internet is full of weird folks

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Hahaha i appreciate it Kenneth. Honestly i just respond with love most of the time and people tend to feel really bad about themselves hahaha

[@JameyPhoenix]

istg Leo needs to get the hook up @ UFC the man is brilliant at narration

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Hahaha maybe one day man. You'll see me narrating UFC Countdown soon enough

[@pierredeflaux2112]

This video needs to be sent to Meryl Streep, who publicly criticized MMA by saying "Mixed Martial Arts are no arts". Bruce Lee said that Martial Arts are the true expression of one self, that is why it is pure art. People really need to give more respect to fighters who put everything on the line to make a living, taking a huge risk on their health, finances, social life... Fighters making a living out of mixed martial arts, and in the best cases succeeding in it, are just the tip of the iceberg. The hidden part of the iceberg is full of broken fighters with broken dreams, whose future can be compromised. Other forms of arts are more forgiving in terms of consequences if one does not make it, making Meryl Streep's statement an insult to fighters and condescending to the MMA community.

[@Mep9797]

Great video these guys are inspirational modern day gladiators

[@DenshaOtoko2]

Success is in Soccer and the money is in American Football and Basketball.

[@ephyah.mahmah]

To be fair,everyone knows that the paul brothers fights are fixed

[@bobbys.4714]

No Ranks, No Rules, Nothing....Maniac Game!

[@db1116]

the quadeca albums in the back🗣️🗣️

[@AwareWolfOnWheels]

Great video and a sad state of affair is putting it lightly.

[@grantt4437]

Very well put together video

[@sylvesterstillalone]

I clicked on this expecting to say no shit sherlock but walk away thoroughly impressed, great job

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Glad you got something out of it

[@alsoknownaslewis317]

Pretty sick video dude, you got yourself a sub baby! Reminded me of TheFightingBusiness videos.

[@LeoCooperMMA]

My man. Thank you, thats high praise

[@Renulph]

Is that TJ clip recent or was that before he came back against Sterling?

[@nickorr2598]

Excellent script bro. You should write a novel

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Thank you mate! I've definitely considered it!

[@frank.l181]

It's a business.I guess it goes back to Roman gladiator fighting- the audience loves it. It is huge health risk just like boxing. But l have say, it's a valuable skillset for self defence.

[@Xan3119Aizen]

Looking back, Ol Mikey mauled Rockhold. By far one of my favorite MMA moments ever well deserved champ

[@pleromafamily628]

if Jon Jones says you're a bad person... my friend that says something

[@realbosstakea]

who cares what a closeted gay who abuses his wife says

[@onefootoutthedoor9937]

A bit depressing to watch but ultimately it's undeniable

[@Matt-kt9nm]

Khabib did it right. He retired while champion, and at his peak.

[@dannyVulture]

What has always made me sympathies with fighters is, it's not like you can just quit and go do something else. I don't think most of the get through any higher education and they banked all of their working knowledge, strength, and youth into accelerating the decline of their lifespan

[@garethwilliams4467]

that's because they're not that bright. It's not just boxing .. you can say that about most athletes. And yet maybe less than 1% of "pro" athletes around the world make enough to live on post retirement. We're only interested in champions .. look at tennis as an example ... only being top counts

[@Bravo6goindark]

They simply turn into an end justifies the means person

[@bigchungis7773]

To be fair it’s one of those sports where once your on top it’s only a matter of time before you go crashing down. Dosent matter how good you are. Some fighters are smart tho. They know when to check out and not have something like Tony Ferguson happen to them

[@emptybottle4096]

As much as I like alex fight on the canvas, i'd hate for him to be like this. Only way is khabib's way, hope every fighter understand this and live a long and healthy life.

[@garywhite3209]

I was a pretty good boxer, nvr fought pro or anything, but was undefeated in Oklahoma City gyms for years, then our day it was like a switch, at 38 I could have do it the same anymore. Just one day I was out boxing 25 year old serious boxers, then the next I was having trouble just playing around. It fuckin sucks, it's a very hard pull to swallow