Mindset and Discipline with Professional MMA Fighter Ryan Bader

Jul 4, 2021

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Today Brad speaks with professional MMA fighter Ryan Bader. He is the current Bellator Heavyweight Champion, the former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion, and the winner of The Ultimate Fighter.

Listen in as Ryan dissects his success by reflecting on his path as an athlete, from football player to wrestler to the UFC and, finally, to Bellator.

For Ryan, a solution-oriented mindset and the discipline to stay consistent are his two keys to his massive, ongoing success as a fighter.

Having never taken more than two weeks off, Ryan shares why he believes so strongly in the power of the mind as well as the power of association in helping one level up in whatever field they are in.

He also touches on the parallels between entrepreneurship and his training as a professional fighter, and his foray into business and joining the Kill Cliff team.

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Topics Discussed:

[01:01] Ryan’s journey as an athlete
[05:12] What separates the top wrestlers from everyone else
[07:34] Where the nickname “Darth Bader” came from
[08:52] Ryan’s introduction to MMA
[12:33] The road to the UFC
[15:52] How Ryan made his own luck
[18:48] Turning the fighter mentality on and off as the situation demands
[20:29] How his first win at the UFC changed the trajectory of Ryan’s career
[22:15] What Ryan’s UFC contracts covered in the way of living and training expenses
[26:25] How Ryan balanced work and family life as a professional fighter
[30:14] Which part of MMA training Ryan enjoys the most
[32:32] How Ryan and his team prepare and strategize before a fight
[36:18] How it feels win a fight
[38:28] How Ryan stays focused in the high-emotion environment of fight day
[44:15] How Ryan got involved with Kill Cliff
[49:15] Ryan’s final thoughts on success and his upcoming fights

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Key Quotes by Ryan Bader:

Having the mindset together with being consistent will take you far in whatever you do.
A lot of people quit or give up way before they have the chance to reap any rewards.
One thing I live by is not only to have good people around me, but also the right people around me.
I’ve waited for this moment for two to three months. I’m prepared. Why not go out there and win? Why not go out there and allow myself to be successful?