What does it take to build a UFC champion? In this episode, we go deep with Eric Nicksick—head coach at Xtreme Couture and the man behind some of MMA’s most iconic fighters like Francis Ngannou, Sean Strickland, and Aljamain Sterling. Eric shares how he transitioned from bartender to elite coach, the culture that drives excellence at Xtreme Couture, and how mental resilience plays a bigger role than talent alone. From the psychology of cornering during fights to building trust through consistency, Eric reveals powerful insights on leadership, accountability, and the grind behind greatness. Whether you’re in combat sports or business, this conversation offers a masterclass in discipline and growth. ⏱️ Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Intro & Eric’s roots in MMA 01:20 – How Eric joined Xtreme Couture 03:00 – From student to coach: staying coachable 04:00 – What makes a great coach? 06:00 – What MMA reveals about mindset 08:00 – Culture, leadership, and building champions 11:40 – What separates talkers from doers in the gym 13:00 – Coaching different fighter personalities 21:00 – Mental warfare and optics in the UFC 42:30 – Advice for average people training martial arts Connect with Eric Nicksick: https://www.instagram.com/eric_xcmma/ Follow the show for weekly interviews with top entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and creators.