Life After MLB: Levi Kelly’s Raw Path from Pro Baseball to MMA Fighter

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Life After MLB: Levi Kelly’s Raw Path from Pro Baseball to MMA Fighter"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Determined Society with Shawn French
• Host: Sean Fritsch
• Episode: Life After MLB: Levi Kelly’s Raw Path from Pro Baseball to MMA Fighter
• Release Date: November 11, 2024

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Introduction to Levi Kelly’s Journey

In this compelling episode of The Determined Society with Shawn French, host Sean Fritsch delves deep into the inspiring journey of Levi Kelly—from his early days in professional baseball to his current endeavors as an MMA fighter. The conversation captures Levi’s resilience, the challenges he faced, and the unwavering determination that propelled him through significant life transitions.

Early Life and Baseball Career

Levi Kelly opens up about his upbringing in the small town of St. Albans, West Virginia, highlighting the tight-knit community and limited high school sports divisions. He recounts his initial exposure to competitive sports at Nitro High School, where he admired J.R. House, a local phenom who excelled in both baseball and football. Levi’s passion for baseball led him to play travel ball in Florida, eventually earning a spot at IMG Academy during his sophomore year.

Levi Kelly [00:02:14]: "Born and raised in a super small town, St. Albans, W.Va. The biggest high school is 3A in the whole state, maybe 4A now."

His commitment to LSU early in high school exemplifies his dedication, though unforeseen circumstances, including a car accident and subsequent injury, altered his path. Despite these setbacks, Levi was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 8th round, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.

Challenges and Turning Points

Levi candidly discusses a pivotal moment at [00:00:00] when an interaction with the pitching coordinator highlighted his fiery spirit and determination. This confrontation underscored the often transactional nature of professional sports relationships.

Levi Kelly [00:00:00]: "I remember when I got hurt, he came into the dugout and was like, what the fuck are you doing? ... I'm from West Virginia, bro. I don't give a fuck if you're the coordinator or not. I'll fucking smack you right across the face."

This episode illustrates Levi’s struggle with identity and relationships within the MLB system, revealing the emotional toll of transitioning from being a top prospect to facing potential release.

Transition to MMA

Post his release from MLB, Levi faced an identity crisis, a theme Sean Fritsch explores extensively. Levi found solace and a new passion in MMA, viewing training as a continuous journey rather than just a sport. His entry into MMA was marked by intense training sessions at top gyms like Kill Cliff in Boca Raton, where he faced formidable opponents, learning the harsh realities of combat sports.

Levi Kelly [00:15:19]: "When I got released, I was kind of just like everyone else. What the hell am I going to do? I was still in school."

This transition was not without its challenges. Training at elite gyms exposed him to high-level competition, forcing him to adapt quickly. The learning curve was steep, with Levi acknowledging his initial struggles and the need for more structured instruction at smaller gyms like Evolution in Naples.

Mental Resilience and Family Support

A significant portion of the conversation centers on mental resilience and the role of family support in Levi’s journey. His Marine Corps father instilled a sense of discipline and independence, which Levi credits for his ability to navigate tough decisions and setbacks.

Levi Kelly [00:12:33]: "My dad was in the Marine Corps, so I think that speaks for itself. They always kind of let me make my own decision."

Levi emphasizes the importance of a supportive partner in his girlfriend, who has stood by him through relocations and career shifts. Her unwavering belief in him has been a cornerstone of his perseverance.

Balancing Discipline and Flexibility

Levi discusses the fine line between discipline and flexibility, noting how his structured approach sometimes led to burnout. He reflects on the necessity of adapting his routines to sustain long-term performance, contrasting his rigidity with the more flowy nature of some of his contemporaries like Corbin Carroll and Alec Thomas.

Levi Kelly [00:26:05]: "Corbin is very structured and rigid, and so you can see that in their play too. Alec is very flowy... They both get the job done at a very high level."

This balance is crucial in both baseball and MMA, where maintaining physical and mental health requires a blend of strict training and adaptive strategies.

Overcoming Fear and Embracing Growth

The conversation shifts to overcoming fear, both in the ring and in life. Levi shares a transformative moment before his first fight when his boxing coach reassured him that the nerves he felt were protective mechanisms enhancing his performance.

Levi Kelly [00:20:25]: "He said, 'everyone feels that. That's God's way of protecting you. Those nerves are going to make you faster, they're going to make you punch harder.'"

Sean Fritsch echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the universal nature of fear and the importance of moving forward despite it.

Sean Fritsch [00:21:42]: "Feel the fear. Feel the being scared shitless, but move in spite of it because it may not look perfect, but you'd surprise yourself along the way."

Advice and Determination

As the episode nears its conclusion, Levi provides actionable advice rooted in his experiences. His mantra, "Just keep showing up," encapsulates the essence of perseverance—attending training sessions, facing fears, and pushing through even on days when motivation is lacking.

Levi Kelly [00:42:09]: "Just keep showing up. And then the days that you don't want to show up, just show up and go through the motions."

Sean reinforces this philosophy by highlighting the importance of small, consistent actions over grand, unsustainable efforts.

Sean Fritsch [00:43:46]: "Showing up is what we did today. And then connections are formed, and then things are built from that."

Personal Reflections and Future Goals

Levi reflects on his personal growth, recognizing moments of weakness and the continuous effort required to maintain balance. He shares his future plans, including upcoming fights and the strategic steps needed to earn his professional MMA card.

Levi Kelly [00:19:26]: "My plan is probably to get five fights first and then see where we're at."

Sean and Levi also touch on the physical demands of MMA, discussing weight cutting techniques and the importance of listening to one’s body to prevent injuries.

Conclusion: Embracing Authenticity and Continuous Growth

The episode concludes with a powerful message about authenticity and self-improvement. Levi’s journey from MLB to MMA serves as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to adapt, overcome, and redefine success on one’s own terms.

Sean Fritsch [00:44:10]: "Be yourself. There's too many people out there seeing somebody else and respecting something big about those people because of what they accomplish. You can't be them. You are one of a one. Limited edition."

Notable Quotes:

• Levi Kelly [00:00:00]: "I'm from West Virginia, bro. I don't give a fuck if you're the coordinator or not. I'll fucking smack you right across the face."
• Sean Fritsch [00:21:42]: "Feel the fear. Feel the being scared shitless, but move in spite of it because it may not look perfect, but you'd surprise yourself along the way."
• Levi Kelly [00:42:09]: "Just keep showing up. And then the days that you don't want to show up, just show up and go through the motions."

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Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully captures the essence of determination and adaptability through Levi Kelly's story. Listeners gain valuable insights into overcoming adversity, the importance of mental resilience, and the power of authentic self-expression. Levi’s candid reflections and actionable advice make this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating significant life transitions or striving for personal development.

For those inspired by Levi’s journey, the message is clear: persistence, adaptability, and staying true to oneself are the keys to unlocking potential and achieving greatness.

Stay Determined and Inspired!

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Connect with Levi Kelly:

• Instagram: @LeviKellyMMA
• MMA Profile: Sherdog

Subscribe to The Determined Society:

• Apple Podcasts: The Determined Society
• Spotify: The Determined Society

Thank you for tuning in! Remember to subscribe, like, and share to stay connected with the most impactful personal development conversations.

Transcript

[Levi Kelly]

I remember I got hurt. And the pitching coordinator, he started talking to me different. So I was like. I had this little bit of like, I can fuck you up. And I wasn't afraid to voice that. I remember when I got hurt, he came into the dugout and was like, what the fuck are you doing? Like this. This shit doesn't even play an A ball. Jesus. And I'm like, dude, you're. Who the fuck do you think you're talking to? I'm from West Virginia, bro. I don't give a fuck if you're the coordinator or not. I'll fucking smack you right across the face. Right? Like, at the end of the day, take all this bullshit off. Like, bro, I'm from West Virginia, like, the sticks. People look at me like I'm some Florida boy or whatever, which is cool. But in West Virginia, junkyard dog. Oh. Like, I'll smack you right across your face. He came at me like that, and I was like, think you're talking to. And I just remember that being a moment. Like, dude, you're just in number. Like, you built a relationship with this guy and you think he's your friend. He's not your.

[Sean Fritsch]

No, it was your. Based on your value, right?

[Sean French]

Sean French. What up? This one luck. I let the pain inspire me. I put my all in. Everything I'm doing up until it's done, I'm me for the entirety. I put it in overtime. I be working. Just know I'm a go for mine. Cause I earned it. They watch and I know it's time I confirmed it. The whole society determined.

[Sean Fritsch]

What's up, everybody? Welcome back to another episode of the Determined Society. I'm your host, Sean Fritsch. If you haven't watched or listened to the episode, hit subscribe, follow along. Today I have with me an amazing guest, former baseball player. Shocker. I know I don't have many baseball players on here, but Levi Kelly played at img, also local here in Fort Myers at Bishopro for a cup. For a cup of tea.

[Levi Kelly]

Brief little step.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, yeah. Had a. Had a brief commitment to LSU. Go Tigers. And then into the Diamondbacks organization in 8th round. Now he's doing some amazing things in MMA, so I'm excited to get into it, man. Welcome to the show.

[Levi Kelly]

Appreciate you having me. It's a sweet setup. Watched a couple of the episodes, it seems. Seems sweet. So congrats.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah. I mean, we try, man. We try, right? You know, we're not perfect, but we're doing it, man. We're out here doing it. So I'm grateful to have you on the show. So walk the audience through your background a little bit. I think you're from up north a little bit, right?

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah. So born and raised, small town, St. Albans, W.V. y. Like, super small town. I think the biggest high school is 3A in the whole state, maybe 4A now. But when I was coming up 3A, went to Nitro High School my freshman year. I don't know if you know J.R. house.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

So J.R. house was like, the phenom of West Virginia. Okay. And he would play baseball in Florida, transfer back to West Virginia and play football.

[Sean Fritsch]

No.

[Levi Kelly]

So that was like, the model for me, at least growing up. Wow. And then his dad was kind of like, hey, you need to get to Florida. So I played travel ball in Florida. And then freshman year, after freshman year, transferred time G. And that's what kind of got me. Got me here. And yeah, I was at IMG sophomore year, and then family moved to Cape Coral, and we were like, hey, we're in Florida. Like, baseball is good in the entire state. I don't necessarily need to be at img, Living away from home and all that. So I went to Bishop Row for a little bit. Played my junior year there, and then got in a car accident at the end of my junior year, spring, and didn't want to get rehab, like, at a typical pt whatever, because I didn't want it on the medical stuff for the draft. So my dad was like, let's go back to img. You can rehab on the download there. And so I went there and then drafted out of there.

[Sean Fritsch]

When you were here at Bishop Vero, who was your coach? Was it that stint where. What's. What was his name?

[Levi Kelly]

Flores.

[Sean Fritsch]

Flores, that's right. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I remember that. Yeah. Because it wasn't Casey Scott yet. It definitely wasn't David Nelson. So.

[Levi Kelly]

No, Nelson was there, but he was there as, like, the Dean of Students or something. Yeah, Flo was good. He was just young for the job.

[Sean Fritsch]

Very young, dude. Very young.

[Levi Kelly]

And we weren't the easiest to deal with, dude.

[Sean Fritsch]

High school kids are never easy to deal with, dude. It's always one thing because there's so many distractions now, right? It's like, it's not just baseball or football or wrestling. It's all this other. And I think that high school kids have. Have. Like, there's so many different things that have their attention now. I think they're growing up quicker because of social media. Right. It's like they. They feel entitled to drink sooner do drugs sooner, go to parties sooner. And it's just fucking wild to me, man.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah. You just have access to so many things, so much information. Yeah. Whether it's true or not. Like, you think you know more as a young kid because you have access to things that maybe the older generation didn't have.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah. It's interesting because I remember when I was in high school, and I don't know how it was. I mean, because you were. Well, you graduated in 2018. 2019. Yeah. 2018.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

So, like, for me, graduated in 1997. Like, I didn't. I didn't know what a weekend was. Yeah, I didn't know what a weekend was, bro, because I was. I was trying to get there, Right. I was trying to play baseball, be really, really good. And then nowadays, you know, like, I'm working with athletes on, you know, on their mental performance and things, and I'm like, hey, what's on your schedule this weekend? Well, I'm going to do this, and then I'm going to go to play poker with all my teammates and go to this party. I'm like, the. Like, that's a thing now. Right. And it's hard for me to manage that type of demographic because to me, it's like. What do you mean? Like, it's like you just go do your shit and then go home, go to sleep, and then wake back up in the morning and do it again.

[Levi Kelly]

Right.

[Sean Fritsch]

How was it for you?

[Levi Kelly]

I'm that way as well, but I like that way. Yeah. I was almost. I feel like coming up, even in pro ball looked at a bit different because I enjoyed that. So it wasn't coming from. I was misunderstood a bit because I think it came across as like, this dude's like an arrogant, kind of, like, try hard type.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

Guy.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

But my hobbies were training.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

My hobbies were hiking. My hobbies were jiu jitsu. My hobbies were whatever. And where other guys. It's like drinking, gambling, all these other things, which, whatever. As long as you're, you know, being responsible is fine. But for me, like, the organization, especially with the Diamondbacks, like, what are you doing hiking? Like, you're supposed to be, like, with your guys, whatever. And it's like, dude, it doesn't stop when I leave here. It doesn't stop for me. Like, this is really what I love to do. And it's not necessarily baseball. It's just training.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

That's why I do the mma is like, if I can train for a living, I don't care if it's for pickleball, yeah, it doesn't matter. I just train.

[Sean Fritsch]

It's really cool. And it's funny you mentioned, like, you were misunderstood as a player, right? You know, like an arrogant type. Try hard. You know, it's funny because I've never got that read on you, but that reminds me of one of my athletes, one of my favorite athletes I've ever worked with. He's like a little brother to me now is Jackson Beeman. He was at Mizzou for a lot of years. Now he's at Iowa. And he gets that, like, coaches sometimes have a problem with him because he's always doing weird shit. Right? I'm saying air quotes for those of you that aren't watching on YouTube. Air Quotes is weird shit. The dude's a fucking worker, man. He's sitting there being paid to go to school, right? So he can perform and hopefully go play in the, in the, in the minor leagues and work his way up like, dude, what else you have to do? Why are people being labeled weird and arrogant and try hards for doing the right fucking shit, right?

[Levi Kelly]

To me, as long as it's done, like, in good intention, that's how I even my career, like, it didn't work out baseball wise, how I expected it, but everything I did, even the mistakes I made were in good intention. They were for the goal. You know, at the end of the day, it was like, to get better.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

And I can look myself in the mirror now and be like, you know, maybe it was right or maybe it was wrong, but at least the intention behind it was good. Yes.

[Sean Fritsch]

That's the thing, though, is I think too, like, that point makes me really think, like, a lot of people talk about right and wrong, right? Why can't it just be right? And especially if you're looking to better yourself, if you're looking to improve your mentality, improve your physicality and your skill, why would anybody have anything to say about it? And I. And I think what. What happens is those people down at the bottom that aren't doing what you're doing or even trying or putting the effort in that you're putting in it offends them because it makes them look like. Right, right.

[Levi Kelly]

They don't believe it.

[Sean Fritsch]

They don't believe it.

[Levi Kelly]

It's like, there's no.

[Sean Fritsch]

There's a way. This is real.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

Right. I want to touch on something really quickly because, you know, you've told me this before, then I forgot about it. And then before our interview, I was like, reading up A little bit more. You were committed to lsu. That was Manary's era, right?

[Levi Kelly]

Manary. So I committed early freshman year of high school. Okay. I was like, yeah, committed. Andy can was there. Oh, my God, that's me.

[Sean Fritsch]

Wow.

[Levi Kelly]

I actually loved him.

[Sean Fritsch]

Which.

[Levi Kelly]

Which, I don't know, whatever. He had his little thing, but.

[Sean Fritsch]

But he was. He's a great baseball coach.

[Levi Kelly]

Dude. He was awesome.

[Sean Fritsch]

He's great.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, he was really good to me. Alan Dunn was there, which was another, like the staff there at that time when I committed. Nolan Kane was like the baseball ops guy. Dude.

[Sean Fritsch]

Nolan's a dope ass, man. He's kicking ass now. He's at A and M. Yes. He's doing really good.

[Levi Kelly]

The staff was insane.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yep.

[Levi Kelly]

And then I go there, it's. People are tailgating at noon for a 7:00 baseball game. Yeah. This is like football sick heaven, bro. Yeah. So.

[Sean Fritsch]

So let's talk about that. Right? So you. You were committed to LSU and then you ended up not going. Right. You went in the draft, Right?

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

So do you ever regret that decision?

[Levi Kelly]

I don't know. I don't think about it that much because I try to just, you know, it's too late now.

[Sean Fritsch]

Fuck.

[Levi Kelly]

You can't change it.

[Sean Fritsch]

Right.

[Levi Kelly]

You know, some people ask me that a lot. The timing. I don't know if I would have got hurt. Like, I got hurt. That would have been my year after my draft year.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

So I don't know how that all would have played out. Like, would I have even got hurt? Maybe I got. I. I don't know. But yeah, it would have been interesting to go there and see it play out.

[Sean Fritsch]

It is funny because, like, my father and I were having this conversation and for those of you listening and watching, you know that my dad and I have had a, you know, really strange relationship. And we've recently started talking and working out again. And my heart's full from it, man, because, you know, it's my dad. You know, I like having conversations with my dad, but I asked him, I was like, did I make a bad decision going to lsu? He goes. He goes, kid, if I had to do it all over again, you would have not gone to LSU. You would have taken that 96% to Cal State Northridge or Western Carolina, and you would have been a badass and you would have done your deal. But here's the thing, man. I like my life where it's at right now. And I. And, and like everything that we do and it's. And I love that you Put the point out of, like, I don't think about it much. It's like everything that we do in our lives, there's a reason for it. Right? There's a reason for it. And we learn different lessons through it. And then through those lessons, we become the man or the woman or cat that people that were meant to be. Right. So it's like, you can never regret a decision.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah. I'll say this about lsu. When I went on my official visit, going back to our previous conversation, I was the guy that was the try hard. So when I went to LSU on my official visit, they party there a good amount. Oh, yeah. Like, it was wild. And I, I, I wasn't that type of guy. And that was my first taste of that. And I remember when I left there, I thought, I'm either going to go down if I go to lsu, I'm either going to go down this path of being wild and it's going to be a great time. But I don't know how much better I'll get at baseball or I won't and I'll be the outcast and the teammates won't like me, and then it won't be the best experience, but maybe. So that was, that was.

[Sean Fritsch]

That does happen, dude. That does happen.

[Levi Kelly]

That was my thought at that age. Now, would that have been the case? I don't know. But I remember thinking that and that kind of played into the decision to sign.

[Sean Fritsch]

You know, it's funny because, like, if you look at quarterbacks like Jaden Daniels, right. Lsu and then Joe Burrow, like, they weren't the dudes that were out.

[Levi Kelly]

Right.

[Sean Fritsch]

Right. So they, I don't think they were the outcast, but, like, if you're going to be that person that doesn't go out, you better be the Golden Spikes winner.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, right.

[Sean Fritsch]

Like Dylan Cruz, or be like a Paul Skenes. Because, like, I think people judge way too much for me. I was always about whatever my teammates wanted to do on their own time. It was cool. I never guilted anybody for not going out or anything like that. But do, like, going back to what you said about going to lsu, you can either go down that road, right. Of being a part of. I went down that road after my first semester. My parents called me, like, hey, get your fucking head out of your ass. You're about to get kicked out of school there. I'm like, what are you talking about? Like, congratulations, first semester you're on academic probation. I had two Ds and two Cs. It's like a 1.5.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

And so, like, for me, like, for you to think like that at a high school level, that's. That's a very intuitive thought process. How has your family played a role in your mental development for you to be thinking like that at 17, 18?

[Levi Kelly]

Well, my dad was in the Marine Corps, so I think that, like, speaks for itself.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, of course.

[Levi Kelly]

And they always kind of let me make my own decision, like, img. They. That had really nothing to do with my parents, that. My parents didn't even know if IMG was really a thing. Yeah, I played for ftb. I don't know.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, of course.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah. So I played for ftb, and I would come down and I would get smoked in June and July of the summer ball. Late in July, I would. I would start to pick up speed, and then right at the very end, I would be, like, on par with everyone else. And I remember telling my parents, like, I have to get to Florida. I can't keep playing catch up in the summer. Like, what are you talking about? I mean, you have to get to Florida. Normal jobs, and we aren't rich. Yeah. And I called img, and at the time, I was. I think I was ranked, like, third on Perfect Game. And they were like, we'll make it work. And I was like, what do you mean you make it work? Like, we're not rich. We can't pay. Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

Like, I can't. Like, I just want to be clear. Like, we.

[Levi Kelly]

Thousand dollars a year, like, yeah, it's not gonna happen. And we went down there, I think August, and school started, like, the end of that month, and they. They made it work.

[Sean Fritsch]

So that's freaking awesome.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah. But my. My mom especially, like, did not want me to go. If this is what you want to do. The biggest thing for img, too, is that's your life. Baseball is your life there. So you'll find out quick if that's what you want to do or not.

[Sean Fritsch]

Did you know Jeff Dillman? Yeah, that's my boy, dude.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, dude.

[Sean Fritsch]

So, like, he was my strength coach at lsu.

[Levi Kelly]

Really?

[Sean Fritsch]

He was a GA back then, dude. Yeah. And then, you know Scotty Cochran, the guy that went. And did you know he was a GA at lsu, but then he went to Alabama and Georgia. He won eight national championships as strength.

[Levi Kelly]

Coaches, and they also got some energy behind them.

[Sean Fritsch]

Dillman's the most amazing dude ever, dude. Yeah, I talked to him pretty frequently. I've talked to. He shot me a message the other day for my birthday, and then I talked to him maybe like two weeks ago. So I keep in touch with him.

[Levi Kelly]

Dude, he's a solid.

[Sean Fritsch]

He's a dude, man. He's a dude.

[Levi Kelly]

I met. I got closer with him when I was at img training as a pro in the off season, he was there doing football stuff or whatever.

[Sean Fritsch]

He's amazing, dude. He's amazing. So catch everybody up now. Mma, mma. I saw. Hey, guys. I went and checked him out at the gym over at Evolution. What's the full name of it? What's it called?

[Levi Kelly]

Evolution in Naples.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, Evolution in Naples. He was hanging out, doing some sparring today, but not for me, dude. I don't want to hear it like that. You hit somebody with a leg kick. I thought I might do that. Would have broke my leg.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, my. The leg kicks in my best shot for sure.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, that's good. I was taking.

[Levi Kelly]

I mean, I snap it on guys in there, but I'm not. I'm not letting it fly. Like, how long to fight? I fight in three weeks, so, like, at. Then I'll be letting it fly.

[Sean Fritsch]

Just nuts, dude. So you mentioned earlier in the conversation, like, if you could just train for a living. And that's what you're doing now, right? So walk everybody through this journey, man. Like baseball to mma.

[Levi Kelly]

So when I got hurt, like, training was my coping, of course. Had thoracic outlet surgery and found jiu jitsu. Probably. Probably not the best thing for. For rehab, I'll say that.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, probably not.

[Levi Kelly]

But I trained in the gi, which is a lot slower. The guys I trained in Arizona with, Tim Welch, Sean Amali, those guys, they took care of me and they. They knew I was playing baseball at the time. And you just fell in love with it. And then after I got released, I was kind of just like everyone else. What the hell am I going to do? I was still in school. My mom made me start school as soon as I got drafted. I'm almost finished with that now. That's awesome. Been like a year and a half since I got released, but just like everyone else, like, what the do I do that?

[Sean Fritsch]

Identity switch, bro. I did a TED Talk on that. The identity crisis after sport. Fuck, bro.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah. I wish there was, like, material out there to help athletes go through that. Really. Um, maybe that's something I'll. I'll try and work on later on in my life. Because even my friends now, I see one through it. I'm like, dude, you got a hard, like, at least year and a half coming.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah. And they don't know it's Coming.

[Levi Kelly]

No, nobody can tell you either, dude.

[Sean Fritsch]

That's. I help athletes with this. I. I do this like th. Like that. Those moments, those years after that, I didn't deal with that identity crisis. There was a gaping hole inside of me, dude. And, and I, I did so much, so many bad things, dude. I was just a piece of. For that period of time, maybe five, six years, where I was just so hurt. I was hurting others just to fulfill my own, you know?

[Levi Kelly]

I remember I got released and I text Tim Welch, which is Sean's coach, and was like, what's the best gym in Florida? And I told my girlfriend on the way drive, I got released and they sent me a high. I was so pissed about that.

[Sean Fritsch]

Because you were up in aa, right?

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, I knew I was getting. Going to get released. No. After surgery, I was starting like 88.

[Sean Fritsch]

Oh, yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

So, I mean, it was coming. Send me to Double A. So it's a short drive to Florida. Like, I don't want to drive from Portland to fucking Port Myers. Like, I know it's coming at some.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

Um, so on the drive back, I, I asked him, where's the best gym in Florida? Like, I'm just going to go right into fighting. I told my girlfriend, like, let's take a month to think about things. Then we moved to Boca Raton two weeks to train full time at Kill Cliff, which was like the number one MMA gym in the country. Probably. Yeah. Top two or three and full. Born ahead in MMA there, which was really good. But I took a lot of ass beatings there because guys were so, so good and I was not at that level. I'm still not at that level. And I was trying to learn on the fly. Like, hey, I just got head kicked and how do I not get head kicked? It was less of a coach, like showing me more of like, hey, this dude just beat your ass. Don't let him beat your ass.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, it's like more like in the fire type.

[Levi Kelly]

That's a hard way to learn when you're first starting out.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

Um, so that's why we decided to come back here, go to evolution. Smaller gym, more instruction. Um, maybe later on in my career if, if things go great, end up turning pro, then we go to a bigger gym like that. We'll see how things grow in evolution. But for now, yeah, we're there training. I fought twice this year. This will be my third. Two, zero, man, you're two and oh, two zero. Yeah, yeah. First two guys, not, not the best position. But I always, always tell Everybody, I'm taking Jake Paul route, but this next guy is much better. He's got five fights, so it'll be. It'll be more of a scrap. It's exciting.

[Sean Fritsch]

Where's the fight for Myers?

[Levi Kelly]

No. Sydney Byrne.

[Sean Fritsch]

No way. Yeah, I want to go.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, it's. It'll be fun.

[Sean Fritsch]

Who. How do I get tickets?

[Levi Kelly]

I don't know if they're posted yet, but when they are, I'll show them.

[Sean Fritsch]

Please, dude, I want to go support you, man. They're fucking dope. Be really cool. So what do you have to do to get your pro card? Like in. In. In mma?

[Levi Kelly]

So you have to go or you don't have to go 5, 0. So, and. And it depends, state to state, it's based on commission. So, like in Arizona, you can either go three, zero, okay. Or you have five fights. In Florida, you have to have five fights. Doesn't matter your record.

[Sean Fritsch]

Okay.

[Levi Kelly]

So right now I'm 2 and 0. I could essentially win this fight, turn pro and go fight somewhere else. Um, but my plan is probably to get five fights first.

[Sean Fritsch]

Okay.

[Levi Kelly]

And then see where we're at.

[Sean Fritsch]

There's a significant time in between your fights. I remember when you fought. It was like a couple months ago, right?

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

Okay.

[Levi Kelly]

I would like there to be less time. As long as I don't take damage for now. Just because it's so new, Right. Like, I'm so new at everything. I just. I need to feel those emotions of, we can spar like you guys saw, but I'm not scared to spar at all. I'm scared to get knocked out in front of all my buddies.

[Sean Fritsch]

Oh, yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

You know what I mean?

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, exactly.

[Levi Kelly]

Type of.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

And just dealing with those emotions, I need reps in that. So as long as I'm not hurt, then I would like to turn over pretty quick mentally.

[Sean Fritsch]

How do you deal with those fears?

[Levi Kelly]

So the guy that cornered my first fight, Mike, knowingly, I think it's his last time. He's out of Fort Myers. He's a boxing coach. He. He explained it to me really well. I was shaking. He was wrapping my hands and my hands were shaking. And I was like, oh, I didn't care that my hands were shaking, but I cared that he saw my hands.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

The visit, my ego was like, yeah, yeah, man. He knows I'm scared.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

And I kind of feel like a. Right now, but I'm. And he just said, everybody feels that. And he said, that's God's way of protecting you. Those nerves are going to make you faster, they're going to make you punch harder, they're going to make you react quicker. So know they're there to help you, they're not there to hurt you. I was like, damn. And then I was just like, okay, I got it.

[Sean Fritsch]

It's a great way to look at fear, right? For people listening, watching is like, we're going to be afraid of shit in life. And right then that arena was the actual arena, right. Going into the octagon. But I think life in general, we all get these jitters. I remember when I started this show and then I went, you know, into my den, started in, you know, interviewing like just guests. And then it was high level people then. Now it's in person. I get to sit down with people like you. There's a lot of nerves and a lot of fear right when we start something new. I think what's important for everybody is to understand that everybody feels it. You can be scared all you want, but if you sit there, then you are that little bitch. Right? We need to make sure that, you know, hey, feel the fear. Feel the, the being scared shitless, but move in spite of it because it may not look perfect, but you'd surprise yourself along the way.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah. And dude, this even goes back to like childhood. I remember my dad when I was like 10, he would tell me like, North Carolina's in the stands, like to a 10 year old. But it wasn't, it was to, it was to get me to like perform because if it was a little league game that I knew didn't matter at all, like I wouldn't perform to the level I could actually play.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

So he even 10, 11 he back South Carolina is over there. Better show up.

[Sean Fritsch]

Fucking Ray Tanners are there watching right.

[Levi Kelly]

Here to get me to feel that. And now, yeah, when I don't feel that, I'm like, oh shit.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah. Like it's so funny because like, you know, I've had, like I said, reconnected with my dad and you know, he used to say a lot of things that I took the wrong way and kind of like victim mentality. But I think what he was really trying to do was just toughen me up, you know, and just tell me what I didn't want to hear but what I needed to hear. And it's so important because like, we have to understand what drives us, but we also have to maintain it so we don't get this crater sized chip on our shoulders. Because for a long time I operated with that chip. And dude, it's cool for a moment, but it's fucking exhausting, dude.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, Yeah. I always say, like, it's a flame that burns high, but for a very short time.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, yeah. And we look at our, you know, lifespan, right? That short time could be 10 years that that flame burnt so hot that you're like, fuck you. I'll show you. You know, it doesn't work long term.

[Levi Kelly]

No, we got it.

[Sean Fritsch]

We got to be more like, okay, I know. I got this. Let me go prove myself. Right. How have you managed those emotions in the transition from baseball to mma and then now, you know, going into your pro and hopefully one day, I'm sure you'd want to be in the ufc, right?

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah. One. One thing that I've tried to balance, like, I did not do a very good job with baseball. I almost have to, because I'm a very structured and, like, disciplined individual. I don't mean to, like, toot my own horn or anything, but.

[Sean Fritsch]

No, it's just you, man.

[Levi Kelly]

You guys seeing it, and sometimes it's to detriment. Like, yeah. Especially early in my career, it was to probably more detriment than health at some points is to be disciplined, to be undisciplined. Like, just because you feel good on the treadmill doesn't mean you need to kill yourself.

[Sean Fritsch]

Right?

[Levi Kelly]

Because in mma, especially, like, I have sparring tomorrow, I feel good, and I want to be like, yeah, on Thursday on the treadmill because I feel good or whatever, and I'm going to be Mr. Tony. But how does that affect, like, next week's training? So being disciplined, being undisciplined, like, everything doesn't have to be perfect. Like, your roots, especially as a pitcher. P. Like, being a pitcher, it. It happens so often. You see it, like, if I don't stick to my routine, then I'm fucked.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

And sometimes I'm still like that. But even my girlfriend's on me about it all the time. Things are not going to go per. I always lay my week out like, this is what my. A perfect week looks like. This probably 90% of the time, I get 70% of it done. And that's a good week.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, of course.

[Levi Kelly]

But before, when I. Early in my career, if I got 70%, I would, like, beat myself up over and over.

[Sean Fritsch]

Let's dig into that, dude, because my wife's the same way. Your girlfriend's wise. Okay. And these good women. These good women we have, you know, keeping dudes like us in check. I mean, let's be honest. Like, hey, Levi, that you don't need to be perfect. All too often we. We create this process and this plan of execution, you know, strategic plan. Right. But, like, we think to ourselves, like, oh, if I do all of this, then that's the perfect week. When reality is like, is this fucking sustainable? I might be able to do it for a day or two, but can I do it a week? Can I do it for two weeks? Can I do it for three? Can I do it for seven years? And the reality is mostly not so to your point, is like, we need to know that what we need to do is, like, small progressions. Right? Let's put the work in, run the play. But sometimes we load up that playbook, man, and it's just not attainable.

[Levi Kelly]

Right. It's gotta be. It's gotta be like, fluid.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

Things that move around. Sometimes you miss training, sometimes you. It's just. It's not. It can't be so rigid. Expecting to be an athlete, even guys, it's this. I'm gonna get deep. Not deep, but, like, go for it, man.

[Sean Fritsch]

It's place for it.

[Levi Kelly]

You see it in athletes that live a rigid lifestyle. They play rigid. And sometimes it works. Mm. I don't. I don't want to name drop here, but I'm gonna name drop. And this dude, this guy's one of the best players that I've ever seen. Corbin Carroll.

[Sean Fritsch]

Oh, yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

Corbin Carroll and Alec Thomas both played with them both.

[Sean Fritsch]

He's dope, dude.

[Levi Kelly]

Alec is like a water. He's very flowy. They both get the job done at a very high level. Corbin is very structured and rigid, and so you can see that in their play too. Like, Corbin lives his life by the book, and it's very 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

And Alex just kind of like, yeah, whatever, you know, I'll get it in. And you see that it. It turns into their style of play. They both work.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

But, like, almost as a scout, I always think, what. What are they looking for? Are they looking for, like, the playful guy?

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

Are they looking for this, like, robot type guy?

[Sean Fritsch]

They're. They're gonna look for the. The Alex, too. Because here's the thing. Because that becomes part of the personality. Like you said, part of their play.

[Levi Kelly]

Right.

[Sean Fritsch]

If you can play and have fun and just understand, I'm gonna get it in it. It is what it is. There's less injury.

[Levi Kelly]

No.

[Sean Fritsch]

Right. And people may think, listen now, like, what the have to do with anything has everything to do with it.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

Because if you're rigid, you're tight, and you. And you can't flow. Like. That's a great analogy, dude. That is a great analogy.

[Levi Kelly]

It's very interesting to me to look at the personality type and, like, how that affects the body movement and just their whole life. And you can see it. You don't see too many, like, hippies that are all tight.

[Sean Fritsch]

Daniel Murphy, you know, you listen to the show, like, yeah, like. Because I didn't know Daniel from, you know, like, personally, before I show, I was like, I'm thinking, I'm gonna get this savage dude. It's like, oh, yeah. Like, my kids, like, they're having a play about. I'm like, that's why you were the guy.

[Levi Kelly]

You can see it in his movements.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

Like, you can see his personality and the way he moves.

[Sean Fritsch]

So good.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

So good. It's funny because, like, a lot of times, you know, when. When people are asking me about the show and about my interview style, how often do you practice? How much research do you. I'm like, well, I know enough about my guest. Right. But my thing is just, like, sitting down, like I told you before, like, hey, we're having a fun conversation because people on the other side of these microphones want real.

[Levi Kelly]

Right.

[Sean Fritsch]

And if I'm tight, if I have scripted questions, now I'm just interrogating your ass, you know, the Spanish fucking Inquisition. Like, okay, where were you born? Okay, what's your favorite routine? Like, that's boring and it's whack. So it's your point. Let's. Let's just all just kind of flow.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, Right.

[Sean Fritsch]

How's it helping you in mma?

[Levi Kelly]

It's a struggle, too, because I'm. I'm the rigid guy.

[Sean Fritsch]

Like, yeah, I know. That's.

[Levi Kelly]

I was raised. I was raised by a Marine Corps dad.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yep.

[Levi Kelly]

Like, if you met my brother, he's even more rigid than I am. But I've tried to balance that because I've also went on other ends of the spectrum where I, like, I want to be so elucid that I don't have that, like, same pop. So it's a balance of also not trying to be somebody I'm not.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

Like, I'm not the. I'm not a hippie, like, whatever, like, yeah. Type Nate Diaz type style where I'm just going to tap you. Like, I still need that because that's me. But it's about. I can't be too far on either end of the spectrum.

[Sean Fritsch]

It's so hard man, like you mentioned something very important that I want the audience to really key in on because I think there's a lot of gold in the small things. Be yourself.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

There's too many people out there seeing somebody else and respecting something big about those people because of what they accomplish. I think that's a big compliment. But you can't be them. You are one of a one. One of one limited edition. You cannot be them and they cannot be you. So, like, we need to continue to think, just like you said, just be yourself.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

You know, and, and be able to adapt, I think is the biggest thing that you're talking about. Because like you said, you're not this free flowing type, you know, hippie. Like, you're, you're rigid, but I don't see you as rigid.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, like I worked a lot on.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, I mean, but that's the thing though, right? So it's working. But being yourself, man, how is that? Have you ever struggled with that? You know, growing up, you know, and.

[Levi Kelly]

I always think that I had like this role model that I tried to be like, like, dude, I have Jocko tattoos all over. Because I was in 2020, I was like a Jocko disciple.

[Sean Fritsch]

Really.

[Levi Kelly]

Which even goes back to the more rigid, like, Jocko and Goggins were like my guys.

[Sean Fritsch]

Oh, dude, I remember.

[Levi Kelly]

This is going to sound crazy. I would. Because I was trying to prove that I was a tough guy. I don't even know. That's kind of also why I got into mma, because I realized, like, I'm not really a tough guy. I'm pussy. Really?

[Sean Fritsch]

Nah.

[Levi Kelly]

But nobody will call me on my bluff. So everyone thinks I'm tough. That's cool. For the time being. Until I had to look in the mirror and be like, yeah, I kind of am pussy.

[Sean Fritsch]

I wouldn't call you that.

[Levi Kelly]

But, But I would sleep on the floor, dude, end the off season. Because Goggins and these guys were like, you need to chase discomfort. And here I am in the off season just like sleeping on a yoga mat beside my bed because I wanted to be like, wow.

[Sean Fritsch]

But see, that's the fucked up thing, right? Like, and I'm gonna get really fucking fired up about this one. I respect you being honest with that. And I fell into it too with Andy Frisella, you know, the first one was like, you know, you know, do not negotiate with yourself. You know, 75 hard. Do this, do that, you know, you know, and do all these things. And I'm not. And dude, I'm not saying it doesn't work for some people. But I'm saying, like, the chasing discomfort, everybody started going and wanting to do what Goggins was doing. Like the. What is it, the four miles every 48 hours? Some weird. Like, I don't know, was it two miles every four hours? I don't know what it was. But the bottom line is, is all the people, the lay people, just the normal, everyday people were trying to do what they were doing, you know, and getting hurt and putting ourselves in bad positions, when all they were saying was, dude, create a process, follow your plan, be disciplined in the work, and go do it and build something. And we all thought, oh, I'm Goggins. I'm Andy Frisella, I'm Jocko. I feel you. I'm not ridiculing you because I did it.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

And. And you know what? And that's why this show. And that's why me and my brand wasn't hitting early, because it wasn't me. Last night, I'm dancing on a golf cart singing a love song to my boy Bobby Brown. Don't be cruel. That's me. I got more response out of that than people back in the day when I was regurgitating somebody else's shit.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, it's crazy. I always tell people, too. This is. I've stole this from somebody else. But you take two rocks, like the hardest things we have, and you smash them together and grind them together, you're going to have dust and you can just blow it off your hands. But if you polish them, then you got two shiny objects. And I was always like that, like, out. And then my fucking shoulder went to dust.

[Sean Fritsch]

You silly on that one, bro. I feel you on that one. I remember going into Dr. Mark Fields, like, oh, no, you're good, man. You don't have anything wrong. I'm like, why does it feel there's a machete going into my shoulder then?

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

It's like you, you. You want something so badly. And like, you're saying you grind it. You grind it. A lot of the times. It's our body. But the one thing that is more dangerous if you grind it consistently. Consistently is your mind.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

Can go into some dark places. And, dude, in this journey, I've gone through some dark moments, man. What about you? Has there ever been anything you want to share, like a dark moment that you felt like shutting everything down that the audience can relate to that may be able to help them?

[Levi Kelly]

There was definitely, like, some dark moments. I never got too beat up about it because my mindset was always like, good intention, good intention. Like, at some point in my career, I knew it was coming to an end because I just couldn't throw the same. And my arm just did not feel the same. And I always showed up every day and was like, I know this is coming to an end, but when it is over, I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror and be like, dude, I did everything.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, man.

[Levi Kelly]

And that was the biggest thing I was proud of. Like, at the end of my career was one. I want to set an example for people that show up here that, hey, this is how you work. Not only is this how you work, this is how you work when things are going really bad. Because at the back end of my career, I would go out there and give up two, three runs to guys that two years ago wouldn't touch me. And then coaches, staff, everybody's looking at me like how I currently was playing. I'm like, damn, y'all, Y'all forget about the guy. I was two years when I was the top whatever prospect. Now I'm a different guy, but I'm still going to show up at the same mentality.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

And that was like, that really got me through it. And that made me. And that made the pill of getting released much easier to swallow.

[Sean Fritsch]

That's hard because that's an identity thing. Like we, you know, this whole thing. You know, you talked about identity earlier. Like, like you said you were the. One of the top prospects. You know, two years before that you had a different brand. Right. The identity was there. Like through the piss out of it. Here I am. Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

It was so weird being like a priority guy and then not being a priority guy.

[Sean Fritsch]

Explain to the audience what you mean by that. Because there's so many youngsters that listen to this show that want to go play professional sports. Priority guy versus a non priority guy. Educate them.

[Levi Kelly]

So basically a priority guy in the minor leagues is if you're on the top 30 prospect, it doesn't really mean, it's a little political, but if you're on there, you're a priority guy for the most part, like, you're valued. The, the organization values you. Your trade amount is probably pretty substantial. They can get something valuable out of you, which basically means you have more say in what goes on. And if you need treatment on your arm, they're going to find time to treat your arm. And when you're not a priority guy, they. They don't want you getting treatment. Not that they don't want you, but if you're taking time away from a priority guy. They don't like that.

[Sean Fritsch]

It's interesting.

[Levi Kelly]

And I went. I played both of those guys throughout my career, and sometimes I would voice that. Like, I would call people, even staff, direct, like the pitching coordinator. I remember I got hurt, and he started talking to me different. Like, and. And I was trained jiu jitsu this time. So I was like. I had this little bit of, like, I can you up, too. And I wasn't afraid to voice that. Right. Because I was also this. Still at this time, like, this egomaniac. I hadn't kind of went through it yet. Yeah. Like, humble myself. And I remember, I'm like, bro, you're texting me all off season, like, being my boy. And now you're. He came. I remember when I got hurt, he came into the dugout and was like, what the are you doing? Like this. This doesn't even play an able cheese. And I'm like, dude, you're. Who the do you think you're talking to? Like, I don't. I'm from West Virginia, bro. I don't give a fuck if you're the coordinator or not. I'll fucking smack you right across the face. Right? Like, that's. That's how I was rate. Like, at the end of the day, take all this off. Like, bro, I'm from West Virginia, like, the sticks. And people look at me like I'm some Florida boy or whatever, which is cool, but in West Virginia, it's junkyard dog. Oh, shit. Like, I'll smack you right across your face. I had that mentality. And this dude, the coordinate, the pitching coordinator, which is like, the guy, he came at me like that, and I was like, bro, what the do you think you're talking to? And I just remember that being a moment. Like, dude, you're just in number. Like, you built a relationship with this guy, and you think he's your friend. He's not your.

[Sean Fritsch]

No is your. Based on your value.

[Levi Kelly]

Right?

[Sean Fritsch]

And that's the thing that's hard about life. Right? That's why it's so great to have a great relationship with ourselves. Or in your instance, like, I want to go back to this because I haven't touched on it, and I want to honor her. Like, I. I know your girl has been through some times with you, and she stuck with you through a lot of transitions. It's a ride or die, dude. So let's honor her a little bit. How has her support and her love helped you through a lot? Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

Even now with, like, the MMA stuff, like, it would be. Life would probably be a lot easier on her if I would just go get a normal job.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

And then she. She lived with me. When I got released, we fucking drove 40 hours from Oregon. Like, dude, she's been through it. I moved her ass to Boca because I wanted to go train over there and, like, didn't give her much say. And she's just. She just carries on, you know? She's a beast.

[Sean Fritsch]

That's awesome, dude.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, I mean, like, I'm super lucky, dude.

[Sean Fritsch]

It's so funny. Like, I. I have been through so many transitions, and. And, dude, quite honestly, like, what you're Just to give you. Not that you need the comfort, but, like, my wife's life would be a lot easier if I wasn't doing what I'm doing. Right. Like, there was a moment when I was in corporate America, you know, making high six figures. Our lives was much more comfortable than it is now because, see, everybody sees all the shows and sees all the conversations and what it looks like on social media, but what they don't fucking realize, I've taken, like, a $200,000 cut.

[Levi Kelly]

Right.

[Sean Fritsch]

Right in my income, household income. It is hard to survive, but the most important thing that a man can have is a woman that is right there to be like, you know what? I believe in you. It's okay. And it will be okay because you'll make it. Yeah, she'll be right about you. And my wife will be right about me.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, she. It's cool to be with somebody that. And she's. She's told this to me before when I'm, like, going crazy, like, cancer, still fucking. I need to do this, need to do that. And she's just like, I don't care. I just want you to love me. That's it. Like, I don't give a. About all that other. And I'm like, damn, dude.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, that's a real dude. You might want to. You might want to keep that one, dog. You might. You might want. We. We can. We can go to the jewelry store after this, Brian.

[Levi Kelly]

Win a couple more fights.

[Sean Fritsch]

For a couple more fights. Yeah. Win a couple more fights so you got one. In a few weeks, you'll win that one.

[Levi Kelly]

How.

[Sean Fritsch]

How far away would be your fourth fight?

[Levi Kelly]

I plan on fighting probably early February.

[Sean Fritsch]

That's cool. That's not too far.

[Levi Kelly]

Late January. Take the holidays. Yeah, because. Because I have to make weight, too. I'm not cutting a lot of weight right now, but this will probably be my last fight at 1:85 and then I'll have to cut to 1:70, which. That's like. Jesus, that's a real cut.

[Sean Fritsch]

How do you, how do you keep the energy? That's a big cut.

[Levi Kelly]

Well, I've never cut to 1 70, so.

[Sean Fritsch]

Shit, uncharted territory.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah. Right now, I mean, I walk around 1:90, so I literally like, I'll go do what we did today and then I'll go weigh in and I'll be 1 85.

[Sean Fritsch]

Okay. So I mean, dude, you were, you were. You guys were pretty drenched, man. Yeah, you guys are pretty drenched.

[Levi Kelly]

I probably like in that type of training, I'll lose seven pound five to seven pounds.

[Sean Fritsch]

Fuck, there's the diet hack. My fat ass needs to get on this MMA shit. Roll around the map for a little bit.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, the way they cut a lot of. It's an interesting concept. So they, you overload on water, like probably a week out. So two gallons. Two gallons, two and a half gallons or give or take, whatever. And then you cut out all carbs, maybe just have a little carbs in the morning before training and cut out all salt. So you're overloading on water, but you don't have carbs. So your body is just pushing water. Pushing water. Pushing water. Because it's like, dude, this dude's giving me way too much. And it's constantly crazy and sweating like crazy. And then you cut water too. So when you cut water, your body's used to flushing it. Now you don't have the carbs or salt to hold it and you don't have it. So your body's pushing it out and you're not putting any in. So you can lose 15 pounds, like in 24, 36 hours.

[Sean Fritsch]

That's crazy.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah. Of just water.

[Sean Fritsch]

Of just water. Yeah.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

I mean, yeah. Cause like that's like two gallons of water, right? Yes. Subcutaneously.

[Levi Kelly]

Like it's not. Definitely not good for the body.

[Sean Fritsch]

No.

[Levi Kelly]

Um, but everybody does it. The, the problem is, is the brain needs water and. Yep. You see guys get knocked out easy cuz they're cutting.

[Sean Fritsch]

Don't we need salt too though? Like.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, yeah, hold the water.

[Sean Fritsch]

Right.

[Levi Kelly]

Um, some guys cut crazy amounts. I mean, we'll see. I. I'll cut to 170 and see how I feel. I. I'm not afraid to stay at 85. I'll have to put on a little bit of muscle though. Mm. I'll walk around probably like 205.

[Sean Fritsch]

Okay. That's. That's a good amount of muscle.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah, yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

You better get pumping, dude. I see you in there working, man. You. You work your ass off, dude. I. I appreciate you, you know, coming in and. And, you know, telling us your story, and, you know, it's been really cool getting to know you, and I'm pulling for you, man. And, you know, what's the one piece of advice you'd give the audience right now? If they ask you, what's it going to take for me to hit my goal or to be the person I want to become, what would you tell them?

[Levi Kelly]

Just keep showing up.

[Sean Fritsch]

What does that mean, even?

[Levi Kelly]

And I was thinking about it because I figured that you would ask about determination. So I was thinking about this on the way here. Keep showing up. And then the days that you don't want to show up, just show up and go through the motions. Like, every day doesn't need to be a killer. Sometimes you just show up to go through the motions, and then you're 15 minutes in and you're like, I feel good.

[Sean Fritsch]

Isn't that weird how. What works out?

[Levi Kelly]

Just keep showing up. It's so easy to throw in the towel. It's so easy to throw in the towel on an MMA and go get a 9 to 5. Yeah, that'll be there in 10 years.

[Sean Fritsch]

Yeah, of course it will be. And that's the thing about, you know, that question, because it does bring up determination. A lot of times. I like to lead the guests to it, to say it, but it's like determination is such a funny thing because people think it looks like David Goggins. They think it looks like Jocko Will Nick. They think it looks like Andy Frisella. And really what it looks like is just you getting the fuck up, going to the gym or shooting the show and going through that and getting in this flow state. So now the rest of your day, you make another call and you make another connection. Like, dude, I woke up this morning tired of shit. I'm like, oh, shit. Like, what's it going to be like today? All I know is I need to meet my boy Mike down at the gym to see you. And then I walk in and, you know, Levi's there. Like, I've known him since he was in high school. You make another connection. Then we meet a boat, a plane broker there, make another connection. All these little things is what I want the audience to understand. To your point is just showing up is what we did today.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah.

[Sean Fritsch]

And then connections are formed, and then things are built from that.

[Levi Kelly]

Yeah. Small wins, too. Like if you have 15, small win. If you're. Let's say you're 10 for 15 on the day.

[Sean Fritsch]

Take it bro.

[Levi Kelly]

It's a good day.

[Sean Fritsch]

I don't give a fuck what comprise I could be a bloop single. I don't give a shit.

[Levi Kelly]

And not like just having that mindset of consciously thinking about that. That's like win number one right there.

[Sean Fritsch]

Love it man. I love it. Well dude, thank you again. I'm pulling for you. I can't wait to see you knock out your next opponent here in a couple weeks in Fort Myers. So you guys heard it here from Exposer studios in Naples. The Determined society with Levi Kelly. Until next time, subscribe like share. Stay determined.

[Unknown]

So I've tried a lot of protein. You know what I've always found is all the flavors. You can taste artificial flavoring in them. With raw it's exactly that. I don't taste that. It's a clean protein source. Tastes great and I'm not putting a lot of things in my body that aren't good for you. The biggest thing that I will say that I love about raw nutrition and bum energy is they're all natural ingredients in the third party tested. So what that means is an actual lab test is to make sure what's in the product is actually what is stated on the label. And then you'll see on the website of raw nutrition that it is signed off on. So there's no banned substances in these products. Athletes can use them safely and not get tested and popped for a failed drug test for performance enhancing, you know, ingredients, it's completely safe.

[Sean Fritsch]

Guilt free baby.

[Sean French]

Sean French. What up? This one luck I let the pain inspire me I put my all in Everything I'm doing up until it's done I'm me for the entirety I put it in overtime I be working just know I'm a go for mine cause I earned it they watch and I know it's time I confirmed it the whole society determined.