Becoming A Fighter with Megan Olivi

Although Islam Makhachev’s dominance in the UFC has led him to a title fight, he still cannot halt comparisons to his mentor: UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov. But Islam does not mind the comparisons. In fact, he is the first one to credit everyone from his teammates and coaches to his family and former employers for his success. Even with world-class help, what drove Islam to walk the long, hard path to UFC glory? And why did everyone around him see something special in him? Hear Islam Makhachev's story on this episode of Becoming A Fighter with Megan Olivi.

After winning the UFC Bantamweight title, Aljamain Sterling appeared to go from fan-favorite to villain overnight.  If you think he simply got lucky, then you don't know Aljamain Sterling. Aljo's path to the title included roadblocks set by his own family, intervention from an all-time great of the sport, and an uncanny ability to make the best of unfortunate circumstances. Hear Aljamain's story on latest episode of Becoming a Fighter with Megan Olivi.

How did Rose Namajunas end up dedicating her skills and passions to fighting when it’s clear she could have done just about anything she wanted?  In many ways, fighting has always been in her blood. The UFC Strawweight champion overcame a tough childhood filled with violence. Rose leaned into mixed martial arts to cope with everything around her. Little did she know, her dedication to the sport would take her to the mountaintop.  

Brandon Moreno has been labeled an 'underdog' since he first entered the UFC. But that might be too simplistic of a label given what he's been through.How did the unmotivated son of piñata shop owners in Tijuana forge himself into a UFC champion, even after getting cut from the promotion? Grit, discipline, and dedication to a goal bigger than himself. 

Leon Edwards is often the odd man out in a division of attention-grabbers. But his upbringing, during which he navigated gang violence and the death of his father, was anything but boring. Did Leon Edwards become a fighter because of the extraordinary circumstances he had to overcome? What unlocked his potential, and how did he rise above what was holding him back? And why is he sharing his story now?Hear Leon answer those questions himself on this episode of Becoming a Fighter. 

From drug trafficking in the Canary Islands to learning how to survive in Rikers prison, Ian Heinisch’s journey to the Octagon is too crazy to make up -- but his unusual path led to him becoming one of the baddest Middleweights in the UFC. 

Why do people dedicate their life to a sport as grueling  as Mixed Martial Arts, with no guarantee of success? And how do they overcome obstacles, both in their life and in the cage, in pursuit of their goal of being a champion? In this show, we try to find the answers to those questions. Because oftentimes, it's the fights that happen outside of the Octagon that create the athletes performing within it.Be sure to follow Becoming a Fighter with Megan Olivi wherever you listen!