EPISODE · Oct 21, 2025 · 27 MIN
GRAPPLING HOUR with Byron Valle
from Grappling Hour · host raf esparza
I got the chance sit down in person with UNF champ Byron Valle. We talk about everything from childhood fights in bounce houses to starting Muay Thai at 18. Byron opens up about how his roots and family, especially his late grandfather, have motivated him to stay on a positive path and inspire others, making fighting not just a career but a responsibility for his community. In this conversation, you’ll hear us dive deep into what it really means to be “the little guy” standing up for others, what competing for and winning a belt means to someone who’s dreamt about it since he was six, and why he made the leap to go pro after just a handful of amateur fights. Plus, you get an inside look at how Black House and Uprise MMA shaped his skills, and how meaningful it’s been to earn the respect of guys he once looked up to. As always, thank you for supporting the show here on Patreon and letting us bring you the best conversations in the world of grappling and MMA before anyone else gets to hear them!——WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH: Head on over to https://www.rafesparza.com/merch You can purchase our BRAND NEW Grappling Hour HOODIES and T-SHIRTS.---- We’re on PATREON now!Head over to https://www.patreon.com/grapplinghourto become an EARLY ACCESS or PREMIUM Grappling Hour member. With early access, you'll see our interviews 30 days before everyone else and as a premium member, you'll get exclusive content (extra episodes, bonus episodes, technique breakdowns) that aren't available anywhere else. ----👾 - JOIN THE GRAPPLING HOUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hsePzUxZrA ----YOU CAN LISTEN TO OUR SHOW AT:🍏 - APPLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grappling-hour/id1437702200🎶 - SPOTIFY - https://open.spotify.com/show/28tKXEawj9SIwlr5fd1sx3?si=5415e680b0bc4fb5🛒 -AMAZON MUSIC - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/040e2ca4-e265-4be6-9477-3cd0e6474aeb/grappling-hour🗣 - AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/B09TYVGR51?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp&shareTest=TestShare🔎 - GOOGLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmFmZXNwYXJ6YS5jb20vZ3JhcHBsaW5naG91cj9mb3JtYXQ9cnNz?hl=enYOU CAN FOLLOW OUR SHOW’S SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES:📸 - INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/grapplinghour/📝 - THREADS - https://www.threads.net/@grapplinghour✍🏽 - TWITTER - https://twitter.com/grapplinghour👍🏽 - FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/grapplinghour👾 - TWITCH - https://www.twitch.tv/grapplinghour🕺🏽 - TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@grapplinghour
What this episode covers
Hear Byron’s stories about channeling his childhood energy into martial arts, balancing his Mexican roots with his love for both soccer and combat sports, and what it meant to finally put gold around his waist. He opens up about setbacks, comebacks, and the life-changing lessons learned from his toughest loss. Plus, Byron reveals why respect, loyalty, and hard work are the keys behind his rapid ascent in MMA—and what drives him as he prepares to turn pro. Raf and Byron also dive into everything from pro wrestling inspiration and trash talk to the camaraderie of Southern California’s fight scene. Stay tuned for insights on Byron’s training at Black House, why being an inspiration matters more to him than any belt, and a behind-the-scenes look at the mindset of a fighter on the rise.
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GRAPPLING HOUR with Byron Valle
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