UFC Champ Reveals: Mental Warfare in Business & MMA | Aljamain Sterling DSH #991

Summary

Digital Social Hour Podcast - Episode Summary

Episode Title: UFC Champ Reveals: Mental Warfare in Business & MMA | Aljamain Sterling DSH #991
Release Date: December 18, 2024
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Aljamain Sterling, UFC Champion

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in an in-depth conversation with UFC Champion Aljamain Sterling. The discussion delves into Sterling’s journey in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), exploring the interplay between mental and physical strategies in both business and the octagon. Sterling shares personal anecdotes, insights into fight preparation, the financial realities of being a fighter, and his perspectives on the future of MMA.

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Natural Talent and Work Ethic

Sterling begins by reflecting on his innate abilities and the role of work ethic in his success:

Aljamain Sterling [01:00]: "I guess I feel like I did naturally have a good IQ over most people in terms of combat, but naturally I feel like I’m above the pack. I was kind of solid at coming out of the gate."

He emphasizes that while natural talent provided a strong foundation, it was his relentless work ethic that propelled him to the championship level:

Aljamain Sterling [01:14]: "Yeah, everything is work ethic, man. Like everyone could throw punches, everyone could throw knees, everyone could throw kicks. But it's about how you train, how you prepare yourself and get ready for the mental and physical warfare."

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Fight Analysis and Mental Preparedness

Sterling discusses a particularly challenging fight against Pedro Munoz, highlighting the importance of mental fortitude:

Aljamain Sterling [05:20]: "Toughest fight in terms of competing the whole fight, I would say Pedro Munoz, because for that fight, I actually tore my scaphoid lunate ligament probably in 2015. I fought him in 2019, and it got progressively worse."

He recounts how injuries affected his performance and the necessity of adapting strategies mid-fight:

Aljamain Sterling [09:11]: "I knew Pedro was going to walk into a shot for me to knock him out like that, so I knew I had to be ready for 15 minutes and that was probably my most action-packed fun fight for 15 minutes straight. Just non-stop action."

Sterling underscores the critical role of mental readiness, asserting that physical prowess alone is insufficient without the right mental state:

Aljamain Sterling [09:46]: "Mind games are a very big part of competing. You can do all the physical stuff, but if your mind is not in the right place... bad things will happen."

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Financial Realities of MMA

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the financial struggles fighters often face, especially those not at the top tier:

Aljamain Sterling [15:00]: "How are we not getting that way more fun, way more entertaining, multiple ways to win. These guys in there rigging fights and somehow, some way they're getting paid millions on millions... We get a fraction, a small fraction of what these guys are getting."

Sterling elaborates on the financial pressures, particularly for fighters based in expensive cities like New York:

Aljamain Sterling [16:24]: "Growing up in New York, it's very expensive compared to most other fighters that live in other states... so I'm in a different place. I'm talking about for the guys who are just coming in on their first fight where they're making 10 and 10."

He highlights the exorbitant costs associated with fighting, including travel, coaching, and accommodation:

Aljamain Sterling [16:24]: "A thousand to show up, make weight $8,000 to show up in the cage. And then if I win, I would get that other $8,000. So 8 and 8 and then you have to pay your expenses... it adds up really, really quick."

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Mental Warfare and Personal Practices

Sterling touches on personal discipline and debunks certain practices he found ineffective, such as semen retention:

Aljamain Sterling [16:43]: "You think it's bullshit or I think it's bullshit. I've tried it. I felt no difference... it's not, at least for me, it's not affecting me."

He shares his belief that mental discipline is paramount, beyond physical training:

Aljamain Sterling [17:09]: "I think the problem is if you're going out, you're staying up all night chasing tail... you got a nice girl at home like I do, I got a nice fiance."

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Future Plans and Legacy

The conversation shifts to Sterling’s aspirations beyond fighting, including potential roles in commentary and his desire to see improved fighter compensation:

Aljamain Sterling [22:04]: "Oh, I would love that. If I were to just remove myself from the sport, it would be... people feel like I do a great job of blending it and making people understand who never trained what it's like..."

He expresses a passion for educating the public about MMA, hoping to bridge the gap between fighters and fans:

Aljamain Sterling [22:45]: "I don't know if there's a word for that. Cheers, brother. That was fun."

Sterling also contemplates the importance of legacy and ensuring future fighters receive fair compensation:

Aljamain Sterling [21:24]: "But we don't get paid millions like those guys, so hopefully, the pay will keep increasing... I would love for one day to commentate and be able to see these guys getting paid hundreds of thousands, millions..."

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Personal Reflections and Responsibilities

Sterling opens up about his personal life, future family plans, and the responsibility of being a role model:

Aljamain Sterling [17:31]: "I would not let my kids fight unless I felt they were putting in the same work that I was putting in... You're talking your brain cells, you're talking longevity and the rest of your life."

He emphasizes the need for dedication and awareness of the long-term impacts of fighting:

Aljamain Sterling [20:53]: "Some, a lot... A sad truth, man... choosing this life versus the realities it brings."

Sterling advocates for respect within the sport, urging fans to understand the sacrifices fighters make:

Aljamain Sterling [21:20]: "I would love for one day to commentate and be able to see these guys getting paid hundreds of thousands, millions, and to be able to say I was a pioneer..."

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Conclusion

Sean Kelly and Aljamain Sterling conclude their candid discussion with mutual respect and a shared vision for the future of MMA. Sterling’s honest revelations about the mental and financial challenges of being a fighter provide listeners with a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the high-stakes world of MMA. His aspirations for legacy and advocacy for fighter welfare underscore the multifaceted nature of his career, blending athletic prowess with business acumen and personal integrity.

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Notable Quotes:

1. Aljamain Sterling [01:14]: "It’s about how you train, how you prepare yourself and get ready for the mental and physical warfare."
2. Aljamain Sterling [09:46]: "Mind games are a very big part of competing... bad things will happen."
3. Aljamain Sterling [15:00]: "We get a fraction, a small fraction of what these guys are getting."
4. Aljamain Sterling [17:31]: "You're talking your brain cells, you're talking longevity and the rest of your life."
5. Aljamain Sterling [21:20]: "I would love for one day to commentate and be able to see these guys getting paid hundreds of thousands, millions..."

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This episode of the Digital Social Hour offers a rare glimpse into the life of a UFC champion, balancing the physical demands of MMA with the intricate mental strategies required for success. Aljamain Sterling’s insights provide invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and athletes alike, emphasizing the importance of resilience, strategic thinking, and ethical considerations in the pursuit of excellence.

Transcript

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[Host]

Like, how much natural talent did you have?

[Aljamain Sterling]

I guess I feel like I did naturally have a good IQ over most people in terms of combat, but naturally I feel like I above the pack. I was kind of solid at coming out of the gate.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah.

[Host]

And your work ethic is what took you to that champ level.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah, everything is work ethic, man. Like everyone could throw punches, everyone could throw knees, everyone could throw kicks. But it's about how you train, how you prepare yourself and get ready for the mental and physical warfare.

[Host]

All right, guys, got Al Jermaine Sterling here, got his liquor brand and we're at the CPT here. You just busted out, right?

[Aljamain Sterling]

Damn, that sounds crazy when you say it like that. I thought I was gonna make it to the final table, but I didn't. Did not make it to the final table.

[Host]

Was it a bad beat or were you outplayed?

[Aljamain Sterling]

I was outlooked by Cardell Jones for the. I think maybe the fourth time on the table. I think I had him beat until he beat me pause on the river three times in a row and then the fourth one sent me home.

[Host]

Damn.

[Aljamain Sterling]

So just imagine that. Like I just didn't. I kept slow rolling him and everybody else and then he just kept catching it on the river every single time. Like, dude, this is absurd luck.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Like percentages is just crazy. That shouldn't happen.

[Host]

Yeah. Are you big on poker? You play outside of this?

[Aljamain Sterling]

No, just this. Just this. Otherwise I would have bet heavy on the first on the. On the river and then hopefully not the river, the flop.

[Host]

Right.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I would have bet heavy on the flop and then maybe I would have scared him off, but unfortunately I slow rolled him and then he just stuck around long enough to win the hand.

[Host]

I feel that. Damn, man. Shit.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Cold blooded.

[Host]

Shit happens. Any fights coming up?

[Aljamain Sterling]

October 5th, Salt Lake City, UFC 307 is going down, taking on Mo Sar, even the leather. And I can't wait to take that off.

[Host]

Let's go. Also, your teammate Merab's got a fight coming up. He's fighting for the belt, right?

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah.

[Host]

What's it like being able to be in his corner for that fight?

[Aljamain Sterling]

Just like every other fight, you know, I try to remind him like this is just like everything else. Just be you, take your time. And if I can give you any type of advice, do not rush in and then lay an egg in the middle of rushing in and then realize that you're about to get clapped. No Diddy. So just don't make those mistakes and I think it'd be a good night for us.

[Host]

Boom.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Especially for him.

[Host]

Yeah. When you were first starting out, were you just really good at first or did you have like, how much natural talent did you have?

[Aljamain Sterling]

I guess, I mean, wrestling wise, I feel like I did naturally have a good IQ over most people in terms of combat, but of course it takes time to develop that and you start to learn more tricks and things and as you train more. But naturally I feel like I above the pack, I was kind of solid at coming out of the gate.

[Host]

Yeah, yeah. And that your work ethic is what took you to that champ level.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah, everything is work ethic, man. Like everyone could throw punches, everyone could throw knees, everyone could throw kicks. But it's about how you train, how you prepare yourself and get ready for the mental and physical warfare.

[Host]

Right. So. And you're friends with a lot of the champions. Do you see any similarities in all them other training and all that?

[Aljamain Sterling]

I would say so. I think the, the main thing is knowing what you need to do versus having someone always telling you. It's one thing to have your coaches there that can kind of let you know and guide you, but it's another thing to kind of have a, an idea of what you should do and where you should be at. Like, I've always been very, I don't want to say self trained, but for the most part kind of like dictating how my camp should go, what I need to work on, because I'm honest with the things I need to work on. I know I need to work on my striking. I know I need to get better in these other avenues, but for the most part, I know how to prepare to win with the tools that I have that I was blessed with.

[Host]

Right. That's good that you know your weaknesses, because some people won't acknowledge that. Right. And that's their weakness.

[Aljamain Sterling]

100%. And that's the problem. If you can be real to yourself, then how are you going to go out there and win time and time again?

[Host]

Right. Because each fight is so different. Right?

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yes.

[Host]

You're training for a whole new fight.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yep, 100%. Each one comes with a new puzzle, a new riddle you got to try to solve, and hopefully you do your best trying to leave no stones unturned and get ready for that, that math equation. And hopefully you have the answers.

[Host]

Absolutely. Who's been your toughest fight so far?

[Aljamain Sterling]

Toughest fight in terms of, like, competing the whole fight, I would say Pedro Munoz, because for that fight, I actually tore my scaphoid lunate ligament probably in 2015. I fought him in 2019, and it got progressively worse. So by time that fight came along, I couldn't really rely on my wrestling, so I shot a couple times, but he just kind of stuffed the takedowns. But I kind of knew going into it, like, I'm gonna have to use this to blanket what I'm trying to do, which is score some points. He's not going to quit. I know. I wasn't a knockout fighter.

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[Aljamain Sterling]

One punch knockout things like that this.

[Host]

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[Aljamain Sterling]

Walk into a shot for me to knock him out like that, so I knew I had to be ready for 15 minutes and that was probably my most action packed Fun fight for 15 minutes straight. Just non stop action. I think we actually set the record for band and wait strikes in 15 minutes. Wow.

[Host]

So you were gassed by the end of that one.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I was shot. I was shot. I didn't have no chance to just take him down and rest. It was constant action the entire time. And I felt like that fight made me come out the other side a better. A better fighter.

[Host]

So that was like a stamina fight. Like, who could last longer, right?

[Aljamain Sterling]

Oh, 100%.

[Host]

You guys were both trying to tire each other out playing like a mind game. Right. And that's the side of the fight people don't see. The mind game.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah, mind games are very. A very big part of competing. You can do all the physical stuff, but if your mind is not in the. In the right place, and I kind of remind myself of the. I remind myself what I point to the omalley fight, just not having your mind in the right place, like you could do all the physical work. Like, even though I. I try to trick myself as best as I can that you're ready to go. If your mind and your spirit's not in the right place, ready to compete and you're not in the right headspace, bad things will happen. And that's exactly what happened on the night the better man won that night. So you gotta. You kind of have to just make sure you're all dialed in from a physical, mental and spiritual front. And that's just the way I typically like to approach the game. And I think that's what helped me get to the top to begin with.

[Host]

Wow. So that O'Malley fight, you didn't feel there mentally?

[Aljamain Sterling]

No, I mean, the first round I did what I needed to do. Like, I stuck to the game plan and then round two, I don't know what it was. In between rounds I asked to coat my coaches with. Was it round coast? Do you think I won? I forgot what they said in between rounds, but I was in my head. I just kind of switched the. Flipped the switch. And I was like, I'm just going to go forward and try to gas pedal him. And I just wanted to be out of the cage. And unfortunately, that was completely against the game plan. And I paid for it, you know, so it's just one of those things, like you have a game plan, you have a recipe for success. All three judges had me winning that round. And of course, we didn't even get to go to a second round past the second round, I should say. So if I just stuck to the game plan, I think if I were to keep it the same way, it would have been a boring fight. But I think I would have gotten the job done. But again, once you make that decision to make a certain type of move, which I did, threw across, miscalculated the distance, didn't roll my head afterwards, just kind of stood there, froze, and got capitalized on a good counter striker and he won the fight.

[Host]

Damn. Do you see fighters have that moral dilemma of, okay, I can win this, but it'll be boring. But if I make this entertaining, my money might go up later down the road.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I don't know if there's fighters that are thinking, like, if I make this entertaining, my money goes up, down the line. Unless you're Michael Chandler. And no disrespect to him because he fights. He said, I'm here for a good time, not for a long time. Like, he wears his heart on his. On his sleeve. He goes out there, he's just looking to entertaining from beginning of the belt all the way to the end. I don't fight like that. I didn't get to the top by fighting like that. And it's hard to say. I don't think many guys are fighting like that with that thought process.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Aljamain Sterling]

And if you are, then more proud to you. But at the end of the day, is winning winning at the end of the day, nobody is going to go back in time and go, but that was a boring fight. Going to look and see who won, who lost, and that's going to be your curriculum to judge who is the best at a certain time period and a certain time.

[Host]

Fair enough.

[Aljamain Sterling]

That's the way I look at it.

[Host]

Yeah. Well, you see Khabib, who's undefeated, but then you see the trolls online that are like, his fights were boring, so he's not the goat.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You could say his fights were boring, but he was very dominant. So it's like, what's better, being dominant or being guys? If you're looking for style, comfort and versatility, check out the latest collection from Versed. Whether you're hitting the gym or tackling your daily routine, Verst's wide selection of menswear blends proven performance with a functional and classical look. Their new fleece collections are designed with premium fabrics. The perfect layered style that keeps you feeling good and looking even better. Explore the latest from Versed for next level comfort and elevated style. Available only at Dick's sporting goods shop, now@Dick's.com first, super entertaining and flashy, making it a bar fight and then having to go home, possibly losing, getting half your paycheck and then maybe going home with stitches in your face.

[Host]

Yeah. Oh, so if you lose, it's half.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Half your paycheck usually.

[Host]

Damn.

[Aljamain Sterling]

So.

[Host]

So there's a lot on the line when it comes to winning and losing then 100%.

[Aljamain Sterling]

So you know, that's one thing I do wish the fans would understand. It's not like we're NBA, NFL soccer players playing in the leagues overseas where we can make all this millions and it doesn't matter what you do in there, just go out there and have fun and go crazy as you can. Yeah, we're literally fighting for our next paycheck to possibly last us maybe the next year. Especially for me coming to New York, like living and growing up in New York, for me to have one fight and it doesn't go my way like eh, half that paycheck doesn't.

[Host]

That affects you.

[Aljamain Sterling]

It affects you a lot. So especially when you're coming up like now I'm in a different tax bracket, so I'm fortunate and blessed that I've been able to win as many fights as I did and accomplish what I've been able to accomplish. But for the most part, the average guy in New York, you know, people might say you could just move out of New York. Yeah, I'm going to tell my coaches to leave your wife and your children and just come move with me and come do all these things in another state. Yeah, it doesn't work like that, you know. So with that said, it's just a very tough place. And that's why I do appreciate being able to grow up in New York because I know how gritty it could be, how tough it could be. And I think that's where I kind of learned to be who I am today.

[Host]

Yeah, New York ain't cheap. So when you see these crazy bags in boxing, what goes through your head?

[Aljamain Sterling]

How are we not getting that way more fun, way more entertaining, multiple ways to win. These guys in there rigging fights and somehow, some way they're getting paid millions on millions and it's usually just the main event, maybe the co main. Well, we have a stacked card and all these guys are so talented and we get a fraction, a small. A fraction of a fraction of what these guys are getting. Yeah, of course I'm in a different place. I'm talking about for the guys who are just coming in on their first fight where they're making 10 and 10. I don't know if it went up to 12 and 12 yet, but when I came in I made 8 and 8.

[Host]

Damn.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You know, So a thousand to show up, make weight 8,000 to show up in the cage. And then if I win, I would get that other 8,000. So 8 and 8 and then you have to pay your expenses or everything that you pay to get to the fight, flights for your extra coaches, because they typically only pay for one fighter, one coach, one hotel room. So people that don't want to sleep on top of each other because they need a little bit of, you know, comfort, whatever, you want to be weird or do some other stuff in your corner and play with your johnson, you get another room. So you pay for another room, you pay for another flight for your third. And it adds up really, really quick. So you're looking at 8 and 8 and that's before taxes and that's before all your expenses to get to the fight.

[Host]

Wow.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You know, so it's been a grind, like I said, growing up in New York, it's very expensive compared to most other fighters that live in other states. And again, I can only just chop it up to being blessed and feeling like I've been highly favored and I don't take that for granted. So hopefully there's another belt in my future and we can keep going from there.

[Host]

I love it. Sounds like you don't participate in semen retention leading up to the fights.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You think it's bullshit or I think it's bullshit. I've tried it. I felt no difference. I went off the rails. I felt no difference. I said, okay, that's it, man. Why am I gonna cut myself short from having fun if it's not really? I don't say not really, but it's not, at least for me, it's not affecting me.

[Host]

It's probably a mental thing.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I think so, 100%. I think the problem is if you're going out, you're staying up all night chasing tail. You got a nice girl at home like I do, I got a nice fiance. You know, I think it's completely different thing. I go home and attack my, my fiance, soon to be wife.

[Host]

I feel that that's the way to do it. So if you ever have kids, which hopefully you do, would you ever let them get into fighting?

[Aljamain Sterling]

I would not let my kids fight unless I felt they were putting in the same work that I was putting in, especially at 21. When I was 21, I was in college, full time college student. I was coaching part time and I was training myself full time, doing two sessions a day. And I was a different beast back then compared to what I am now. Like now I'm more educated. I'M more experienced, so I know when to push, push, pull. Course your body doesn't bounce back the way it does at 21. Yeah, but back then, different, different animal, just very inexperienced, but different animal. You could throw, hit this guy with a kitchen sink and he's bouncing right back at you, right in your face, you know? So if I'm going to have kids, which I plan to, I got to make sure that they're having the same dedication that I had. Because you don't play for fun in there, you play for keeps. You're talking your brain cells, you're talking longevity and the rest of your life. And I don't take that as a joking matter. I know people make memes and they joke about stuff like, oh, that's why you got knocked out. I'm like, yo, bro, we like, if you only understood what that felt like to be in that position and know like in the future everything could change and your quality of life can change based on this. And then I know some people are going to say, well, no one told you to fight. No one told you to do this. Well, also, no one told you to work a boring ass fucking 9 to 5 job and never feel alive. And that's why you watch us right at the end of the day, you know what I mean? You watch us to come alive, you know, so when you're out there betting your money, you work your 40 hour shift to hopefully get by while we're out there trying to be gladiators to perform and put on a show for people who want entertainment, you know, I think there's a respect factor that should be in the equation. So again, comes to my kids, as long as they're putting in the right work, I wouldn't necessarily be opposed to it. But I have family that fought and I tell them like, dude, if you're not gonna do the things that you see me doing, you know what it takes to get here. Don't shortchange yourself. Because at the end of the day, again, this is not a joking matter. You're playing with your brain cells and you're talking about your quality of life when you're an old man, God willing, you make it to 50, 60, 70 years old. You don't want to be the guy that's shaking and trembling and doing all these things and having to have people take care of you because you didn't do the right things. And hopefully you made enough money where if you do get to that point, you can at least pay for it to take care of Yourself. So that's kind of the way I look at it. So even my fiance here. And now we still talk about, like, retirement. I ask her, like, if I were to retire, hypothetically, tomorrow, how would you feel? If I were to fight Mossar Evloev and retire after that, even if I was the next guy to fight for a belt and I retired, how would you feel about that? Because it's a real conversation, and those are real thoughts that I have. And again, I would rather be able to play with my kids. And of course, I accomplished what I need to accomplish. Right. You know, so I would rather be able to play with my kids and enjoy their life and teach them things that. Things that I didn't have the opportunity to learn from my parents or my dad and be a big part of their life while they grow.

[Host]

No, I feel that, dude, because there's some fighters that stayed a little too long, I think, and you could see the damage now.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Some, a lot.

[Host]

Right. Boxers too.

[Aljamain Sterling]

A lot. And it's a sad truth, man, but it's one of those things. And I know people say, no one told you to choose this life, but again, we move towards our calling, and whatever you feel is for you is for you, you know? So that's the way I look at it.

[Host]

It's a lot of sports, too. NFL.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah.

[Host]

Anything with contact. Something to think about, for sure.

[Aljamain Sterling]

But we don't get paid millions like those guys, so hopefully, you know, these guys can. The pay will keep increasing. I do think the UFC is one of the highest paying promotions out there, and hopefully things just keep getting better. And I know we're not as old as boxing, but, you know, I would love for one day to commentate and be able to see these guys getting paid hundreds of thousands, millions, and to be able to say I was a pioneer, one of the pioneers in that process while these guys were continuously growing the sport.

[Host]

I love that. So you're thinking about doing what D.C. did, transitioning into commentary.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Oh, I would love that. I. I think if I were to just remove myself from the sport, it would be. At least this is what people tell me. They tell me that it would be like. What would you call it? Can't think of the word.

[Host]

Well, you would know a lot about the mc.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah. It would be a loss of. I don't want to say talent, but a loss of insight.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Aljamain Sterling]

To what's actually going on. Because I guess people, when they listen to my podcast, they feel like I do a great job of blending it and making people understand who never trained what it's like or what the positions are happening and so they can understand what's actually going on.

[Host]

You can simplify it so the common person can get what's going on.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Exactly.

[Host]

Yeah. That's what, medium.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I don't know if there's a word for that.

[Host]

Well, cheers, brother. That was fun.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Cheers.

[Host]

Yeah, thanks for coming on.

[Aljamain Sterling]

See you guys soon.