MMA Fighting - Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Seriously Interested in Conor McGregor Fight, Discusses Record Tying Knockout at UFC Charlotte

Episode Date: May 16, 2023

Following a stunning first-round knockout over Court McGee at UFC Charlotte, Matt Brown returns to The Fighter vs. The Writer to discuss his victory and his record tying achievement. After more than a year out of action, Brown made a thunderous return to the octagon where he earned his 13th career knockout after putting McGee away with a single punch. The finish tied Brown with Derrick Lewis for the most knockouts in UFC history — a record he would love to break one day in the near future. Brown also discusses the possibility of fighting Conor McGregor after the Irish superstar talked about his record on Saturday and how he intends to break it before he retires from competition. In response, Brown said he’ll fight McGregor for that record — and it turns out he was serious about pursuing that matchup. Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin are joined by longtime friend and morning radio show host Jeremy Loper on the latest episode after previously co-hosting several podcasts together alongside UFC legend Mark “The Hammer” Coleman. We’ll discuss the rest of UFC Charlotte and what’s next for Brown on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Subscribe: Spotify Read More: MMA Fighting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support for this show comes from the Audible Original, the downloaded two, ghosts in the machine. The Earth only has a few days left. Rosco Cudullian and the rest of the Phoenix colony have to re-upload their minds into the quantum computer, but a new threat has arisen that could destroy their stored consciousness forever. Listen to Oscar winner Brendan Fraser reprise his role as Rosco Cudulian in this follow-up to the Audible Original Blockbuster. The Downloaded, it's a thought-provoking sci-fi journey where identity, memory, and morality collide. Robert J. Sawyer does it again with this much-anticipated sequel that leaves you asking, What are you willing to lose to save the ones you love?

The Downloaded 2, Ghosts in the Machine. Available now, only from Audible. Support for this show comes from the Audible original, The Downloaded 2. Ghosts in the Machine. The Earth only has a few days left. Rosco Cudullian and the rest of the Phoenix colony have to re-upload their minds into the quantum computer, but a new threat has arisen that could destroy their stored consciousness forever. Listen to Oscar winner Brendan Fraser reprised his role as Rosco Cudulian in this follow-up to the Audible original blockbuster,

the downloaded. It's a thought-provoking sci-fi journey where identity, memory, and morality collide. Robert J. Sawyer does it again with this much-anticipated sequel that leaves you asking, what are you willing to lose to save the ones you love? The downloaded two, ghosts in the machine. Available now, only from Audible.

The Vox Media Podcast Network. Back to the fighter versus the writer. I'm your host, as always, Damon Martin, and on the heels of UFC Charlotte, I couldn't not start the show with a little special intro music for the man who is now tied. the all-time knockout record in UFC history after putting away

court McGee with a vicious knockout in the first round. I'm happy to welcome back by full-time co-host. He's been well-missed on this show. Matt, what's going on? Man, just relaxing, bro, enjoying my five guys and enjoying my... And, yeah, just enjoying the five guys, man. It's like, people don't even know, like after a fight, that's all we look for, at least me.

That's all I fucking look forward to. I mean, I want to see the family. I love, you know, getting the ego boost. Everybody's saying, I love you, blah, blah. I'm like, dude, can I just get a fucking hamburger, man? Did you miss the podcast? Be honest. Did you miss podcast a little bit?

Of course, bro. I miss your musk. Well, uh, joining us today, a very special, uh, co-host. This is like getting the band back together. So long before the fighter versus the writer, there was a little podcast. We had multiple names. It started out as a podcast I wasn't involved with called Legit Man Shit, that it transformed into Legit Man Shit, yeah.

Then it was a great MMA debate, and then it was Fight Society. But one of my one of mine and Matt's best friends from here in Columbus, Ohio. He is the host of the Loper and Randy podcast, Loeperunrandy.com. You can go visit them over there. I've been a guest on that show. Our good friend, Jeremy Loper, you were in Charlotte. Welcome back, Loper. What's up, fellas?

Yeah, listen, you want to talk about Charlotte? I'm your guy. I was blown away with how much stuff is going on in Charlotte. I mean, we were there obviously to support Matt, but we had a couple of extra days and really took advantage. And let me tell you something, man. That city is not only bustling, but the financial district that kind of holds the entire city down

has put like just thousands of people in the street every single day. So you're walking up and down the streets of Uptown. And there's so much life. You're looking around at restaurants, bars. One thing you don't see is like empty. spaces where there could be a business. I mean, everything's taken. They're selling hot dogs on the street. They got euros. I mean,

this place, legit, guys. Does it, uh, getting us all back together again for the first time in a couple years where we're all on a podcast together? I always like to mention this to the listeners and the viewers who are watching this. It still cracks me up that we are all on Zoom talking right now and we all live

within a 15 minute circle of each other in Columbus, Ohio. Like you are there, I could literally, by the end of this podcast, I could have driven to both of your houses and come back again. Yeah, I thought we were all just going to get together and do this. Now we're fucking being technological dorks and stuff. Welcome to, welcome to 2020.

All Zoom all the time. I saw what happened in person on Saturday. I, you know, listen, I'm going to stay my distance, bro. You know. There you go. I saw his hands coming at you, man. That was one of the great, I don't want to jump up the gun or anything. But, I mean, one of the most exciting knockouts I've ever seen in person.

Obviously, you know, us there supporting you in an emotional way and, you know, as friends. But, I mean, it was so crazy in the crowd, Matt. Like, everyone that knew that we were with you, like everyone comes running from the floor over to us. I felt like I felt like I had knocked somebody out at one point. But people were so stoked, man. It was really cool. Yeah, what a great crowd, man. Everybody was, you know, they see.

It felt like the crowd was there for me, man. Like, it felt like they were really supportive. I felt the energy, man. It fired me up, got me going. And yeah, man, boy, what a surreal moment, man. It's just hard to imagine two days ago. I was standing in an octagon with a man on the ground. I just knocked out, standing next to D.C. talking about it, man.

It just because I'm like back home, like eating fucking five guys. And like, you know, I took my son to golf lessons last night. Like, you know what I mean? It's like back to reality, man. It's like it feels like that wasn't even the reality. Yeah, it was an amazing performance and not like in no way, shape, or form I put in a damper on the evening or anything. But man, the ovation you got and the way that everyone reacted to that fight, like my first thought was how is this not the co-main event? Because people went nuts.

Like it was a, the crowd went crazy. And absolutely not, this is not in any way taking a shot at Johnny Walker. Anthony Smith is a good friend. He's been on the podcast many times. they were the main event originally before that got bumped to the co-main event. But I was like, how is this knock? Like the crowd went insane. Like, and when you landed that punch and knocked him down,

full on Mark Hunt walkoff knockouts, it was beautiful. And the crowd went lunatic. You know, I was thinking about that. I was like, I compared it to Mark Hunt too. I was doing a podcast earlier today. And then I thought, wait, I wonder who has the record of walkoffs, me or Mark Hunt. It's got to be one of us to because I got three of them. that I can think of.

That's a, that's a, that's a, that's a, that's a moment like, wait. I'm sorry, Damon, go ahead. No, I was to say, that's a new record to, uh, to make sure you aspire to get the, uh, walk off knockout record. Yeah, that's the record I'm thinking. I may, I might actually have that one. It's got to be, it's got to be me or Mark Hunt. I can't think of anyone else.

He even has, you know, maybe one. Yeah. How do you fight the feeling of, of following it up? Like, how do you know? Um, that one. you know, I didn't want to go to the ground with him. So that was kind of, that was why I originally backed off. Like, I just hit him hard.

I knew the shot was going to land hard. I mean, I was, I timed it really well. I knew that it was there, like, long before it happened. He threw a jab, like, in the first 10 seconds or whatever. And I was looking, I seen the way through it. And the, it just made all my reads right there. And I was like, I remember thinking in my head, like, dude, you can't keep throwing it. Like, don't do that again, bro.

I'm going to fuck you up for that. then he did it again. I was like, well, if you keep doing that, I'm going to fucking hurt you for it. And then he kept doing it. And my game plan was actually the leg kicks. And I was laying them pretty solid. But every time he threw a jab, I was throwing out leg kick. And I was like, you know, I was a little bit cerebral and analytical about it, I think, where I just thought, man, instead of leg kick, what if I just put the right hand instead?

And I did it. And as soon as he started to drop, I was like, you know, I didn't want to go to the ground. So I just backed off. And then I was like, he ain't getting up. Sweet. Did you see his. One of my favorite moments, David, I got to tell you this real quick,

at the way ends, right? So I'll say this one time, poor court McGee, he had to walk up and not only face off with Matt, but right behind Matt is Mark the Hammer Coleman. By the way, newly spelt. He's got that, not the Tiger King,

but who's he working with, the Liver King, right? He's out there with this new body. He's feeling himself. He's looking like the champ again. And he is just staring Court McGee down in the nastiest way. I'm like, dude, what is that like to have two of the most ferocious killers to ever be in the octagon from Ohio? Just looking down your soul.

The only surprising part was that Mark didn't come out with his shirt off and his shoes off. I need to get some son. not just pretend it's baby he's going to Linda Rolthing now with his no shoes on the grass I love it man I expect I fully expected to see Coleman jump in there and do the full on like wrestling stance after the win like I thought he's going to come in there

and just like you know try to take you down real quick as a little celebration because I heard him in the corner I actually commented on Twitter during the fight and I was like that voice you hear in the corner is the UFC legend Mark the air of Coleman because I could hear him in the corner yell and he's like do this Matt do this man yeah so i got to listen again because there was a point when core had me up against the cage

and i might maybe i was hearing coleman wrong but i kept hearing him i kept feeling like i was hearing him say i just stay against the cage fuck it like because i was having a hard time getting off the cage and i was like is he being a smart ass to me you know what i mean talking shit right now which coleman would never do you know and i i kind of mentioned it to him after and he's like of course i wouldn't do you know and of course he wouldn't but in my head i was hearing him like just be a sarcastic smart ass like i just stay against a cage you fucking pussy or something but it actually worked because i was like i was like okay i'll show you motherfucker i'll get off of here and finally did dude it was one of the most inspiring moments when you did have the knockout and obviously you probably couldn't see this

but from my vantage point the celebration between dorian price and mark coleman was really cool yeah i bet i bet i bet yeah i didn't see it but yeah that's awesome did you uh i'm curious because you said you turned around after you knocked him down they knocked him out and you turned because you weren't going to go to the ground i watched the replay a couple times afterwards because i had to show it to like 19 people that you know i was like did you see matt's knockout did you see matt's knockout uh i rewatched it and did you see i don't know if you noticed this or maybe you watched him the replay did you see his body go limp because it was weird he hit the ground and it was like he almost had like the weird, like, reflex in that moment, and then he just kind of went limp. It was really odd.

Like, you just see, like, he hits and he was, like, stiffened up. You know, some guy's stiffen up when you knock him out. And he just kind of went lip. It was kind of creepy. I was just creepy, but it was just weird, like, how his body just, like, froze. And then it just, like, relaxed and he was out. Yeah, totally. I've seen it. And, you know, I guess one of my first thoughts was, you know, I just like Cort McGee so much as a person, as a human being. And, you know, just maybe I'm getting softer at my old age or whatever. But, you know, one of my first thoughts was like man you know sorry court you know i still love you bro like you know hope nothing but the best for you but um it was either you or me buddy yeah you guys

i saw you guys take the photo afterwards or it was it backstage or whatever you guys took a photo together yeah we did one backstage we hung out after um you know just talked about the fight talked about life and everything you know he's got kids and stuff and uh you know obviously like we have similar backgrounds so yeah it's cool catching up with him we've me and him have hung out a few times. I think I'm at the UFC summits like we've hung around and stuff and which they don't do anymore. But yeah, you know, like, you know, it's surprising that we haven't crossed paths earlier in our careers, to be honest. I mean, you know, we're both a long time fighters here in the UFC, the same weight class and everybody, you know, we both put on great fights and, you know, he's a

grinder. I'm a grinder. So it's pretty surprising that we haven't even fought this, you know, this long in our career. So. Yeah, you know, we just, you know, there's nothing like Bonham with the dude after you, you try to kill each other. So, you know, it was cool. We had a good time and, you know, ate a little bit of junk food. I gave him off from a piece of my Papa John's pizza. You with the brands.

It's hilarious. So I got to go back to all week. So all week as I'm cutting weight. Yeah. I'm just watching episodes of South Park because I just lay there in a hotel with nothing to do. And I can only be on my phone so damn. before my brain hurts. Right.

Dude, they had this commercial for Papa John's Papa Diaz, and they looked so damn good. And after the fight, I didn't even want it, but I was like, dude, I've been craving that all week. I got to try it and see what it's like. I think Shaq should have brought it to you personally, man. I know, bro. Where was Shaq at?

What the hell that's up with that? Yeah, like, David, you had touched on Matt's walkout in the way the crowd reacted. Dude, it was insane. I promise you, it was the loudest pop. anybody got that night. It was unbelievable. Like honestly, like when I saw you, it was different this time, though.

I was able to look down the aisle just as you walked through the curtain. And this time, I don't know, it was something was different, man. You were way more loose. You were ready to go. And when he came out, he was really stiff. It was the posture. Everything was just different. And when I saw you come out of the curtain, I was like, tonight's his night.

It's going to fucking happen. Yeah, I'll tell you one of the things. I think I've gotten a lot better at it as I've gotten older and more experienced and more sophisticated with my fighting is like I'm just better and just accepting, you know, like I'm just better just simply accepting what's going to happen is going to happen, you know, not try to force it. Don't try to push it. Don't try to change it, alter it. Like you put in the work, you have to accept it, man. And that's a, I think it's a difficult thing, right? Because you have to accept it. Yeah, you might die in there, you know, you might,

lose. You might get a broken orbital. You might be at the hospital tonight. You might not ride home with your kids tonight. But you also might knock a guy out, get a $50,000 bonus and eat Papa Johns after. You know, so you have to be completely accepting. And I think I've really gotten better at that. And I think that's what you were seeing. There was just the acceptance of here I am. Let's embrace this moment. Let's enjoy it. It's pretty rare. Like I look out into the crowd. And I made sure to do that look out. And I didn't happen to spot you on the way out, but I spotted a lot of people that I recognized and that I know. And I wanted to take that in and soak that in so that I have those memories. That's awesome. Yeah, I can never tell if we're looking at each other when you're

walking out. You know what I'm saying? Like, because it's the lights are in your eyes. And, you know, you always, when you're looking at somebody, you know, I'm looking at you, obviously. You know, there's no one else to look at. You're looking at a sea of people. But yeah, we were all right there, man, on the walkout. Now when you, so when you won, this is kind of funny right before your fight i was talking to chris wybin he was sitting like two rows in front of me and so we were kind of gone we were talking about jihitsu and stuff and so he turns around and he goes dude gives me one of the craziest high fives like my hand still hurts so when i tell you everybody was pumped man people were pumped that's great to hear man whiteman's a great guy he is a good

guy and damon you know you were mentioning anthony smith just a few minutes ago how was that not the main event. I mean, that fight needed five rounds, in my opinion. I don't know if both the guys would have made it until the fifth round, but it was the far more elite fight. Like, by the time the main event came around, and you know, I love everybody at the UFC. The booking is usually on point, so I'm not talking shit or anything. It's just just the facts. Like the energy in in the spectrum center was not the same when the main event hit. It was, it was a weird because I, when I heard about it, And I, because I talked to Anthony right after, and he's just like, I have no idea. He's like, we were the main event.

My manager called me and said, now we're the co-main event. I don't know why. It didn't make a lot of sense. Anthony is a pretty well-established popular name. And Johnny Walker is fairly popular as well. And don't get me wrong. Jail's Aunt Al-Maid is a freaking monster. That guy may be a future heavyweight champion.

And Jarsina Rosenstrike is headline cards. But, yeah, it was a really weird choice. Like, I don't know if maybe they just wanted to get like a quick, because it was an afternoon card, which was already kind of weird, right? Like on the East Coast, like, Matt, you fought at like 2 o'clock or whatever, or 2.30? Like, it was a weird time. Oh, it was crazy. Dude, we were at an Irish bar at 1130 a.m.

But right before the flight, it was like so unusual, man. Yeah, so, like, but I don't know. And, like, they were leading into, so the whole UFC card was early because they were leading into the XFL championship game of all things. Like, that was why the EOC card was in the afternoon because the XFL championship was on ABC after that. so I'm sure they were trying to get like a ratings lead in to the football game. So it was already weird with that.

It was a five-fight main card, which was a little weird. You usually do a six-fight main card. And yeah, I don't know. Like maybe they just wanted a quick main event because they kind of figured that Gialton was going to probably finish Jarlsino early. But yeah, it was weird because as much as I love Jailton Al-Meda and he's a monster, like no one really knows him. So to put him in a main event over two pretty recognizable guys in Anthony Smith and Johnny Walker.

And that's why I said to you, Matt, like, I think you and court would have been much better as the co-main event because you guys got a huge ovation. We all saw afterwards. Like, Dana White was like, oh, I love to see two OGs go at it. You know, it was great to see that and blah, blah, blah. Like, everyone was talking about your fight and obviously talking about Anthony and Johnny. And again, I want to say, like, I'm not disrespecting child that I made it. That was just a weird choice for, like, the way they ordered that card. It didn't really make a lot of sense to me.

Yeah, I guess they're probably trying to pump up Almeida, right? He tried to get his name out there more because they also know that he's got a bright future ahead of him. And boy, he performed, right? Yeah, but out there he did what he was supposed to do, man. That's one thing I could think of. Yeah, I mean, I assume it has to be that. I don't know any other reason it would be. Was it weird, Loper, you were there.

It was a weird being, like, because I can't remember, I mean, I've done it in Vegas where I've been at earlier cards. Because when I first started traveling to cards and going to the West Coast, the card started like 3 o'clock in the afternoon on West Coast time. It was a little odd because I'm so used to like being later at night. But like that was a really weird one because generally speaking, when it's a morning card, it's when they're in like England or something. Like they'll start at normal time in England, but it'll be like 11 a.m. over here. It's so weird on the East Coast.

The card started at noon. Like that's so weird. It's a weird feeling you're waking up at breakfast and going to a fight card. No, so that's exactly what I was going to say. We literally had breakfast. And then I grabbed a car. So if you go to my Instagram, you can kind of see most of like the lead up to the fight, the way ends, all of that.

If you go to at Jeremy Loper on Instagram. But yeah, it was so strange. I'm walking over with a coffee. All my friends can't wait to get to the Irish bar. They're all ready to drink and everything. But that was the weirdest part. And let me tell you something, though. That's the unique thing that I found about Charlotte.

I don't know what it was, but everyone was in the street. at times it felt like Vegas the way that it was crowded and there was nothing else going on like downtown there was you know there wasn't like a football game or anything they do have many pro teams but as far as I know the UFC event was the only thing that was happening and people were everywhere the bars were full all around the arena people started lining up from what I understand starting like just before 10 o'clock like lines like all almost all the way around the arena it was cool man and my favorite part of the I don't know it was my favorite part but one of my One of my favorite finds of this UFC event was,

do you guys know that Hezbollah or Hezbollah, the little guy? Yeah. Do you know he has his own UFC merch now? Like they have, you remember the old school wrestling buddies like of Hulk Cove? Yeah. Yeah, I've seen those. They sell two from the UFC merch and one is Connor McGregor and one is Hasbula. Oh, God.

It's hilarious. They have shirts. I mean, people, you just gnash them up like crazy. I have to assume it's a life-sized doll. Is that kind of what you're telling me, Loper? Is that? Hey, you know, I didn't want to say that, but maybe that is true. I don't understand.

That's one that I'm just like, I still don't, I don't understand the fascination with that whole thing. Like, it's not that I understand. Listen, we live in a world where, you know, social influencers or headlining boxing cards, one happened over the weekend. So I'm not, I'm not discounting like that. It's just weird that it was attached to UFC. Like, that's such a, I'm not trying to change. Like, I don't understand it.

I've never understood it. Like if that, if Hezbollah was famous as a social influence or I'd be like, okay, cool, you know, whatever, you know, Jake Paul, KSI, whatever. But like, it's so weird that it just became like so ingrained with the UFC. It's such a weird thing. It wouldn't be as weird if he fought, right? But he doesn't fight. So it's kind of like almost insulting maybe to the other fighters is what I was thinking.

I just, I don't know. Like, I mean, I guess because he was in with like Habib's camp and stuff, maybe that's what it was. Like he's part of that. I also think it's because Dana's a goddamn promoting genius. And he said, we could sell a lot of fucking t-shirts and a lot of these dolls. Boom, let's sign this guy to a UFC personality agreement. That's just my guess.

It's weird. It's weird. Matt, you did set the record or tie the record for all-time knockouts. And you said beforehand, and we've had this conversation before. You always say, I don't really care. People tell me about it, whatever. But come on now. You tied the all-time record.

I know you want to break. Come on now. You did it. It's got to feel kind of cool, right? Like all-time record, knockouts to the UFC. Like, I know you're tied with Derek Lewis, but I mean, come on now. I know you try to play it down, but it's a cool record to have. Well, I tried how to think about it.

I was, like, legit forcing myself not to think about it because, like, everybody brings it up all the time. And I'm my dude, I want to win the fight. You know what I'm saying? Like, if I knock him out, cool, not. I still want to fucking win. in the fight. You know, it doesn't have to be a knockout. So I'm trying to just be focused. But yeah, man, once it happened, I was like, damn, I got the record. You know, I'm at least tied with the record. And it is very surreal, very odd feeling, man, just being that guy. You know,

it's not something I ever dreamed of, you know, as a kid or even as a young UFC fighter or whatever, man, that's not something that I ever thought would even be a thing in my life. right but here I am and you know I can certainly be proud of it and um I say you know me and Derek Lewis should fight for the record you know you're so fucking crazy it's what people don't realize is you're not fucking around like you're dead serious right now yeah I just I have no clue how the hell I beat him don't get me wrong like I I'm fighting an uphill battle there but but I say let's fucking do it something tells me Coleman it's going to be gone blast double Blast, gobble!

You know what? I get myself knocked out. You know what fight is realistic, though? Connor McGregor. He said he wants the all-time, he wants the all-time knockout record, and you responded with, I'll fight you for it. Boy, did people lose their shit? And not in a bad way.

I'm saying people are going crazy. Connor says, you know, Matt Brown 42. I'm going to break that record. I got eight knockouts. He said, I'll fight you for a, dude. That, I don't know how much you saw it. how much people were asking about it, but holy hell, man, that thing blew up. And in a good way.

Like I said, no one's negative. Everyone was like, oh, man, like, that was like the perfect response. It was, it was great. And weirdly, I know, because we've had this conversation many times on all of our podcasts, like, you have a ton of respect for Connor McGregor. And obviously, I didn't take it as a disrespectful thing. But I was like, what a perfect response. Like, I'll fight you for it.

Yeah, it's crazy. It kind of blew up. I haven't really checked my Twitter much. I guess I'll have to check and see how much it blew up. but I mean, yeah, I'd fight them for it, like, wouldn't you? It's like, fuck yeah, brother. Like, you want the record? Come get it, bitch.

Oddly enough, it is actually a really intriguing fight. You know, him coming back from such a layoff. And I know they have the tough fight that maybe they'll do. You know, who knows after the coaching season. But, man, it would be a really interesting fight. I think it'd be a great fight. And I just, I don't think Connor's actually coming back. I'm, I'm pretty well convinced he's not even going to ever fight again.

I think he just likes being in the spotlight. I think he likes people talking about him. He likes, you know, being hurt. He likes the ego boost, all that kind of stuff. And, you know, hey, more power to him. He don't have to fight. He's got more money than I'll probably ever make in my life, you know. So good for him.

But, you know, the chances of him actually coming back in fighting, I think are pretty slim. if you're asking, you know, me to be honest. As of today, we're recording this on Monday, May 15th podcast will go out tomorrow, May 16th. As of today, and I just checked this because I was curious. As of today, Connor McGregor still isn't in the Usada testing pool. He hasn't been tested yet this year. We know they need six months of testing before fighting, and I know they can waive that, but I just don't see them doing that after the whole Brock Lesnar debacle.

I can't see them being like, oh, yeah, we're going to give you a pass. And I know it's, if they do it for Connor, people are going to lose their minds. Because everyone already knows Connor gets special treatment. And I get it. I'm not even faulting Connor for getting special treatment as the biggest star in the sport. Like that's why Connor can go to a BKFC fight, go in their ring, hold their belt, do a face-love with Mike Perry. And Dana White goes, oh, I don't mind. Like, that's the power of Connor McGregor.

But I don't think they're going to waive that for him. So we're sitting here May. I mean, six months, we're already talking at this point. Like, it's got to be October. he could fight like Michael Chandler like we're getting deep into the year where like he I'm guessing Michael Chandler probably wants to fight before then too right I mean he wants to get back whether it's Connor or someone else like he wants to fight before then I'm sure right when I talk to Chandler before he left for filming we were both under the assumption that the fight was

going to be in August or September the show ends in August and so we were both under the assumption it was going to be either the end of August or beginning of September was the fight like And that was 10 days or nine days before he left for filming in March. So he was already looking at a six-month window in that. So, I mean, the fact that he's still not in the testing pool is a concern. And I mean, you know, it's weird. Like, why? So I don't know that you're wrong, Matt.

Like, why aren't you back in the testing pool if you're going to fight in this year? Because it's coming up to the debt. Like, if we didn't get back in by June, we're talking about December. Like, that's the end of the year. Yeah, I just was doing the math. And so like today, which is my birthday, guys, it would be what, November 15th before he could even be like cleared. Yeah. And I mean, I guess if you did like the next day, I mean, is that even possible?

Do you have to have any more time than that? Yeah, they'll, they'll let you like. As long as you're in the pool and you have the six months, they can schedule a fight right after. So he could technically fight like the next day as long as he doesn't test positive or anything. But he needs to go through the six months. So as you said, November 15th is the earliest. If he got in the pool today, he couldn't fight until November 15th or November 16th, I guess technically. So yeah, like it's getting.

So you're not wrong, Matt. I guess what I'm saying. Like, you're not wrong. I'm sure Chandler wants to fight before then, right? First, a happy birthday, Loper. But I'm sure, like, he won, like, like Chandler's on short time here, right? Like, he's not going to be fighting for the next, you know, five, 10 years. And he's trying to get back to the title shot.

So I'm sure like he wants to be fighting before that. Yeah. What's crazy. Also, Happy Birthday Loeper. Let me throw that out there as well. Hey, thanks guys.

Recording on your birthday, man, that's commitment. That's commitment to the podcast right there. But in all serious this, Matt, like when you said that, like,

because I was thinking like the ovation you got and the reception you got on Saturday and Dana's comments and everything and the bonus. I don't know. Did I break to you that you got the bonus? Did you know you got the bonus when I texted you? You know, I don't remember.

I texted you about the bonus. Yeah, yeah. He was that fucking Papa John. He doesn't remember. I did not know officially until you broke it to me. Okay. He got the. I kind of moved already, though.

Yeah. Yeah. He was in a cheese and sauce induced Coleman. And my text didn't really mean that much at that point. Dude. And the fried Oreos. Oh, bro. Damn, dude.

Bro. Come on now. But. No one else have the dipping sauces with the pizza. It's only a Papa John's thing. No one else does that, right? Oh, yeah, dude. I buy at least like five different dipping sauces.

So every bite, I get a different garlic butter, spicy garlic, cheese. I don't like Papa John's. You're making me want Papa John's right now, dude. This is like the worst thing ever. Like, I don't like Papa John's. I try the Papa Dia, bro. It's amazing. But I'm not a Papa John's guy either.

I like, you know, local pizza joints are where it's at. But I'll get back to the hotel and I was playing on just eating there at the hotel and they didn't open until like the next, the, they didn't serve food for like two hours. I was like, I'm just going to order a pizza then. I'm starving, man. And I want some Papadilla. I've been seeing it on TV all week. So I'll tell you what was one of the most special moments for me at the fight was I was with the boys,

your twins, Matt, like right before your fight. And, you know, they've been at a few different fights. And I've seen them. They were like, low burn. And we were talking for a few minutes. But they've grown up so much. And they're both training now. So they both understand what is happening in there.

They're way more aware of the world now. And it was so cool to see their eyes, man. Their eyes were so lit up in the moment that you put him down. That's the first two people I thought of. I was like, this must be incredible for the boys. God, can you only imagine like being in their shoes, you know, 12 years old and your dad's out there knocking people out in a cage in front of thousands, millions of people. It's amazing.

It really is. That's what makes it. You know, I talk to a lot of people about this, man. They say that, you know, this is a selfish sport, blah, blah. And my brother, this ain't a selfish sport, man. When I'm in there, I'm in there for them. You know, this ain't selfish, bro. I'm not in there by myself doing it for me.

I'm doing it for everyone else, man. I'm doing it for the little man. I'm doing it for my own kids. I'm doing it for my family. I'm doing it for all the kids at my gym coming up. I'm doing it for, you know, the overweight guy that wants to come in the gym and doesn't know if he can get in there another day. You know, this is what we do it for, man.

It's not selfish at all. So, you know, having my kids there means a lot to me. And it's a special moment, man, when I get to go hugged in backstage after. I, Loper, you mentioned earlier about, like, Matt, walking by, like, you see in the crowd. The one time I know Matt acknowledged me, and I had to be like, you know, professional in the moment, but was in Cincinnati because that was when your kids were in the cage when you knocked out Eric Silva. And I was cage side because I was media. So I was like right in the front row. Like you can't miss us.

Like you have to walk right by us out there. And so I know, I can't remember if I fist bumped you. Can't miss your hair, Damon. That's true. Yeah. That was funny because Randy and I were sitting right next to you. Do you remember that, Damon? Yeah, that's right.

That's right. Yeah. Randy and I are cheering for like, we're going, come on that. And they came up and they go, dude, we know your friends, but you're in the media area tonight. You got a cool little, cool little trivia. You know, that was actually nine years to the day. That's crazy. Oh, really?

The actual day. Yeah. Wow. Dude, nine years ago does not even seem real, right? Like, that doesn't seem like that's possible. Yeah. That's amazing, right? That's crazy.

Well, I remember like everything that has. happened that day. Like we were walking down the streets of Cincinnati with Shealy going to get something to eat and like, I don't know if it was you or somebody brought it up. They were just like, what other fighter walks around in the street right before their fight in the middle of a city? You know, like it was so cool, man. And then Dana called you the king of Cincinnati after that. I mean, Cincinnati was your city, bro. So I think you might have stole Charlotte the other night. That's two down. Yeah, that was, but I remember because that was after the fight you brought the kids in. You brought your twins in. So it's like

that was a cool moment with that. We were talking about the whole Connor thing going back to that real quick. What's funny because what I was saying was the feeling in the atmosphere of your fight and your win, you get to bonus. Dana's talking like, realistically, I know we've kind of jokingly talked about

Connor before, but like Connor kind of picks and chooses his battles and I think he's earned that. Like as a star, he kind of earns that right. Just like Canello does in boxing or whatever. That's just the the guys who they are. But for that moment, like, when that happened afterwards,

like you got lightning in a bottle, I was like, you know what? Like, there's a real world now where that fight could have. Now, I know you said, like, obviously, you know, you don't think Connor's actually coming back. But, like, in that moment, that lightning in a bottle, that tweet, I know it sounds funny, but, like, I was like, you know what? Like, if he goes out and fights Michael Chandler, they're not fighting at 155.

We already know that. You know, I don't see him winning that fight and suddenly getting Leon Edwards or Colby Covington or Bilal Muhammad. They're not going to do that. I was like, there's a world where I could see it being Connor and Matt. Like, that's a big fight. Like, again, I know we're saying, like, it may not happen because Connor may never fight again. But I was like in that moment, I was like, you know what?

That could happen. And it would feel like a big fight. Right. I'm down, bro. Let's go. Give him a call. I do have a cell. I can send it to you if you want to text him.

If he wants, we can even do it. No Yusada. Like, I'll go, you just got to give me like six months to catch up. We'll go and we'll go to Ireland. Tell him. We'll take it to Ireland. We'll bring it to him. Yeah.

I like that too. I want to get Ireland. If you do, if it does happen to Ireland, you got to make, you got to make, you got to make, you got to make Coleman,

like, go full, full Irish for that card. He's got to, like, come out to, like, drop kick Murphys. And you got to get, you got to get Coleman full-on Irish apparel for that card.

Easy. Done. Dude, he came out tanned up, like a mother-fess. fucker dude he's he looks great i just can't i'm so proud of him man you know dumping the booze uh it's it's a great decision for a lot of people you know what i'm saying but for him it's been a complete game changer like what have you seen in his personal life having him in the camp this entire time

change over the course of time uh man i don't even know where you start you know it's just um you know just uh you know he's just he inspired so many of us uh you know back in the day and just watching him go down that road for so long, you know, kind of being, not really by the side, but, you know, being around and seeing how far it went. I mean, he was on his deathbed, you know what I mean? We all know this. Like he was on his way out of the game.

And then to come back like this, and it's different too because, you know, I tell a lot of people, a lot of people know my story, you know, about overdosing and stuff. But, you know, I'm not. an addict at heart right i don't have the disease when when i see someone like him that has that disease it really i don't know man it it's just different because you don't really understand it

until you see it yeah you know with like a true addict and uh someone uh that's able to beat that demon is a very powerful thing it's very inspiring and um you know he comes over all the time hits the sauna with me and jumps in ice and, you know, keeps it entertaining. Every single thing he does is just, you know, he needs a damn camera following him, if anybody does, because it's the most entertaining thing ever to see, but it's constantly inspiring and just seeing the energy level change and the motivation and everything, man. I mean, I don't even know where to start to scratch the surface of the power the sobriety can hold over you.

Yeah, it's wild. like when you think about all that Mark Coleman has gone through in his career all the things he's done and this might be the biggest battle he's won. Like this might be the biggest fight he's ever won his career. Like going to this. Absolutely he is.

You know what I mean? Because I know like I think when he hit one year, I had texted with him right after that. And I was just like, it felt weird saying it, but I was just like, dude, I'm proud of you. Like that's awesome. Like that's so amazing what you're doing. And like he does, man.

He looks better than ever, man. He looks healthy and happy. And, yeah, I've lived, I mean, I've lived around addiction. You know, both my parents were addicts in different ways. But when you live around it, you recognize it. You recognize how much that can destroy your life. Like how much you can absolutely change everything about your life. And it affects everyone around you as well.

Like, no, I'm not talking about family. I'm just not friends. Just people are your, you know it. And, like, there is just a real recognizable difference in Colvin. Like, I was up at the gym. It was like a year ago when I was. I was up there when Mickey Gall was up there and I was up there hanging out and Coleman was up there teaching classes and stuff and like the energy like I just I saw it I recognize it I was like oh my

God like this feels like a different guy like this feels like a totally different guy you know it was awesome yes do you guys remember when we referenced the podcast that we used to do at the beginning of the show but remember those days and remember him coming in to do the podcast with us if we were to say hey X amount of years later he's going to actually be back he'll be in the gym teaching and sometimes on the mats with people. All of us would have said, yeah, sorry, man, that's not going to happen. But man, it's happening. And the craziest thing about all is when that dude grabs you, you know, play around stuff sometimes,

you're talking 10 years of complete alcoholic, you know, close to death, drinking, pills, everything, three hip replacements, no working out. And this dude grabs you. I've never felt a 20-year-old guy as strong as that, bro. Like, this is a fucking gorilla. I'm telling you, he might go on to live to be 150 years old anyway, but if he took care of himself, he'd live to be 200. That's hilarious.

I mean, this guy is an absolute freak of nature, man. You know how you could tell he was doing so well as at the way in, the big greeting Dana gave him? You could tell how authentic that was. Yeah, it's just a beautiful thing to see, right, man. Just a beautiful thing to see. And again, I say it all the time. This isn't a selfish sport, man.

You know, I do it for the guys like Coleman, right? Like, you know, not saying I saved him necessarily, but, you know, having my gym and having, you know, some purpose for him coming into the camp and helping me out, I think gives them a lot of purpose and a lot of reasons to get up and get inspired in the morning. And if I even give him 1% of that, then it makes it all worth it, man. So that's, you know, that's what this sport's all about.

You know, it's hilarious. It inspires you, like, with your friends, and family, you know, like when there is somebody that needs you, you don't really know it all the time, you know, because people are really good at masking things. And then far too often, it's sad that we're too late by the time we know that our friends are hurting or something's wrong. And it was so cool that he was able to not only turn it around, but he's back to doing what he loves. And, you know, martial arts saved me. I know martial arts saved you, Matt. And, you know, and Damon, I mean, you are a living testament of martial arts, my friend. Look at you. You know, the biggest podcaster,

you know, one of the greatest writers of all time. So, I mean, I think that, you know, there's something to that, you know, like they say, obviously I'm the rock and roll business too. And, you know, with bands, they'll say, you know, rock and roll save me or music saved me. Martial arts saves. Yeah, it's crazy, too. You guys remember back in the day doing the podcast, you mentioned at Loper, like when we did the podcast because we always used to go in studio.

We would go all four of us in studio. We'd hang out. And that's why it was so hard for us to do the podcast because we would bullshit for an hour. and then do a two-hour podcast and then bullshit for another half hour. So it was like a four-hour process to do a show with us because we'd all get in there

and joke around and have a great time. You mentioned like we couldn't envision Coleman at that time becoming like but it was funny because in those days in those days Coleman would always joke with you Matt about like I'm going to put you to the Hammer House workout I'm going to put you if I was teaching you.

And it's so funny to think like a couple years later he actually is like one of your main coaches. He's in the gym every day working with you. I've seen him. do it. It's just hilariously how far he's come because back then, like we joke around and talk about, and you and him would constantly go back and forth, like, hilariously, like,

giving each other shit a little bit about, like, the Hammer House workouts and stuff. And, like, now you're fast forward, like, four years later, five years later, he's actually, like, one of the main coaches and coaching up at the Immortal Martial Arts Center. It's just so funny, like, how far he's coming, how far you can come from that, because I don't, I

always remember those days. And me and Loper would crack up, because you guys would just go back and forth for like 10 minutes straight of like him joking about like if I get you on the Matt Brown Matt Brown I'm going to get you on the math Matt Brown Yeah we have a lot of fun man Yeah he I say he just keeps the camp so entertaining all the time

And just a motivational inspirational guy so You know Fuck yeah Mark you know man That's all we say right Fuck yeah bro way to go keep it up man and he's gonna He's gonna do some great things in his life Boarding for flight 246 to Toronto is delayed 50 minutes. Ugh, what?

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because one thing they mentioned on Saturday night after you fought, Dana talked about your longevity, and I realized because I was right in the article it posted today on MMAFighting.com, it said, basically like I didn't realize. I knew it, but like it just kind of like, wow, 15 years in the UFC.

And he was praising your longevity in the sport. And we heard over the week the last week. And I know you talked about it, your pre-fight, Matt. We heard the news of Robbie Lawler is going to retire. He's got one fight left coming up in June. He's going to fight Nico Price and retire. And he's another one. I think he started in the UFC.

I want to say like it was like 2004, 2005 was his first fight. Now, obviously he left for a lot of years and came back to the UFC. so it's not been one continuous run like yours. But like, in all honesty, like, dude, like, I know you don't think about it. But, like, when I was writing that article I was thinking about, I was like, man, it is so rare that guys are able to stick around and have the career like you put together for this long. Because, like, we see a lot of guys and girls come in and they're gone within two years a year a lot of times. You know what I mean? Like, you, like, there's a handful of guys who can stick around for a decade at the highest level.

Like, you know what I mean? I'm not talking about, like, championships. I'm talking just being in the UFC at that level is so rare. And also I want to give credit to Cort McGee too. He's another guy. He's been around for a long time. He was on the ultimate fighter as well. You know, obviously, court's a great guy.

But like, it's so hard to do that at that level, man. I know you know that, Matt, but like I just want to show you that appreciation because when I was writing that article, I was like, God, that is crazy. Like when you think about all the greats, all the just, you know, tremendous champions, guys have been in the sport who are gone or least. you know what I mean and to be there for 15 years dude you realize how special that is uh yeah I guess it's pretty special man I want to keep my own horn you know what I mean I'm just I love what I do and I do what I love man it was a guy who said somebody was doing an interview their day and they mentioned

something along those lines and they said they said you know your career is probably closer to the end than it is to the beginning and I started doing the math in my head and I was like could I do it for you know and say damn I'd be 56 I don't know if I could do it could I? Yes, it's pretty cool, man, and especially to come out, you know, having the most knockouts and, you know, like court ain't no joke, you know what I mean?

It's not like I just knocked out some slob or something or some, you know, first-timer guy that you can be like, oh, well, you know, you just got too nervous or something, you know, so it just, it feels great, man, and, you know, I guess there's a little bit of, you know, just kind of validates everything that I do, you know? Like I put a lot into this and work hard every day and, you know, stay disciplined. And, you know, sometimes every now and it feels like it pays off a little bit.

So it feels great. And I guess I'll be eyeing for that Hall of Fame spot, you know? Hell, yeah. They said that there's people saying that on Saturday night. They're like 100%, like two guys. And it was the other guy that Dana made. mention with you was Jim Miller. Like Jim Miller, Matt Brown, like their UFC

Hall of Famers one day. Like, you know, we don't know when. It's going to be next year, two years or whatever. It's going to be like, you and and Jim Miller are two of the guys who put those two. Like, we know, I know, you know the nickname. I always tell, whenever I text Jim Miller about, I still texted to him because Joe Silva called him at one time his name. His name is not

Jim Miller. It's Jim fucking Miller. Because Joe Silva, Joe Silva famously texted him one time about a fight right before Joe Silva left the UFC. And he said, hey, I got a fight offer for you. And Jim Miller just said, yeah, I'll take it. Didn't know the opponent, didn't know anything.

He's like, he's like, I knew you take it because you're Jim fucking Miller. And so forever and always, he is Jim fucking Miller. But there are certain people, you're Jim fucking Miller, you're Matt fucking Brown. You're not going anywhere except the UFC Hall of Fame. Well, that's cool to hear. Yeah, I'm just kind of speeches with all this stuff, man. You know what I mean? Like, I'm still like, I'm just got to go.

I keep my mind going forward. man i'm already thinking about like getting back into the gym and training some more and that's what i enjoy doing with my days and my nights so um you know i got some guys with some fights coming up so i want to try to help them and um you know that's just where my mind goes man um i hope that the hall of fame works out and get to go you know have a great day out in Vegas getting inducted and every be cool but you know realistically man i'm gonna wake up next morning still hang out with my kids the same still go to the gym and train just the same so you know that's just the way my life works out, man.

And again, hopefully it all comes down to just inspiring others and bringing others up, man. Yeah, no doubt. And Damon, maybe you can answer this question. So what is the deal with the Hall of Fame? Is there any updates on there's like a physical location in the making or what's the deal with that? There's been a lot of talk about that. I feel like because what, so they built the UFC Apex and that became like the UFC, that's the UFC headquarters now.

And I know they're building another building across from it. they're building a hotel over there or whatever, but like, I think they are going to build something eventually because why not? Like, why would you not? Like, there's enough people in the Hall of Fame now to where you can make it like a legit Hall of Fame. People could come visit and things like that. But yeah, I don't know.

I don't know when or how it's going to happen, but I feel like it's got to happen. I mean, and now, like, we're getting in, like, there's a lot of modern people in the Hall of Fame. Like, Anderson Silva's going in now. You know, Robbie Lawler's going in this year for his fight with Roy McDonald. Like, there's a lot of those kind of things happening. so it kind of feels like you've got to do it at some point. And obviously, sadly, like we lost Stefan Bonner.

You know what I mean? Like, he's in the Hall of Fame. Like, you know, you got to have, like, dedication to him there. So, yeah, I feel like they've got to do it at some point. Especially, like, they've carved out a huge part of Vegas is now, like, the EOC headquarters. Like, how could you not do that? And you're already inviting people to the Apex. Like, why would you not want to be able to have people come experience the Hall of Fame?

I mean, it seems like a no-brainer, right? I mean, even if, like, one of the hotels paid for it. You know, it could be a really cool thing inside one of the hotels. everyone would want to go to. They just open up the punk rock Hall of Fame out there. So, I mean, the UFC is a no-brainer for Vegas. I've never been to the punk rock hall of fame. I've been to the Rock Hall of Fame here in Ohio,

but I've never been to Punk Rock Hall of Fame. I just got real big. The punk rock Hall of Fame. Like, where the hell do I'm missing out on this? Geez, man. Yeah, you're one of the only people I know that would appreciate it the way that I do, Damon. We should go out there together and go check that up.

Absolutely. Are we, so we got Matt, your home now. Is everyone, or is everyone going to the concert next week? Is this, are we going to talk about this? We got the big Sonic Temple Festival coming up here in Columbus, Ohio, in a matter of days. Hell yeah. I'll be there the first two days. My daughter is graduating high school, so we're doing like parties over the weekend and stuff like that.

But I'll be there the first two days. Can I? I have no idea. I haven't even thought about it. We'll see. Can I comment real quick? We talked earlier about. Matt, your son's being 12 years old and I was like, because I remember being at your house

when they were like babies and being in the octagon when they were still very little. And Loper, you posted about your son graduating. Now your daughter's graduating. I commented to this to my girlfriend. I was like, how the fuck does this happen? How do their kids like that old now? Like it doesn't make any sense to me. Like this world doesn't make sense to me anymore to where you have kids that are graduating

high school over. This does not make any sense to me whatsoever. Now these girls, they, they were like refusing to believe that I had a 20 year old son and a 17 year old daughter. I was like, yeah, he'll be 20 this summer and she's almost 18, actually at the end of this month. But yeah, we still have two little kids, too, 10 and 11. But, you know, I took myself out of the gene pool, of course, and I got the old, you know, so I can point this thing anywhere I want to. But it's really gratifying to watch your kids grow up and, you know, being a father and an parent, a mother, anything, is just, it is the absolute toughest job because it's somewhere between love and you got to find some kind of balance to keep them in order.

You don't want to be too strict. It's just really fun. And then, unfortunately, it's a rap before you know it. Yeah, when are you about to pop one out, Damon? Never. Never. I'm never having children. I live vicariously.

I live. I live vicariously through my friends. Yeah, I know. I have two dogs. That's enough for me. I'm not, no, there's none of that.

I live vicariously through my friends. As long as you don't compare having dogs to having kids. I had to do that to me the other day. I was like, I was like, you motherfucker. Like,

these dogs are not fucking kids. Like, he's like, well, it's at the Belgium Malinball, you know, it's very high drive. My motherfucker,

I'm about to kick your fucking teeth. What a hilarious conference. It's a bitched-old-law. It's very, like, oh, okay, we've got a great point there. No. Is your Belgian Malin-Wa trying to bang a female mat-outlinwa in the backseat of my car? Because they're at the movie, no, okay? It's not the same thing.

You've got to be your head's on a swivel. Yeah, you've got to be paying attention to these things, man. Is he on TikTok too much? Yeah, exactly. It's way easier having a Malin-Waw. See, hearing this is why I don't. want kids. I'm like, yeah, I couldn't handle that. I'm not, I'm just not, I'm not built for that. I'm built for dogs. Dogs are about as far as you're going to get you got to carry on the Martin jeans.

Where's the Martin jeans going to go? That pool, that pool has been drained long ago. Trust me. There's no, there's no need for any more that being spread around. I promise you that. So, yeah, that's like the world needs more Damon Martins. David Jr., here we go. Somebody to take over the show when you're done. Yeah. Yeah, who's going to take over the show? Your legacy. torch. I'll pass it. We'll pass it on to the brown children. They can take over when I'm gone. They can, they got

there's two of them. They're twins. I mean, come on. They can do the show right there. One's going to be a fighter. The other one can be a writer. Fair enough. They're probably pretty good. Yeah, that's me. Although, hearing golf lessons kind of threw me off. You got kids in golf? It does not seem like an immortal sport to me. That just

does not strike me. My one's son fucking loves golf, man. Mother's son, he's a fighter. My other son, he fucking loves golf. I'm all about it. I said, dude, go get that fucking golf money.

Don't get hit once in the face in your life. No, Hunter's got a great swing too. Yeah, he's real fluid. Looks great. Dude, he's actually doing freaking awesome.

And I'm like, dude, I want to learn some golf, man. We're going golfing. Is that right, bro? I'm ready.

I mean, that was going to go right now, actually, right after the show. Yeah. I can't tonight because I miss Mother's Day yesterday. So I've taken my mom out for Mother's Day today. Oh,

there you go, man. But I am in, bro. Let's go. What is going? What is going on here? It's something that I've taken up in the last couple of years. You know what it is, Damon? It's harder.

I had no idea that this conversation was going here for the show. Yeah, definitely did not. You take golf is. This is a fighter show. Yeah, everybody thinks like golfing, you know, you got to wear a collar. It's, you know, for the, you know, people that are soft and all this stuff. It's, there's no humiliation. Like, when you get out there and in 80,

year old guy is just whipping your ass all over the golf course. There's nothing like it. It doesn't matter how much sports prowess you have. All of that is out the way. In my opinion, golf is more of an athletic skill than it is really like a sport. And maybe when you talk about it's kind of like when I go to yoga and all these soccer moms are chilling and I'm over here going,

that's exactly right. So golf for me is more like Tai Chi than anything else. You have to be able to quiet the mind and just release to victory. So I'm working on it. I'm still like I'm still 90s, man. But I go out there and I have a great time. But one of the things that I promised myself was I wasn't going to go out there and be one of these guys throwing clubs.

Fair enough. That was nothing like watching the guy. Yeah, throw a $500 club against a tree. I'm like, dude, what are you even doing out here, man? Like, you know, because people have high expectations when it comes to golf. And it's just a game that, man, it's worse than jujitsu. It takes forever to get good. well I just what I mean is like obviously having done both it is uh it's a different thing obviously

but like to get some sort of like a foundation in jihitsu you got to I mean there's no going for a month or two like there is with taekwondo or something like that where you're like all right cool man I learned a roundhouse kick I can kind of do this now I mean you are nobody getting smashed by everybody for at least the first year or so. and that's golf too, man. I mean, you get smashed by, I'm the worst guy at my golf club, I promise you. This is why.

Go ahead. This is why I don't play golf because I did, I used to play in high school, I played tennis. And I loved tennis. Yeah, I played tennis. I got a good serve, but I used to play doubles tennis, and I was on the team in the high school team.

But I had the football players mentality. So when we lost a game and the other team started making fun of us, I chucked my racket and tried to jump over the net at the other kid. And that was the end of my tennis career. So I don't think I'm built for golf. I don't think I'm built for golf. I don't think I'm built for golf.

I don't, I, because I would throw a club. I would 100% throw a club. There's no doubt in my mind, a club is getting chucked somewhere on that course. There's no doubt in my mind. Yeah, after you see the price tag. No golf for you, Damon. Yeah, it's easy to not throw it. Yeah.

Yeah, I'm not getting, I'm not getting. I'm not getting $50,000 knockout of the night bonuses, performance of night bonuses. I can't afford those golf clubs. Trust me. That's funny. I can't afford them either. I got three kids. $50,000 don't go as far as you think when you got three kids.

Let me, real quick, before you get out of here, let me ask you, Matt, going back to the fight stuff real quick. I'm curious because you're in a different position now in your career than a lot of guys where, and again, I mean this, I mean. mean this as a compliment, but like you, you said, like, you want to get back in the gym, you got to help your guys, you're doing that kind of stuff, but like, you're in a position now where you don't have to fight at any particular time. Like, you can kind, I can kind of assume you can, like, pick and choose, not say you pick and choose your fights or pick and choose your cards, but like, if you want to take a couple months off, you can take a couple months off.

You're not in a position where they're like, hey, you have to fight again in three months or four months. Do you think about, like, when you get out of a fight, like, you're like, you had a big win, big knockout? Like, do you just kind of like, when a time's right? You're like, yeah, I'll take another fight. Is that kind of the mentality now? Yeah, it's kind of where I have to be, man.

And it's not nearly as much because of finances, but because of injuries. It's like I have stuff that I just have to heal up. And I've went into too many fights with injuries that has slowed me down and affected the fight. So I'm just not trying to do that at this age anymore. So just when I'm healthy and I'm able to train consistently. And I basically just know when the time is right, man. And it may be a faster turnaround this time. but it might not, you know, like, you know, there's a lot of layers to my life at this point,

you know, I'm a lot older and have businesses and kids and all this stuff. So, yeah, there's just a lot of pieces that I puzzle, man. And I think, well, yeah, so I just kind of play it by year, you know. I got through the fight, not even really thinking about it too much right now. Give it a couple weeks and we'll go from there. and, you know, when I get the itch, I'll call the UFC and we'll go again. I'll text Matt. Hey, Connor's back in the testing pool and then he'll text me back.

I'm ready to fight in six months, guys. You guys ready to fight in six months? What's going on here? Connor, what's up? Yeah, I mean, to be fair, you know, money talks, right? So, you know, and Connor, I think it is a great matchup, to be honest, you know, whether the fight ever actually realistically happens or not. I mean, I think it's a great matchup.

I think it'd be an exciting matchup. I think fans would freaking love to see it. You know, right now, some of the responses I see, and I was just looking at my phone a minute ago, and, you know, some of the people are saying, you know, M.M.A. Math, right? Because he knocked out Cowboy quickly and Cowboy beat me. So, but, you know, M.A. Math does not work that way at all.

At all. So everybody can stop with all of that. Me and Connor make for a great matchup. But the fact is, you know, again, It's just, it's good. He's the A side. So, you know, it's up to him. So I'm kind of his mercy for that one. Well, there's only like, to me and Loper, like, obviously, and I mean this is like, I'm in the sport.

This is my daily job is what I do every single day. And Matt, obviously you're a fighter, but even you as a fighter, you're not paying attention to like every single thing that happens in the sport. You can't. You got to actually life outside the sport. Loper, am I wrong in thinking? Like, there's like a handful of fights that would make sense for. in terms of like a big fight, right? Like, we know Chandler's going to be a big fight, good for him.

Gaitchew would be a big fight. He already fought Pory a couple times. That's not going to happen. You look at Welchewate, you know, obviously there's maybe a couple of matchups up there. But I think of, like, name value and fights that people would get excited about and, like, get, like, pay to see. I'm not just trying to sell it on the Matt Brown fight, but, like, am I wrong? I think out of, like, the maybe 10 guys that Connor could fight that doesn't involve a title. obviously titles are always going to be important, but like just big fights.

Like Matt, you're there. Like that's, I'm not wrong, right? Like in terms of magnitude, like that is actually one that would make a lot of sense. Yeah, I mean, I think it makes total sense because I think Connor wants somebody that's going to stand in a bang. He doesn't want a NC2A wrestler. That's for damn sure. So I think it's almost one of those sleepy fights where Connor could almost be lulled into the idea of fighting Matt because it would be attractive to him.

And then when the lights are on, it may be too late for our Irish friend. But I definitely think I could see that happening. See, Coleman, Coleman over there, give a smack to John Cabin. I'd be a great show, man. Come on. I would absolutely be there on any continent. I would be there.

Yeah. Come on. That's what I would fly to Ireland for. I would 100% fly to Ireland for that flight. If it goes in Ireland, go, 100% I would go to that one. Like I didn't, I didn't fly to Charlotte because,

man, flights everywhere are really expensive right now. Like when Loper, because I texted Loper, after I found out he was going to Charlotte, I was going to go because I was like, we're going to drive down. He's like,

we're flying. I was like, well, I'm out because flights are like $900 to fly like 100 miles now. I was like, never mind. I'm not flying anywhere. I got to,

I happen to get a really great rate, but I was thinking about driving for a second. You know, like I have some extra free time on my hands. I was going to go and stop and see some other parts of, some of the things I want to hit on the way down. But it just, the way it worked out for me,

it just was easier for me to get in and get out. But like I said, man, we had such a great time in Charlotte. If I could just plug one time, something on my new podcast, Loper and Randy, if you guys want to go check it out at loper and randy.com. There's a story where I met a super celebrity, like a real famous person at my hotel in the elevator. And if you want to know who it is,

go over and check out the podcast. I think I heard this on Instagram. I'm not going to spoil it. I think I heard who you talked about on Instagram. So, yeah, I got to listen to that. I was blown away. I was blown away. I couldn't believe this person was standing in front of me.

Yeah. Matt, have you ever gotten Starstruck meeting anybody? Matt's like, no. He's like, no. I don't know. Not really. I mean, I was pretty, I wouldn't say Starstruck. I don't know what that term means, really.

I mean, but I guess the closest that would be that was like when I met Maynard, right, and I hung out with him. He wanted to learn stuff for me. But, you know, I met him like in a gym, you know, we were training. So it was just kind of like, and, you know, he was just a cool dude. He was just another guy there training. So it wasn't really a starstruck thing, you know, like we drilled together and did some techniques and stuff.

that's about the closest I could get. But, you know, we've kind of become friends since. So it wasn't really, you know, start. I don't know what starstruck means, but yeah, I can't think of anybody, you know, that really just kind of blew me away. I'm like, they're just human beings, right? So that's a tough one. It doesn't, people don't really strike me, you know, like that, I guess.

I don't know. Maybe I'm just a weirdo like that. Certain celebrities, though, it is weird when they're standing in front of you. Like, I gave the key to Ozzy Osbourne, the key to the city of West Palm Beach where I grew up. And we were doing radio down there.

And I set this whole thing up. It happened in 24 hours, right? And it was not really even a thing in my mind until Ozzy was standing next to me. And he's chewing some bubble gum and he takes. He spits it out and then steps on it with his shoe. And I'm like, is he going to fucking wear gum on the bottom of his shoe for the rest of the day?

I'm like, what a savage. And it was just so weird. I was sitting there happening like, as the mayor was talking, Lois Frankel was talking to the crowd, I'm having side conversation. I'm like, yeah, that's cool.

Just talking to Ozzy Osbourne, that's all. It's moments like that, though, you realize like, wow, you're so famous. And this celebrity that I'm talking about, I was in the elevator with, it's not somebody that I necessarily am such a huge fan of their work. It's just that you're so aware of who they are. And when you realize who they are,

you're like, I can't believe that's you. This is fucking crazy. I think for me, and I think you guys should probably relate to this, being the you've been around famous people many times it's like it's not like the star power about them that strikes you but when you see someone like Aussie or like me hanging around Maynard like you know how special that person really is like how genius they are especially like Maynard or Ozzie right like I mean Maynard is just an absolutely brilliant person and you can tell when you speak to them and there's an aura about them so it's not necessarily

the star power or the celebrity status that they have, but that energy that they have, you're like, dude, it's cool to be around them just like, if I can get a piece of that energy, man, maybe you get a little bit of inspiration from them. No doubt, yeah. If that makes sense at all, I'm not sure. You know, it's cool, though. And Loper, I know you probably speak to this because you've been around a lot of rock stars, a lot of celebrities.

And I've been lucky enough because I go to San Diego Comic Con every year. and I've interviewed guys like Brian Cranston from Breaking Bad and stuff like that. But one of my favorite experiences, and I always tell this when kind of bring it a full circle to the Conn McGregor thing, one of my favorite experiences when guys get to be, like, you know as well as I do Loper. I won't mention the band, but I've met a band on their way up and that I've met them after they became famous. And it totally turned me off because they totally became different people. Like they became rock stars. Like they're suddenly like, I will say this.

Like when I, because I know it's a little different with this because I've been around Connor a lot. But like I'll never forget, like being around Connor after he blew up, it was the biggest star in the world. And everyone knew him. Like every time I've ever interacted with Connor when there's not cameras around, he's like still the nicest guy in the world. I've always told this story. When I got let go at Fox, when Fox fired all the writers like four years ago, Conner McGregor and Max Holloway were the first two people to reach out to me. Like, dude, that's bullshit. Like you got shafted.

You deserve better. And I was like, Colin McGregor, the biggest star in the world is reaching out to me on Twitter saying, hey man, you got a raw deal. Like,

that sucks. And like that's, like that means like that, I love when you realize, like they're just people. Like Matt said, they're just people. And they're still just,

now I'm not saying like he's not rolling around to a freaking Lamborghini, you know, whatever, you know, yacht or whatever he's got. And, you know,

obviously that. But like, I've been around enough people, like, when you meet him and they're just like, yeah, they're just people. Now,

I've met some assholes, too, and I'm sure Loper, you've had that experience, too, in the rock, especially in the music world. But, like, it's cool when you meet somebody, you're just like, yeah, like, you're just a person. Like, it's cool. And they don't, and they're not, like, expecting to treat them different. They're just like, yeah, I'm just a dude. Yeah, a lot of times these guys, they're not even necessarily assholes, but, like, you know, they get so much attention and so many people want them to suck their nuts.

And, you know, like, I feel like after a fight, like, sometimes, you know, I probably come across as an asshole, but I'm like, bro, like, there's a million people that want to talk to me right now. And I'm just a person. And I just want to be left alone. You know what I mean? And it's not, no, nothing against you. But, you know, I'm not going to sit here and talk to you for the next 10 minutes either. A lot of times people take that the wrong way or even, you know, before a fight, especially, right?

Yeah. You see these guys like, that's why I don't like bug and I'm like before the shows, whatever. It's like, you know, they're trying to get their energy right and trying to get focused and I don't need those distractions. And so a lot of people, I think. take that as in being an asshole. And obviously, like, there's, you know, different lines to that, too. There's different scenarios and things, you know, but, you know, I try to be aware of that. And again, it's not about the star power, you know, it's just about, you know, someone like Connor, like he is a special dude, you know, I mean, he's obviously like a great fighter, but he's also

in terms of like his personality and the way he carries himself. Like, he's special in that regard and it's cool to be around that you know i'd never be starstruck by it but it's cool to be around it yeah i'll tell you who has achieved like a lot of success uh and i knew the person like when they were you know just coming up and really i mean just a few years ago like nobody do if you weren't a fan already is a jelly roll and jelly yeah jelly roll is i mean one of the most famous musicians on the planet right now and especially in the country world of all worlds but he used to joke with me and say like, you know, I work in rock radio and he would say like, hey, man, you know, the one thing about our friendship is I'm never going to ask you to play one of my

records. And then a year later, the guy has the number one rock record in the country, followed up by the number one country record in the country. Yeah, his success and his ability to stay humble is almost unmatched, man. You know, he's a great example of the opposite of what you're describing, Damon, for sure. I heard a story about him. I think it was on TikTok, actually. a guy was talking about like he had done a show with Jellyroll

when Jelly Roll was like not really a guy like he was not a star or anything he like open for him at some like little tiny club in like Nashville and then he blew up and like Jelly Roll brought him back out like he was still trying to build his career and he like still supported him even after this guy and he like I guess he came to his show like Jelly Roll is like the biggest star in the world

whatever and Jelly Roll came to this guy's show to show him support like he could have just you know that sounds like yeah yeah he just showed up and he's like showed up to show him support. And of course, he tweeted about her, put on Instagram and everyone freaked out and came. And he's like, dude, you have no idea how much I meant to me. Like, I was just your opening act when you were still nobody.

But like a year later, two years later, whatever, he showed up to this guy. She's like, little dinky show in like Nashville or something. And like, I'm going to this guy's show and like tweeted about her, Instagrammed about it. I was like, that's so cool. Like, that's awesome. Like, you could have just totally forgot about this guy and moved on with your life. But the fact that you were like, yeah, he meant something to me when I was, you know,

kind of coming up and I'm going to go support. him now like that's cool i had to come see you baba i can hear it right now that's exactly yeah that's that's adjacent story for sure that's that's awesome that's awesome that's awesome well uh this reunion has been a lot of fun boys uh i i i we got to do it more often it feels like this needs to happen more often i feel like i miss this dynamic we have we got to get colman back on too because i go imagine the crazy shit that would happen we get him back on uh we'll get a roaming mike because he's got to get his steps in these days damon yeah that's true he'll just come back on he'll just come back on for like every 10 minutes he'll just be like circle

around every 10 minutes, I'll be back on the podcast. Lover, tell everyone again where they can find you and your wonderful podcast you got going on in the world. Well, I just want to say it is great to be back with the two of you guys. You know, Matt, it was great to be there on Saturday. You know, you're one of my closest friends, and there's nothing like it to see your friends rise to victory. Yeah, people can check it out.

Loeper and Randy.com. We're on all the major podcast platforms. You know, please support our show. It's independent. And we're waiting to, you know, take over, man. I think people will like it too. You know, if you enjoyed what you heard today, I think you'll like it. And Matt, you've always got everything going on.

Where are people supporting you after the fight? Everyone's talking about your fight. I know you got Immoral Coffee. You got other things going on. So what else has got going on now? Yeah, that would be the Immortal. You can follow me, Instagram. I am the Immortal.

Twitter, the same. I am the Immortal. Facebook fan page, the Immortal Matt Brown. That's about all I got, man. That's how I'm rolling these days. He's going to get him another Pappadea now. All right, boys. That is our show for this week for the Fighter versus the Rider.

Make sure you check us out on all of your favorite podcast platforms, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, all the different places. Of course, I know we're on the best website in the world, MMAFighting.com. We'll see you guys next week for another edition of the Fighter versus the Rider. Thanks for tuning in. We'll see you then.