Digital Social Hour Episode Summary
Episode Title: Why Most Fighters Fail After 40: Champion Reveals Solution | Dewey Cooper DSH #1089
Release Date: January 11, 2025
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Dewey Cooper

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a profound conversation with Dewey Cooper, a seasoned kickboxer and martial artist with over four decades of experience in the fighting world. Dewey shares his journey, insights on longevity in combat sports, personal evolution, and the importance of maintaining physical and mental well-being beyond the age of 40.

Early Beginnings and Fighting Career

[01:35 - 04:54]

Dewey Cooper delves into his early start in martial arts, beginning Muay Thai at the tender age of nine and participating in his first amateur fight at ten. Celebrating his 50th birthday, Dewey reflects on his 41-year-long career, positioning himself as one of the pioneers of American kickboxing, especially in integrating full Muay Thai techniques such as leg kicks, clenched knees, and elbows.

Dewey Cooper [02:07]: "I was one of the first generation in the US with doing like full Muay Thai leg kicks, clenched knees, elbows, all of that."

He attributes his early involvement in fighting to a naturally aggressive temperament and growing up in a tough environment where street fights were commonplace. For Dewey, combat was not just a means of resolving conflicts but also a way to instill discipline and channel his fighting spirit constructively.

Navigating Challenges and Evolution

[05:11 - 15:06]

Dewey discusses the stark contrasts between his formative years and the present day, highlighting the shift from physical confrontations to verbal battles, especially with the advent of social media. Initially dismissive of the mental health struggles that come with verbal abuse, Dewey acknowledges his own transformation over time.

Dewey Cooper [05:15]: "People are going to be dickheads in life. People are going to try to force you to do things or make you feel inferior."

He emphasizes the importance of adapting to change, maintaining self-worth, and finding healthy outlets for stress—originally through fighting and later through writing and other forms of self-expression.

Poetry, Rap, and Personal Expression

[05:45 - 09:55]

Introducing a multifaceted aspect of his life, Dewey reveals his passion for poetry and rap, which he began writing at the age of five. This creative pursuit served as an outlet for his emotions and provided a counterbalance to the physical demands of fighting.

Dewey Cooper [08:05]: "Writing is my outlet. So I write all the time. I got books and books of writing."

He draws parallels between rap and traditional poetry, advocating for the recognition of rappers as modern-day poets who use their art to inspire and influence.

Maintaining Fitness and Avoiding Midlife Crisis

[12:00 - 22:38]

Dewey shares his rigorous training regimen, especially during his annual birthday celebrations, where he commits to an entire day of workouts encompassing running, boxing, kickboxing, and conditioning. This discipline is his strategy to stave off the typical midlife crisis and the physical decline that often accompanies aging.

Dewey Cooper [17:16]: "If you can keep that up, there's no decline. That's the key to happiness when you get older."

By consistently pushing his physical limits, Dewey maintains not only his fitness but also his mental resilience, proving that age is just a number for those dedicated to their craft.

Perspectives on MMA and Coaching Elite Fighters

[26:20 - 33:12]

Transitioning to the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Dewey offers his insights on the evolution of the sport. He highlights the necessity for fighters to be well-rounded, combining striking and grappling to succeed in modern MMA.

Dewey Cooper [26:54]: "Mixed martial arts is really evolving and it's gonna keep getting better and better."

As a coach, Dewey has had the privilege of training top fighters, including UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou. He recounts the challenges and triumphs of coaching Ngannou, emphasizing their mutual respect and the rigorous training that led to championship victories.

Dewey Cooper [28:35]: "I've been with Francis since the end of 2016. Damn. 2017."

Balancing Family, Friends, and Fighters

[33:58 - 39:37]

Family holds paramount importance for Dewey, followed by true friends and then fighters. He distinguishes between these relationships, noting that while fighters can be deeply committed, their relationships are often contingent on performance and mutual goals.

Dewey Cooper [34:03]: "Family is the most important thing, man. Three things in this world that matter to me. Three things. Family, friends and fighters."

Dewey emphasizes the need for maintaining clear boundaries between personal and professional relationships to ensure lasting and meaningful connections.

Introducing Team Combat League (TCL)

[43:39 - 45:38]

Towards the end of the episode, Dewey introduces Team Combat League (TCL), a revolutionary professional boxing format that blends team dynamics with traditional boxing. TCL features professional teams from various cities competing in high-energy, short-round fights designed to maximize entertainment and strategic team play.

Dewey Cooper [43:43]: "It's the most exhilarating professional boxing format you'll ever see."

He invites listeners to experience TCL's unique approach to boxing by tuning into their YouTube channel and attending upcoming events, highlighting the league's innovative structure and exciting competition.

Conclusion

Dewey Cooper's conversation with Sean Kelly offers a rare glimpse into the life of a fighter who has successfully navigated the challenges of aging in a physically demanding sport. His dedication to continuous training, personal growth, and mentoring the next generation of fighters serves as an inspiring blueprint for longevity and fulfillment beyond the conventional limits of athletic careers.

Notable Quotes:

• Dewey Cooper [02:07]: "I was one of the first generation in the US with doing like full Muay Thai leg kicks, clenched knees, elbows, all of that."
• Dewey Cooper [05:15]: "People are going to be dickheads in life. People are going to try to force you to do things or make you feel inferior."
• Dewey Cooper [08:05]: "Writing is my outlet. So I write all the time. I got books and books of writing."
• Dewey Cooper [17:16]: "If you can keep that up, there's no decline. That's the key to happiness when you get older."
• Dewey Cooper [26:54]: "Mixed martial arts is really evolving and it's gonna keep getting better and better."
• Dewey Cooper [34:03]: "Family is the most important thing, man. Three things in this world that matter to me. Three things. Family, friends and fighters."

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring fighters, seasoned athletes, and anyone interested in the intersection of discipline, personal growth, and longevity in competitive sports.