#864 - Kevin Ross & Gaston Bolanos cover

#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.
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