🔥 What does it really take to build one of the best MMA gyms in the world and shape world champions from the ground up?

In this inspiring episode of Coffee Time with Carlos Machado, Master Carlos welcomes Sayif Saud, founder and head coach of Fortis MMA in Dallas, Texas. Together they explore how a young martial artist from Indiana became one of the most respected coaches in the UFC.

Sayif began training judo at age three, winning his first state title before kindergarten. He went on to study karate, bodybuilding, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu before competing in MMA and retiring undefeated. His true calling came when he began coaching.

That passion led to the birth of Fortis MMA, a gym that quickly rose to international prominence. Today, Fortis MMA is home to elite fighters including Brandon Moreno, Jeff Neal, Macy Chiasson, and Ryan Spann. Under Sayif’s leadership, the team has earned more Contender Series wins than any other gym and continues to produce world-class athletes.

In this conversation, Sayif and Carlos talk about hard lessons, loyalty, the mental game of fighting, and the deeper meaning behind martial arts. Sayif shares his philosophy of truth, consistency, and love as the foundation of real coaching.

This episode goes far beyond fighting. It is about leadership, vision, and the courage to build something that endures.

🥋 About Sayif Saud

Sayif Saud (@sayifsaud) is one of the most respected MMA coaches in the world and the founder of @fortis_mma

A lifelong martial artist, Sayif competed in judo, karate, and professional MMA before focusing on coaching. His fighters are known for discipline, toughness, and unity. His philosophy combines truth, accountability, and genuine care.

🎙️ About Coffee Time with Carlos Machado

Hosted by Master Carlos Machado, pioneer of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the United States, Coffee Time is a podcast where deep stories unfold through real conversations. Each episode explores discipline, humor, mentorship, and the journey toward mastery.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Carlos welcomes Sayif Saud
05:30 Early martial arts beginnings
10:40 The transition to MMA
18:00 Founding Fortis MMA
25:10 Coaching world champions
39:00 The truth about durability
50:45 Balancing faith, family, and business
1:05:00 Loyalty and warrior culture
1:17:30 The future of Fortis MMA

🔗 Official Links

🎧 Podcast home: https://podcast.coffeetimewithcarlos.com/
☕ More episodes: https://coffeetimewithcarlos.com/
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeTimeWithCarlosMachado
📸 Coffee Time: https://www.instagram.com/coffeetimewithcarlos/
📸 Carlos Machado: https://www.instagram.com/carlosmachadojiujitsu/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeetimewithcarlos
📘 Machado Jiu-Jitsu HQ: https://www.facebook.com/CarlosMachadoBJJ

📸 Sayif Saud: https://www.instagram.com/sayifsaud/
📸 Fortis MMA: https://www.instagram.com/fortis_mma/

📚 Search and SEO Keywords

Sayif Saud interview, Fortis MMA, Fortis MMA Dallas, Coffee Time with Carlos Machado, Brandon Moreno coach, UFC coaches 2025, MMA mindset, martial arts discipline, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu podcast, leadership through martial arts, UFC team building, Fortis MMA fighters, Sayif Saud Fortis MMA, UFC champions, mindset training, warrior culture, Carlos Machado podcast

❤️ Join the Coffee Time Community

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like the video, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay updated with new episodes. Every week, Master Carlos talks with remarkable people about the lessons that build character, discipline, and joy.

☕ Keep your coffee warm and your mind open. There is always something to learn when you sit down for Coffee Time.

What really happens to your body when you get dehydrated?
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Master Carlos Machado sits down with Riley Rogers, founder of SALT Electrolytes, to uncover the science and stories behind hydration, heat stroke, and recovery — from military missions in Kuwait to marathon training and jiu-jitsu life on the mats.

Riley shares how a personal battle with heat stroke led him to develop SALT, a clean and natural electrolyte formula trusted by athletes, martial artists, and everyday performers. Together, they dive deep into topics like:

• The danger of overhydration and “diluted” electrolytes
• Why most sports drinks get it wrong
• The science behind sodium, potassium, magnesium, and iodine
• The story of how SALT went from a backyard mix to a nationwide brand
• Why balance — not buzz — is the real key to energy and recovery

Master Carlos brings his own experience from the jiu-jitsu world and the Gracie diet philosophy, blending science, humor, and practical wisdom in this inspiring conversation.

🕒 Timestamps

0:00 Intro – Why Salt Matters
5:40 Riley’s Heat Stroke Story
15:20 The Science of Dehydration
30:10 Gatorade vs. Real Electrolytes
45:00 The Role of Stevia & Natural Ingredients
1:02:30 Jiu-Jitsu, Cramping, and Recovery
1:25:00 FDA Challenges & Building a Brand
1:45:40 Hydration Myths & Daily Habits
2:10:00 Carlos on Diet, Coffee, and Balance
2:25:00 Final Thoughts – “Earn Your Salt”

🔗 Official Links

🔗 Watch more episodes & updates: https://coffeetimewithcarlos.com/

📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeTimeWithCarlosMachado
📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeetimewithcarlos/
📸 More from Carlos: https://www.instagram.com/carlosmachadojiujitsu/
📘 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeetimewithcarlos
📘 Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu: https://www.facebook.com/CarlosMachadoBJJ

When Preacher Lawson walked into Master Carlos Machado’s academy, he wasn’t a world-famous comedian. He was just another student on the mats, humble, hungry to learn, and ready to be challenged. Only later did Carlos discover that this “new guy” was actually an America’s Got Talent finalist who had already performed on some of the world’s biggest stages.

In this powerful conversation, Preacher opens up about his journey from struggling comic to international success, the setbacks that nearly stopped him, and the martial arts lessons that now shape his life both on and off the stage.

You’ll hear:
✔️ How stand-up comedy turned into a calling at age 17
✔️ The behind-the-scenes reality of America’s Got Talent
✔️ A brutal MMA fight and the injuries that tested his discipline
✔️ Why he built a family comedy tour with his mom and brother
✔️ The philosophy of jiu-jitsu, humility, and discipline that keeps him grounded
✔️ How choosing a vegan lifestyle supports his health and performance

This is more than a story about comedy or martial arts, it’s a conversation about finding balance, embracing struggle, and chasing excellence in every area of life.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Preacher Lawson meets Carlos Machado
05:30 – Comedy beginnings in Memphis
15:00 – America’s Got Talent & the breakout moment
25:00 – MMA fight story & tough lessons learned
40:00 – Building a family comedy show
55:00 – Vegan lifestyle & discipline
1:15:00 – Martial arts wisdom for everyday life

🔗 Watch more episodes & updates: https://coffeetimewithcarlos.com/

📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeTimeWithCarlosMachado

📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeetimewithcarlos/

📸 More from Carlos: https://www.instagram.com/carlosmachadojiujitsu/

📘 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeetimewithcarlos

📘 Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu: https://www.facebook.com/CarlosMachadoBJJ