111: Life in the UFC, Healing Psoriasis Naturally & Hunting ft. Chad Mendes
Mar 26, 2025
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Chad Mendes, a former UFC fighter and bare-knuckle boxer, shares thrilling stories from the ring, including his fight against Conor McGregor. He discusses his dietary journey to overcome psoriasis, emphasizing the impact of a carnivorous diet. Chad reveals his love for hunting, describing the deep connection it fosters with nature and the lessons learned through these adventurous experiences. Balancing family life with being a business owner adds another layer to his inspiring narrative, showcasing the multifaceted life of a modern athlete.
Chad Mendes discusses his return to mixed martial arts with a focus on new opportunities for fighters' financial security and health.
Mendes reflects on the emotional and physical challenges faced during his memorable fights, particularly against Conor McGregor and others.
He shares how adopting a carnivorous diet transformed his psoriasis management, advocating for dietary education in health discussions.
Deep dives
Chad Mendes: A Return to Fighting
Chad Mendes discusses his unexpected return to mixed martial arts after initially retiring. Despite feeling ready to move on to business pursuits, he received an enticing offer from a new fight organization called the Global Fight League, which promises better compensation and benefits for fighters compared to established promotions. Mendes highlights the significant financial support provided by this organization, including a 50-50 revenue share between fighters and the league, along with retirement and medical benefits. He emphasizes the importance of this change for fighters' long-term health and financial security, indicating a hopeful shift in the industry.
Reflections on Noteworthy Fights
Mendes reflects on pivotal moments in his fighting career, particularly his bouts against high-level fighters like Clay Guida and Conor McGregor. He shares the bittersweet experience of being the first fighter to knock out Guida, as they were also good friends. In recounting his fight with Jose Aldo, he emphasizes the physical toll it took on him, recalling how he trained intensely despite the emotional weight of the loss. Mendes acknowledges that participating in the McGregor fight, despite being on short notice, significantly boosted his career and fanbase, illustrating how high-stakes battles shape a fighter's legacy.
Balancing Fatherhood and Fighting
As a father, Mendes grapples with the duality of being a fierce competitor and a nurturing parent. He expresses the internal conflict of managing his 'savage' side, necessary for fighting, with the tenderness he strives to show his children. Acknowledging the challenges of transitioning between these contrasting roles, Mendes reflects on the exhaustion that comes with balancing family responsibilities and a demanding training schedule. He recognizes the preciousness of family time and the importance of being present for his daughters, especially given how quickly childhood passes.
The Transformation Through Diet
Mendes shares his transformative journey regarding his lifelong battle with psoriasis and how dietary changes have been pivotal in managing his condition. After years of ineffective treatments and skepticism from dermatologists about the impact of diet on skin health, he embraced a nose-to-tail, carnivorous diet that dramatically improved his skin. He discusses how cutting out certain foods, such as grains, led to almost complete remission of his psoriasis, which he previously thought was a lasting affliction. This personal health improvement has motivated him to advocate for dietary education and reform, especially regarding the misconceptions surrounding nutrition in medical practices.
The Art of Hunting and Its Life Lessons
Hunting holds a significant place in Mendes's life, shaping his perspective on nature, respect for animals, and nutrition. He recounts a childhood experience witnessing a bear and reflecting on the predator-prey dynamic reinforces his appreciation for wildlife. Through hunting, Mendes emphasizes the importance of utilizing every part of the animal and how it connects to his dietary beliefs, particularly with organ meats. He discusses the emotional complexity of hunting, recognizing the ethics involved while appreciating the sustenance it provides, representing a balance between nature and gratitude for the resources it offers.
In episode 111, Ste is joined by Chad Mendes for a loaded conversation about life as a UFC fighter. Chad shares insight into what it's like to fight Conor McGregor and the future of mixed martial arts.
Chad also shares his own story of beating psoriasis through diet and lifestyle changes, why hunting is so powerful, and how to find balance while running a business and raising a family.
Radical Health Radio is produced by Heart & Soil, a beef organ supplements company helping hundreds of thousands of people achieve radical health. Heart & Soil was founded by Dr. Paul Saladino, a double board-certified MD and founder of the animal-based eating philosophy. Visit heartandsoil.co to reclaim your birthright to radical health with the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.
