PODCAST · business
Fight Capital
by Ryan Rapaport
Welcome to "Fight Capital," where I bring you an insider's perspective on the captivating realm of combat sports and the thriving business that surrounds it. Join me as I dive deep into the heart of combat sports, uncovering the gripping stories, triumphs, and challenges that lie beneath the surface.Through exclusive interviews with fighters, detailed analysis of the latest events and championships, and unrivaled access to industry experts, I aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the sport and its intricate business workings.
Episodes
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UFC Careers: Mike Di Donato on Branding & Scholarships | Skilled Trades | Fight Capital #124
In this episode of Fight Capital, host Ryan Rapaport sits down with Mike Di Donato, COO of Skill Trades College of Canada, to explore the unlikely but powerful connection between combat sports and vocational training. Mike shares how STC’s groundbreaking partnership with the UFC is reshaping...
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The Rise of Sean "The Winter Soldier" Magnus: Wrestling, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu & MMA Ambitions | Fight Capital #122
Join host Ryan Rapaport in this action-packed episode featuring rising MMA star Sean “The Winter Soldier” Magnus. From his wrestling roots in Alaska to dominating the amateur circuit with a 5-0 record, Sean shares his journey to 10th Planet Austin, training under elite coaches, and working at Joe...
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Unleashing the Champion Within: Arturo “Makako” Vergara on Immigrant Hustle & Combat Dominance | Fight Capital #121
Join host Ryan Rapaport in this electrifying episode featuring Karate Combat Bantamweight Champion Arturo “Makako” Vergara. Hear how his relentless work ethic, journey from Chile, and training insights (including his time at the UFC Performance Institute) have forged a true champion mindset.…
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Harley Hermanson on Karate Combat, Web3, and Fighting for Impact | Fight Capital #120
In this episode of Fight Capital, Ryan Rapaport sits down with Harley Hermanson, an MMA fighter and Web3 innovator competing in the @KarateCombat Influencer Fight Club (IFC). Harley shares how he went from training alongside his kids to securing a first-round TKO and becoming one of IFC’s rising...
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Nutrition for Fight Camp, Not Fat Camp with Eric Peña from Peña Performance | Fight Capital #119
Ryan Rapaport interviews Eric Peña, a performance nutrition coach specializing in combat sports. They discuss Eric's journey into nutrition, the importance of tailored nutrition plans for athletes, safe weight cutting strategies, hydration's role in performance, and the challenges of running a...
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Tim Malik on Combat IQ, AI-Powered Analytics, and the Future of Combat Sports | Fight Capital #118
In this episode of Fight Capital, Ryan Rapaport sits down with Tim Malik, CEO and co-founder of Combat IQ, the AI-powered analytics company revolutionizing fight data. Coming from a background in pro football scouting, Tim saw a massive gap in combat sports analytics and set out to bring NFL and...
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Luis Melendez on Karate Combat, Viral Moments, and Building a Fighter’s Brand | Fight Capital #117
In this episode of Fight Capital, Ryan Rapaport sits down with Luis Melendez, an undefeated Karate Combat fighter with a background in Taekwondo and Karate from Puerto Rico. Luis shares his journey from balancing a full-time career as an electrical engineer to becoming one of the most exciting...
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Shahzaib Rind on Making History, Defending His Title, and Pakistan’s MMA Future | Fight Capital #116
In this powerful conversation, Ryan Rapaport sits down with Shahzaib Rind, the first Pakistani world champion hailing from @KarateCombat. From his early days training in Wushu Sandha to making history on the global stage, Shahzaib shares his inspiring journey, the pressure of carrying a nation’s...
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The Journey of Edgars "The Bear Slayer'" Skrivers | Fight Capital #115
In this episode of Fight Capital, host Ryan Rapaport interviews Edgars "The Bear Slayer'" Skrivers, a seasoned professional athlete and founder of Skrivers MMA. They discuss Edgars' journey in combat sports, the influence of traditional martial arts, the role of faith in his life, and the...
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Discipline, Mentorship, and Resilience: Inside Ode' Osbourne’s Rise | Fight Capital #114
In this inspiring conversation, Ryan Rapaport sits down with UFC athlete Ode' Osbourne to explore his incredible journey from college wrestling to MMA stardom. Ode' shares how his immigrant background, the mentorship of his first coach, and his passion for teaching have shaped his career. From...
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Brandon Gallagher on MMA, International Training, and Sustainable Fitness | Fight Capital #113
In this engaging conversation, Ryan Rapaport and Brandon Gallagher look into the world of MMA training, content creation, and the importance of sustainability in fitness. Brandon shares his experiences as a strength and conditioning coach for elite athletes, discussing the unique challenges and...
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Felipe Bunes on Training with Pitbull Brothers MMA, Investing, and UFC Battles | Fight Capital #112
Ryan Rapaport interviews Felipe Bunes, a rising UFC fighter training with the renowned Pitbull Brothers team, ahead of his fight at the Apex this Saturday. Felipe discusses the impact of training at one of the world’s top academies, representing Brazil in MMA and Jiu-Jitsu, and his strategies for...
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Unlocking Combat Sports Sponsorships in 2025 | Fight Capital #111
Ryan Rapaport breaks down the ultimate guide to landing brand sponsorships in 2025 for combat sports athletes, managers, and teams. In this episode of Fight Capital, Ryan dives into the evolution of sponsorships in combat sports, the importance of authenticity, and the strategies athletes can use...
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A Journalist and Fighter: Charlie Quinn’s Bold Move and His Las Vegas Hustle | Fight Capital #109
In a special New Year's Eve episode, Ryan Rapaport sits down with Charlie Quinn, a rising figure in the MMA sports media and betting worlds, to dive into his bold transition from journalist to fighter, his explosive move to Las Vegas, and his plans to dominate in 2025. From selling out arenas as…
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Jose "Shorty" Torres on Mentorship, Global Branding, and RIZIN 10th Anniversary | Fight Capital #108
Ryan Rapaport sits down with Jose "Shorty" Torres, a trailblazer in MMA and a two-time world champion at Brave, to discuss his inspiring journey, his commitment to mentoring young athletes through the Team Shorty Foundation, and his upcoming fight at RIZIN's 10th Anniversary card. From his roots…
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From Fighter to Founder: Ian Butler's Journey with Silverback Wrestling | Fight Capital #107
Ryan Rapaport interviews Ian Butler, a former Bellator fighter, grappler, and founder of Silverback Wrestling Club, discussing his journey from humble beginnings in St. Louis to building a national wrestling brand. Ian shares insights on scaling a business while maintaining core values, securing...
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Best Coach and Best Dressed? Capt. Americas Eric Albarracin | Fight Capital #106
Ryan Rapaport sits down with "Captain Americas" Eric Albarracin, one of MMA's most dynamic coaches, to discuss his adventures with Broad Street Global, regenerative stem cell therapy @bioxcellerator and the future of MMA fashion. Eric shares stories of his travels, coaching elite fighters like...
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Jade Jorand Fights For The Next Generation of Combat Sports Athletes | Fight Capital #105
Ryan Rapaport interviews Jade "The Princess" Jorand, a rising MMA fighter from France, discussing her journey in combat sports, the growth of MMA in France, the challenges female athletes face, and her transition to Karate Combat. Jade shares insights on training, sponsorship difficulties, and...
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The Rise of Dylan Rush in MMA Journalism | Fight Capital #104
In this engaging conversation, Ryan Rapaport interviews Dylan Rush of Rush MMA, a rising MMA journalist and storyteller. Dylan shares his journey into MMA journalism, the importance of building authentic relationships within the sport, and the challenges he faces in balancing passion with the...
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Breaking Barriers: Raine Cruz's Journey as an Announcer in Combat Sports | Fight Capital #103
In this episode of Fight Capital, host Ryan Rapaport interviews Raine Cruz, a pioneering ring announcer known as Ringside Raine. Raine shares her journey from being a WWE fan to winning a TikTok contest that led her to announce at SummerSlam. She discusses her transition into the world of ring...
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Hustle to Legacy: Paul Guarino’s Journey in Sports Management & Marketing | Fight Capital #102
In this conversation, Ryan Rapaport interviews Paul Guarino, founder of PG Sports, who shares his journey in sports management and content creation while living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Paul discusses the evolution of his agency, the importance of personal connections with athletes…
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The Growth of PowerSlap with Middleweight Champion John "The Machine" Davis | Fight Capital #101
Ryan Rapaport interviews John "The Machine" Davis, the reigning @powerslap middleweight champion. They discuss John's journey into the sport of slap fighting, the business potential for athletes and promoters, and the strategies John employs to monetize his success and build his personal brand.…
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The Power of Systems: Eliot Marshall’s Secrets to Success | Fight Capital #100
For Episode #100 Ryan Rapaport speaks with Eliot Marshall, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, former UFC athlete, and co-owner of the successful Easton Training Center gyms. They discuss Eliot's journey from fighter to successful business owner, the importance of creating systems for success in...
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Transforming Athlete Engagement with Matt Whitteker from MILLIONS | Fight Capital #99
Ryan Rapaport interviews Matt Whitteker, co-founder of MILLIONS.co, a platform revolutionizing athlete and creator engagement. They discuss Matt's journey from owning a boxing gym to building a billion-dollar company, the innovative features of MILLIONS, and the impact of collaborations with...
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The Vital Role of Recovery in Combat Sports with Cindy Hernandez | Fight Capital #98
Ryan Rapaport speaks with Cindy "Panda" Hernandez about the critical role of recovery in combat sports. They discuss Cindy's journey into the recovery space, the importance of personalized care for athletes, and the various techniques and modalities she employs to enhance recovery. The…
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Content Creation and Combat Sports with James Caricato from Playmaker | Fight Capital #97
Ryan Rapaport interviews James Caricato, the content lead at @PlaymakerHQ discussing his journey in content creation, the growth of Playmaker under Better Collective, and the impact of athlete-driven storytelling in combat sports. They explore the importance of community building, authenticity in...
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The Science Behind Combat Sports Nutrition with Peter Miller | Fight Capital #96
Ryan Rapaport interviews Peter Miller, founder of Condition Nutrition, about the importance of personalized nutrition for combat sports athletes. Peter shares his journey into the field, discusses common misconceptions about weight cutting, and emphasizes the need for individualized nutrition...
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Unlocking the Mindset for Success in Sports and Life with Mindset Mike | Fight Capital #95
Ryan Rapaport interviews Mindset Mike, a world-class mindset coach with a background in wrestling and the FBI. They discuss the influence of wrestling on mental toughness, lessons learned from the FBI, and the mindset shifts necessary for athletes to achieve success with his Unfair Advantage...
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The Art of Being Viral in MMA with Arturo Vergara from Karate Combat | Fight Capital #94
In this episode of Fight Capital, host Ryan Rapaport interviews professional MMA fighter Arturo "Makako" Vergara, who shares his journey from Chile to becoming a rising star in @KarateCombat . They discuss the impact of Arturo's viral knockout, the challenges of securing sponsorships, and the...
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Pin Cancer's Mission & Dan Tramontozzi Gets The Wrestling Community's Support | Fight Capital #93
In this episode of Fight Capital, Ryan Rapaport interviews Dan Tramontozzi, founder of Pin Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for cancer research through the wrestling community. Dan shares his personal journey of starting Pin Cancer after his mother's…
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The Evolution & Future of Sports Media with Playmaker HQ Founder Brandon Harris | Fight Capital #92
In this conversation, Ryan Rapaport interviews Brandon Harris, founder of Playmaker HQ, discussing the evolution of the company, its acquisition by Better Collective, and the strategies employed to create compelling sports content. Brandon shares insights on the importance of authentic...
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Desiree Wodicker & Gastón Bolaños Building Brands & Finding Success in MMA | Fight Capital #91
In this conversation, Ryan Rapaport interviews Desiree Wodicker and Gastón Bolaños, two successful combat sports athletes, about their experiences in building their brands and finding success both inside and outside the ring. They discuss the importance of staying authentic to their martial arts...
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PFL MENA's Vision: Gustavo Firmino on Enhancing the Sport, Creating Champions | Fight Capital #90
Gustavo Firmino, Vice President of Fighter Operations at PFL MENA, discusses the growth of MMA in the Middle East and the strategies PFL MENA is implementing to discover and nurture new fighters in the region. He highlights the talent pool in the Middle East and the focus on signing both...
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Building Relationships in Sports & Entertainment Partnerships with Carlo Alcala | Fight Capital #87
Carlo Alcala, a talent manager at 3Point0 Labs, discusses his journey in talent management and the impact of his work in sports and entertainment marketing. He emphasizes the importance of creativity and thinking outside the box to build brand partnerships. Carlo also highlights the integration…
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MMA Career Growth & Life Planning with PFL Europe Champion Jakub Kaszuba | Fight Capital #88
Jakub Kazsuba, the undefeated PFL Europe lightweight champion, discusses his journey in combat sports, his upcoming title defense, and the challenges of balancing a full-time job as an auditor with his fighting career. He talks about the importance of having a backup plan and financial planning…
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Dr. Andrea Verburg Hill Supporting Mental Health & Healthcare for Combat Sports | Fight Capital #86
Dr. Andrea Verburg Hill, a certified ringside physician, discusses her focus on concussion awareness and CTE prevention in combat sports. Her personal journey, including the loss of her husband, has shaped her dedication to athlete safety and mental health. The Association of Ringside Physicians...
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Tanera Nathan: From Rugby to Ringside and Elevating Australian MMA Commentary | Fight Capital #85
In this conversation, Ryan Rapaport interviews Tanera Nathan, an Australian commentator, emcee, and content creator in the combat sports industry. Tanera shares his journey into the commentary space and his experiences with @EternalMMA. They discuss the growth opportunities for Australian MMA…
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The Power of Media in Sports Branding with Randy Faehnrich of 3Point0 Labs | Fight Capital #84
In this conversation, Ryan Rapaport interviews Randy Faehnrich, the head of content at 3Point0 Labs and co-host of the Verse Us with Eric Nicksick podcast. They discuss Randy's journey in the combat sports industry, the importance of social media and digital presence for athletes, and the future…
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Rising Star Jarno Errens: From Motocross to UFC Dreams Mental Prep & Teamwork | Fight Capital #83
In this conversation, Ryan Rapaport interviews Jarno Errens, a rising star in the UFC. Jarno shares his journey from judo to motocross to kickboxing and eventually to MMA. He talks about his motivation to prove himself and his high drive to succeed. Jarno emphasizes the importance of mental...
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USA Olympic Hopeful Skylar Grote on Her Journey & Empowering Women Wrestlers | Fight Capital #82
Skylar Grote, an Olympic hopeful and wrestler, discusses her journey in the sport and the challenges she faces as a female athlete. She talks about training at the Olympic Training Center and the importance of balance in her life. Skylar also shares her insights on brand management and…
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Gerald Ng World Lethwei Championship on Navigating Adversity in Combat Sports | Fight Capital #81
Gerald Ng, former CEO of World Lethwei Championship, discusses the promotion of Lethwei, a combat sport from Myanmar, and its international expansion. Ng shares the vision of showcasing the local culture through Lethwei and the success of scaling the sport to a global audience. He also talks…
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Ian McCall on Healing Athletes: Success, Challenges, and Future Goals | Fight Capital #80
Ian McCall, retired MMA champion and founder of Athletes Journey Home, discusses the use of psychedelics in healing and his research on traumatic brain injuries. He emphasizes the importance of holistic mind and body therapy for athletes and the need to embrace the healing side of psychedelics.…
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From Fighter to Trainer: Kru Dam Sitmonchai Shares His 40-Year Muay Thai Journey | Fight Capital #79
Kru Dam Sitmonchai is a legendary Muay Thai trainer and former fighter with over 40 years of experience. He joined Ryan Rapaport at the Fight Capital Podcast to discuss Kru Dam's journey in Muay Thai, the evolution of Sitmonchai Gym, the balance between traditional Muay Thai and innovation, the...
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Training Champions: Inside Sean Madden’s Muay Thai & MMA Coaching Excellence | Fight Capital #78
In this conversation, Ryan Rapaport interviews Sean Madden, a dedicated striking coach training world-class MMA and Muay Thai athletes based in Denver, Colorado at @EastonTC . They discuss Sean's journey from studying finance to becoming a Muay Thai coach, the impactful lessons he learned from...
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Julio Cesar Fuentes #77
Julio Cesar Fuentes is a highly accomplished aquatics instructor who specializes in high-performance aquatic conditioning for combat sports athletes. He has been working with UFC fighters and other athletes incorporating dynamic movement, hypoxic training, and VO2 max optimization into their...
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James Hagler #76
James Hagler, a renowned boxing promoter and entrepreneur, discusses his upbringing with his father, the legendary boxer "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler, and how it shaped his career. He emphasizes the importance of promoting fighters and giving them exposure, as well as the need for fighters to…
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Daria Albers #74
Daria Albers is a renowned striking and mental performance coach, who also fought as a professional kickboxer. She joined Fight Capital to discuss her journey and the importance of mental resilience in combat sports. She emphasizes the need for mindfulness and attention training to enhance...
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Eric Albarracin #75
Coach Eric Albarracin, also known as "Captain Americas", discusses his role in the Broadstreet Global Empire and their vision to support MMA fighters from around the world. The private equity firm Broadstreet Global aims to provide opportunities and guidance to fighters who often struggle...
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Gerard Burns #73
Gerard Burns is a rising star in the world of MMA, hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He joined Fight Capital to discuss his recent victory and signing with Brave Combat Federation. @bravemmaf . He shares his mindset leading up to fights and his goal of becoming the first-ever Brave CF...
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Victor Demesmin Jr. #71
In this conversation, Ryan Rapaport interviews Victor Demesmin Jr., the managing partner at Demesmin and Dover Law Firm and the founder of AI Sports Agency. They discuss Victor's background in competitive sports and law, the unique challenges of representing athletes, the importance of community...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to "Fight Capital," where I bring you an insider's perspective on the captivating realm of combat sports and the thriving business that surrounds it. Join me as I dive deep into the heart of combat sports, uncovering the gripping stories, triumphs, and challenges that lie beneath the surface.Through exclusive interviews with fighters, detailed analysis of the latest events and championships, and unrivaled access to industry experts, I aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the sport and its intricate business workings.
HOSTED BY
Ryan Rapaport
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Fight Capital have?
Fight Capital currently has 120 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Fight Capital about?
Welcome to "Fight Capital," where I bring you an insider's perspective on the captivating realm of combat sports and the thriving business that surrounds it. Join me as I dive deep into the heart of combat sports, uncovering the gripping stories, triumphs, and challenges that lie beneath the...
How often does Fight Capital release new episodes?
Fight Capital publishes regularly with 120 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Fight Capital?
You can listen to Fight Capital on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Fight Capital?
Fight Capital is created and hosted by Ryan Rapaport.
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