The Heart of the Bad Wolf

Alex Perez: Doubt, Discipline & Life as a Top 10 UFC Fighter

UFC flyweight contender Alex Perez joins The Heart of the Bad Wolf for a raw, honest conversation about the realities of life inside and outside the cage. From fighting friends and overcoming self-doubt to building a life for his family, Alex opens up about the mindset it takes to compete at the highest level. Ranked in the top 10 of the UFC flyweight division, Perez shares what it’s really like to carry pressure into every fight, why he still questions himself despite success, and how discipline, sacrifice, and competition have shaped his journey. This episode dives deep into the mental side of fighting, the grind behind the scenes, and the balance between being a father, husband, coach, and elite athlete. Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe for more conversations with fighters and athletes about the mindset behind combat sports. Follow Alex Perez on Instagram: @alexperezmma [https://www.instagram.com/alexperezmma/] Follow the show's Instagram page @theheartofthebadwolf [https://www.instagram.com/theheartofthebadwolf/] Watch the show on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf [https://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf] Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://commandcreativestudios.com [https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/] #UFC #AlexPerez #MMA #CombatSports #UFCPodcast #MMAInterview

Discipline Over Everything: Ethyn Ewing’s UFC Journey

UFC bantamweight Ethyn Ewing joins The Heart of the Bad Wolf to share one of the most real journeys in MMA today. Just days after winning a title with a knockout, Ethyn got the call to step into the UFC—and then went right back to his day job. In this episode, Ethyn breaks down what it’s really like chasing a UFC career while balancing a full-time job, fatherhood, and the grind of daily life. From early setbacks and tough losses to building a 9-fight win streak, he opens up about the mindset it takes to keep going when nothing is guaranteed. This is a story about resilience, sacrifice, and doing whatever it takes to build your future—whether that’s inside the cage or on a job site. If you’re looking for motivation, discipline, and a real look at the fighter’s life beyond the spotlight, this episode delivers. Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe for more conversations with fighters and athletes about the mindset behind combat sports. Follow Ethyn Ewing on Instagram: @professorfinessermma [https://www.instagram.com/professorfinessermma/#] Follow the show's Instagram page @theheartofthebadwolf Watch the show on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf [http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf] Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://commandcreativestudios.com [https://commandcreativestudios.com] #EthynEwing #UFC #MMApodcast #FightMindset #CombatSports #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf

UFC Fighter Elijah “Swift” Smith: Wrestling, Fatherhood & the Mental Side of Fighting

UFC bantamweight Elijah “Swift” Smith joins The Heart of the Bad Wolf to talk about his journey into the UFC, the mindset required to compete at the highest level, and the realities of life as a professional fighter. Elijah breaks down the difference between being hurt and being injured, the mental toughness required inside the cage, and why recovery, discipline, and smart training are key to longevity in MMA. In this conversation, Elijah also shares: • How he transitioned from wrestling to professional MMA • The origin of his nickname “Swift” • Knocking out his first amateur opponents in seconds • The importance of film study and game planning in the UFC • Training with elite fighters and learning the levels of the sport • Working with a sports psychologist to strengthen the mental side of fighting • Balancing life as a UFC fighter and a father Elijah also reflects on fighting on Dana White’s Contender Series, earning his place in the UFC, and the motivation that drives him to keep improving every day. This episode dives deep into the mindset, discipline, and sacrifices required to compete in the world of mixed martial arts. Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe for more conversations with fighters and athletes about the mindset behind combat sports. Follow Elijah Smith on Instagram: @shakurdabag02 Follow the show's Instagram page @theheartofthebadwolf Watch the show on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf [http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf] Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://commandcreativestudios.com [https://commandcreativestudios.com] #ElijahSmith #UFC #MMAPodcast #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf #UFCFighter #CombatSports

UFC Fighter Mike “Beast Boy” Davis: From Bullying Victim to UFC Warrior

UFC lightweight Mike “Beast Boy” Davis joins The Heart of the Bad Wolf to share the powerful story behind his journey to the UFC. Mike opens up about being bullied growing up, learning to box at just 14 years old, and riding his bike miles to train at the same gym connected to Mike Tyson’s legendary coaches. That decision changed the course of his life. In this conversation, Mike discusses: • How martial arts helped him overcome anxiety and bullying • Teaching himself kicks by watching kung fu movies and video games • The mindset of a professional fighter inside the cage • Training, discipline, and earning his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt • The adversity he faced on his path to the UFC Mike Davis is known for his explosive fighting style, creativity in the cage, and relentless work ethic. But behind the fighter is a powerful story of resilience, growth, and refusing to quit. Subscribe for more conversations with fighters, athletes, and people who have walked through adversity and come out stronger. New episodes of The Heart of the Bad Wolf drop regularly on YouTube. Follow Mike "Beast Boy" Davis on Instagram:@mikedavismma Follow the show on Instagram @theheartofthebadwolf Watch the show on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theheartofthebadwolf [https://www.youtube.com/@theheartofthebadwolf] Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com [https://www.commandcreativestudios.com] #MikeDavis#UFC#MMA#TheHeartOfTheBadWolf#UFCFighter#CombatSports

"Re-Release" Overcoming Adversity: The Inspiring Story of Steven Asplund

In this "Re-Release," Steven Asplund is a larger-than-life heavyweight with no filter, a ferocious work ethic, and a story you'll want to hear. In episode one of The Heart of the Bad Wolf, host Nicholas James Muscarella sits down with Steven to dive deep into his journey: from growing up overweight and bullied, to embracing fighting, grinding through early amateur bouts, and bulldozing his way into the spotlight after lighting up the Contender Series. In this episode, you’ll hear: * How Steven’s childhood shaped his fight and his life * The moment he decided enough was enough, and he began transforming his body and mindset * Growing up in Minnesota with a fighter dad, and learning lessons of discipline from a young age * What it means to fight not just for yourself but for family, legacy, and those who’ve had your back from day one Whether you’re a fight fan, someone on a personal transformation journey, or just love real, raw stories — this is one you don’t want to miss. Tap in, welcome to The Heart of the Wolf. Subscribe now so you don’t miss future episodes. Watch us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf [http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf] Follow us on Instagram: @theheartofthebadwolf TikTok: @theheartofthebadwolf Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ [https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/] #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf #StevenAsplund #MMApodcast #FighterStory #MMA #MixedMartialArts #CombatSports #FighterMindset #RiseUp #TransformationStory #FightLife #UFC #RawInterview #RealTalk #PodcastLaunch #NewEpisode #Heavyweight #UnderdogStory #Motivation #BehindTheFighter #CommandCreativeStudios