#864 - Kevin Ross & Gaston Bolanos
NaN minutesEpisode #864
Kevin "The Soul Assassin" Ross is an American Muay Thai kickboxer and former mixed martial artist. Gaston "The Dreamkiller" Bolanos is a professional Muay Thai fighter, recently signed to Bellator.
Episodes with Kevin Ross
Episode Timestamps
Muay Thai: The Rise of Combat Sport in America with Insights from Dana White
- Discussion on the growing popularity of Muay Thai in America despite past neglect.
- Dana White's insights on how kickboxing has affected perceptions of Muay Thai.
- Importance of media coverage and events to promote Muay Thai, including AXS TV.
Buakaw's Epic Fight and Tradition vs Modernization in Muay Thai
- Live experience of Muay Thai vs watching it on TV, emphasizing the impact of energy and brutality.
- Buakaw's dramatic Y crew performance at a large pro Muay Thai event, highlighting cultural elements.
- Challenges in promoting Muay Thai in America, balancing traditional aspects and modern audiences.
The Rise and Fall of Muay Thai Promotions Exposed by Gabriel Mazzetti's Story
- Promotion struggles stem from poor audience engagement and lack of financial sustainability.
- Gabriel Mazzetti, a young fighter, symbolizes the growing talent in Muay Thai, recently shining in a Lion Fight event.
- The evolution of Muay Thai in Peru is linked to coach Rodrigo's vision and government support, facilitating a surge of talent.
Injuries and Revelations: A Fighter's Journey from Peru to the Thai Ring
- The discussion highlights the risks of the sport, including a fighter's severe skull injury during a match.
- The contrasting effectiveness of Muay Thai in MMA showcases its technical complexity and how it adapts to various fighting styles.
- Personal anecdotes emphasize the resilience required in the sport, reflecting a fighter's mentality even after serious injuries.
Karrion and His Invincible Fighting Spirit: A Journey Through Adversity in Muay Thai
- Karrion reflects on a fighting mentality shaped by injuries and a relentless need for experience.
- He discusses the drastic change in motivations in the sport over time, contrasting past and present fighters.
- Karrion shares the pressures of seizing every opportunity to fight despite serious injuries, emphasizing the sacrifices made during his early career.
From Partying to Purpose: Karrion's Transformation After Losing His Friend Muay
- Karrion shares the impact of his friend Muay's death, which reignited his desire to pursue a fighting career.
- He reflects on his struggles with addiction and the moment of realization that he was wasting his potential.
- The narrative highlights Karrion's commitment to fully immerse himself in Muay Thai, transcending his fears of inadequacy.
Kevin's All-or-Nothing Mentality Shaped by Friend's Death
- Kevin shares how the passing of his friend at a young age motivated him to pursue his dreams with complete dedication.
- He emphasizes the importance of giving everything to one's goals, highlighting that life is unpredictable and opportunities can be fleeting.
- Discusses the mental and physical challenges faced by athletes, particularly in combat sports like Muay Thai.
Gabriel's Early Success in Muay Thai: A Spotlight on Youth and Dedication
- Kevin reflects on Gabriel, a 19-year-old fighter, who achieved a significant victory emphasizing the hard work behind his success.
- Explores the notion that youth brings both physical advantage and fewer responsibilities, impacting performance.
- Contrasts the experiences of younger and older fighters in their pursuit of excellence in combat sports, highlighting the growth that comes with age.
Kevin Discusses Coaching Dynamics and Personal Growth in Martial Arts Training
- Kevin reflects on his journey through various coaching experiences with Rodrigo, Fertex, and Johnson.
- He emphasizes the importance of finding a coach that suits individual fighting styles and needs.
- Kevin shares insights on how training approaches evolve over time, particularly focusing on the mental aspects of fighting.
Knee Surgeries and Recovery: Kevin's Personal Experiences with ACL Reconstruction
- Kevin describes his nine-month recovery journey after ACL reconstruction surgery, including the method used.
- He compares different surgical approaches and discusses the mental challenges of using cadaver tissue.
- The conversation highlights the significance of understanding injury impacts and the skills needed to absorb hits effectively in martial arts.
Kevin's Insight into Muay Thai and His Transition to Bellator with Scott Coker
- Kevin discusses the importance of technique and strategy in Muay Thai training, emphasizing specific goals in training sessions.
- He highlights misconceptions about Muay Thai being one-dimensional and explains the complexity behind the movements.
- Kevin announces his signing with Bellator, detailing his desire to continue in Muay Thai while exploring MMA opportunities.
Facing Sanchai: Kevin's Unique Experience with a Muay Thai Legend
- Kevin reflects on his fight against Sanchai in August 2012, recalling the mental focus and physical prowess needed during the match.
- He describes Sanchai's unconventional fighting style, which blends elements from various martial arts, making him a formidable opponent.
- Their conversation touches on the complexities of Muay Thai, specifically how Sanchai's varied kicking techniques challenge opponents' defenses.
Understanding the Complexities of Muay Thai: Insights from Fighters
- Discussion about the incompetence of judges in Muay Thai and their impact on fight outcomes.
- Highlighting the importance of clinch techniques and the need for knowledgeable referees.
- Emphasis on the misconceptions about fighting being merely brute force, rather than intricate skill.
The Historic WBC Diamond Belt in Muay Thai: A Milestone for American Combat Sports
- The unique occasion of the WBC sanctioning a diamond belt for a Muay Thai fight, marking a historic achievement.
- Discussion of renowned fighters like Sanchai and the crossover potential into MMA.
- Comparison of clinch mechanics in Muay Thai with judo and wrestling, showcasing the sport's technical depth.
Muay Thai Scoring and Judging Challenges: Insights from Fighters
- Discusses the importance of effective scoring in Muay Thai fights, highlighting the roles of knockdowns and takedowns.
- Examines the complexities of judging fights, especially for judges with limited understanding of the sport.
- Reflects on the controversial loss experienced by the fighter, which was eventually overturned after scrutiny and feedback from prominent commentators like Pat Miletic and Michael Chiavello.
Understanding the Intensity of Combat Sports: The Fighter’s Perspective
- Explores the enormous pressure fighters face from judges, emphasizing that their entire career can hinge on a single fight result.
- Describes the mental and physical preparations fighters undergo, contrasting combat sports with other sports that allow for redemption in later events.
- Advocates for greater appreciation of fight sports, particularly Muay Thai, and its potential for mainstream popularity if presented correctly.
Stephen Bonner and Forrest Griffin: The UFC's Turning Point
- Discussion on the pivotal UFC fight between Stephen Bonner and Forrest Griffin that catalyzed the promotion's popularity.
- Reflection on the long history of struggle in Muay Thai and the timing variables that could lead to its breakout moment.
- The importance of physical condition and mental resilience for fighters, especially at age 36, as emphasized by the speaker.
Mike Tyson and the Mental Struggles of Fighters: Overcoming Adversity
- Exploration of Mike Tyson's thoughts on confidence and fear before entering the ring.
- The psychological challenges faced by fighters after experiencing defeats, with personal anecdotes from the speaker.
- Emphasis on the necessity of mental toughness and learning from losses, as illustrated through examples of fighters like Cowboy Cerrone.
Fighter Mindset: Adam's Journey Through Training and Relationships
- Adam emphasizes the importance of mental focus during both training and fighting, contrasting casual workouts with purposeful training.
- He shares personal experiences of how external pressures, such as family issues and relationships, can affect performance in the ring.
- Adam highlights the role of his coach, Karen, in providing mental support and understanding during challenging times.
Overcoming Injuries: Adam's Resilience Against All Odds
- Adam recounts a severe intercostal tear just days before a fight, showcasing his determination to compete despite the pain.
- He discusses the importance of mental coaching and bodywork to prepare for fights, stressing the need to push through fear.
- The chapter reveals Adam's belief that nothing can stop him from performing, reflecting on the fine balance between training and fight-specific skill development.
MMA Fighter's Training Regimen: Insights from a Strength and Conditioning Perspective
- The fighter emphasizes the need for both strength training and cardio, specifically running, to maintain conditioning.
- Discussion of training routines highlights a balance between running, sparring, and strength workouts based on personal needs.
- The fighter references Fedor Emelianenko's training evolution, showcasing how different styles and approaches can yield success in MMA.
The Complexity of Martial Arts Techniques: Learning and Teaching Like Freddie Roach
- The speaker reflects on the complexity of martial arts techniques and how teaching necessitates a deeper understanding of the fundamentals.
- Comparison to boxing coach Freddie Roach illustrates the idea that sometimes the best coaches aren't necessarily top-level fighters, but those who've studied the art more diligently.
- The need for clarity and understanding in teaching martial arts is discussed, emphasizing the difference between instinctive ability and learned techniques.
Rich Franklin's Muay Thai Misunderstanding: A Lesson from Anthony Brown
- Rich Franklin, a prominent fighter, showcases inadequate Muay Thai skills during his fights.
- Anthony Brown, a trusted training partner with expertise in Muay Thai, attempted to help but was dismissed.
- The discussion highlights the common misconception fighters have about their striking abilities compared to true Muay Thai practitioners.
Wonderboy Thompson vs. Tyron Woodley: The Clash of Styles and Techniques
- Wonderboy Thompson is set to fight Tyron Woodley, highlighting a unique matchup of striking and wrestling.
- Thompson's unconventional kickboxing style poses challenges for traditional wrestling techniques.
- The conversation emphasizes the importance of adaptability in MMA, where fighters must integrate multiple martial arts disciplines.
Unlikely Champion: Boxing Triumph of an MMA Fighter on Short Notice
- The fighter reflects on an impromptu boxing match where he faced an opponent 20 pounds heavier, leading to a surprising knockout victory.
- He discusses his preparation and transition to MMA training, including strategies for kickboxing and MMA variations.
- The fighter expresses excitement about upcoming opportunities in both boxing and MMA while emphasizing adaptability in training.
Nutrition Secrets Revealed: Fighter's Experience with Diet and Performance
- The fighter shares insights on his diet management, including meal prep and working with nutritionist Mike Dolce for efficient weight cuts.
- He explores the benefits of carbohydrate inclusion in his diet, moving away from a strict paleo approach to enhance energy levels.
- The conversation shifts to blood work experiences and the importance of understanding personal health, illustrating a journey towards better performance and wellness.
Kevin Ross: The Unseen Inspiration Behind Overcoming Adversity
- Kevin Ross has served as a major source of inspiration for the speaker, especially after facing personal setbacks.
- The speaker recalls a pivotal moment in Kevin's fight against Chana Watt, which shifted his perception of Ross as a fighter.
- The importance of sharing struggles and failures is highlighted, contrasting it with the focus on success in the world of combat sports.
From Limits to Breakthroughs: The Transformative Power of Inspiration in Sports
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of biographies and stories of overcoming obstacles for personal motivation.
- A significant comparison is made to the breaking of the four-minute mile as a metaphor for pushing past perceived limitations.
- The speaker acknowledges their role in inspiring others within the Muay Thai community, advocating for visibility of both struggles and victories.
Gaston Bolanos and Kevin Ross: The Journey of Inspiration in Combat Sports
- Gaston Bolanos emphasizes his role in supporting the MMA community alongside notable fighters like Joe Schilling, Tiffany, and Kai.
- Bolanos reflects on the importance of perseverance and being an inspiration for younger fighters entering the sport.
- Kevin Ross is highlighted as a significant training partner who has contributed to Bolanos' growth in his fighting career.
Connecting with Combat Sports Academy and Future Collaborations
- The dialogue includes plans for future collaborations, including a fight companion episode featuring discussions about upcoming fights.
- Gaston Bolanos and his social media presence are mentioned, emphasizing the reach of their personal brands.
- Combat Sports Academy is introduced as a notable gym where Bolanos and Kieran collaborate, providing resources for aspiring fighters.