In part two of the Cage Rage Chronicles, promoter Andy Geer reveals how the UK promotion went from regional shows to an international powerhouse that attracted Anderson Silva, Melvin Manhoef, and the biggest names in early 2000s MMA.Mike Davis and Joey Venti continue the deep dive into Cage Rage’s explosive rise, the business decisions that built a global brand with almost no TV money, Pride FC crossovers, and the wild behind-the-scenes stories that defined British MMA history. Andy Geer discusses the UFC 38 Lee Murray vs Tito Ortiz street fight fallout, the impact of The Ultimate Fighter (plus his own early reality show treatment idea), upgrading production with Stephen Quadros “The Fight Professor,” Paul Daley’s early wars, sponsoring UK talents like Brad Pickett and Paul Daley to American Top Team, Anderson Silva’s run including his reverse elbow prediction, Pride FC fighter exchanges and rule changes (head stomps & soccer kicks), the Wolf Slayer gym drama involving Michael Bisping, Dana White and Pride executives ringside together, major sponsorship deals including $100k+ betting money on the mat, stacked cards at Wembley, Vitor Belfort backstage moments, and the launch of their contender series.This is the pivotal rise period that helped put European MMA on the map — essential for fans of early UFC, Pride FC, and the gritty business of promoting in the pre-TV boom era.What was your favourite moment from this era of Cage Rage? Drop it below and let us know what you want covered in Part 3 👇0:00 start0:47 MMA history podcast intro1:20 guest introduction2:39 experience at UFC 385:42 thoughts on Lee Murray Tito Ortiz street fight 9:39 Knock Down Sport Budo10:02 thoughts on Frank Warren 11:21 competitor “Cage Fighting Championship”12:11 pitching “TUF” to the UFC 15:30 dealings with Stephen Quadros17:33 experience with Wanderlei Silva 19:15 Melvin Manhoef vs Matthias Riccio 20:52 Cage Rage 10 fight card 22:47 Richard Bowkett vs Atilla Kubilay 25:47 Paul Daley vs Paul Jenkins 27:54 sponsoring fighters 31:02 Abdul Mohamed vs Jess Liaudin 32:07 Curtis Stout vs Mark Weir 33:11 Anderson Silva vs Jorge Rivera 35:52 dealings with Sakakibara and Pride FC40:36 Debut for Referee Mark Goddard 42:02 Fabio Piamonte vs Cyrille Diabate42:34 Brad Pickett vs Jordan Miller 44:50 Cage Rage 12 fight card 45:47 Alex Reed injured Lee Murray in training 47:35 issues with Wolfslair at Cage Rage 53:40 Mark Weir vs Sol Gilbert 53:51 Tulio Palhares vs James Evans Nicolle54:17 Abdul Mohamed vs Alexandre Izidro55:09 Cage Rage Belt changes 57:22 Vitor Ribeiro teased fight cancelled 58:14 allowing soccer kicks in cage rage1:00:43 fighter reactions to rule changes 1:02:08 relationship with Lee Murray 1:03:15 first International event for Cage Rage 1:06:17 Paul Daley vs Joey Van Wanrooji1:06:48 Gesias Cavalcante vs Michihiro Omigawa1:07:30 Alan Murdock vs Dave Legeno1:09:48 Dave Legeno alleged fixed fights 1:11:44 partying at Cage Rage 1:12:06 Expert sports better Steve Bamford1:15:22 Jeff Monson at Cage Rage event 1:16:01 Dana White attending Cage Rage 1:18:20 issues with Vitor Belfort backstage 1:22:32 Antony Rea’s corner 1:23:48 Anderson Silva vs Curtis Stout 1:24:00 Cage Rage 15 fight card 1:25:29 interactions with the Red Devil Fight team 1:28:09 Anderson Silva vs Tony Fryklund 1:29:13 Jake Bostwick 1:30:53 outroInstagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support

David "Tank" Abbott returns for part 4 as the team quotes directly from Tito Ortiz's autobiography This Is Gonna Hurt and gets Tank's raw, unfiltered response to every claim. From Tito's glue-sniffing childhood hallucinations and shocking family stories to the infamous stolen check incident, training sessions where Tito claims he dominated Tank on the mat, UFC blackballing accusations, early weight-class politics, and more — nothing is off-limits.Tank breaks down Tito's version of their training relationship, sets the record straight on his own wrestling background and real street-fighting roots, and explains why he believes Tito's entire persona was manufactured. The conversation also covers Chuck Liddell's actual contender path versus hand-picked opponents, the "Tito Ortiz rule" at 205 lbs, and a tease into Big John McCarthy's book.

This is pure, no-holds-barred MMA history from one of the sport's original street fighters and pioneers.If you want the real stories behind early UFC, the men who actually lived it, and zero corporate filter, this is essential viewing.Subscribe & hit the bell for more legendary interviews preserving mixed martial arts history. Drop your thoughts on Tito's book in the comments.

0:00 start

0:49 MMA history podcast intro

1:22 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

1:48 interview start

2:43 Tito Ortiz in the hospital

3:28 Prologue about sniffing glue

7:54 thoughts after meeting Tito Ortiz

10:50 Tito Ortiz requesting for 205lb weight class

13:38 running into Wanderlei Silva

17:46 Tito Ortiz receiving hand picked opponents

22:49 Tito Ortiz screwing over Dana White

26:08 mother becoming “Lady of the evening”

28:31 Tito Ortiz stealing a blank check book

31:51 Tito Ortiz stealing from Tanks home

34:20 becoming financially stable

36:35 1st book review

37:47 arrested for stealing a car

40:09 Tito Ortiz amateur wrestling career

43:35 2nd book review

45:25 wrestling coach Paul Herrera

48:15 stealing “the Huntington Beach bad boy” name

52:15 3rd book review

53:50 Tito Ortiz training with Tank Abbott

57:17 Tank Abbott athletic background

59:04 learning how to wrestle

1:04:45 4th book review

1:07:17 advice from Tank Abbott to Tito Ortiz

1:10:56 street fight rumor with John Matua

1:16:22 5th book review

1:17:17 Tito Ortiz getting over on people

1:21:16 Tito Ortiz bringing hard work ethic to training

1:25:44 Tito Ortiz moving out of California

1:27:54 Reaching out for money to pay for attorney

1:34:05 Tito Ortiz blackballed from the UFC

1:36:44 Confronted over stollen golf clubs

1:44:50 Tito Ortiz caught stealing a bike

1:49:51 using Tank Abbotts influence to get back in the UFC

1:51:08 interactions with Tito Ortiz’s mom

1:52:52 thoughts on fighter taking steroids

1:55:43 John McCartny upset when people response

2:00:22 clearing up some statements

2:08:33 Tank Abbott vs John McCartny

2:14:50 interview wrap up/ outro

#TankAbbott #TitoOrtiz #MMAHistoryPodcast #UFC

Big Sexy Sean McCorkle Part 2 - UFC Exit, Monte Cox, Steroids, Wild Post-UFC Fights & More | Episode 333Big Sexy Sean McCorkle returns for an even more unfiltered Part 2. Shawn opens up about his controversial UFC departure after Joe Silva’s warnings about his tweets, the “risk vs reward” conversation, and his raw farewell message. He dives deep into his relationship with manager Monty Cox, handshake deals, pay-per-view points battles, and behind-the-scenes UFC politics with Dana White, the Fertittas, and discretionary bonuses.Sean shares hilarious and chaotic post-UFC stories: the legendary Mike Hayes fight hype prank that hit Yahoo Sports, last-minute opponent negotiations, cutting to 285 on Winstrol/Anavar, the Cameron Befort (not Vitor Belfort) finish, and a wild post-fight “Fidel Castro / Free Cuba” shoutout in Miami. He also discusses steroid cycles, weight cuts, near-misses with Jason Guida, Bellator dealings, and memorable run-ins with Travis Brown, Matt Mitrione, Brendan Schaub, and more.Plus: the WWE offer, pro wrestling stories, family life, his son’s comedy ambitions, and why he has zero regrets living life on his own terms.Drop your questions for Part 3 in the comments — we’re bringing Big Sexy back!Subscribe for more early UFC, EliteXC, Cage Rage, and regional MMA history deep dives.The MMA History Podcast preserves raw, untold stories from the pioneers who built the sport.

0:00 start

0:43 MMA history podcast intro

1:15 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

1:31 interview start

2:00 getting recognized internationally

4:27 departing from the UFC

7:41 UFC becoming anti free speech

10:54 dealings with Monte Cox

14:42 thoughts on Dana White

15:55 UFC not paying fighters for public appearances

19:45 looking for fights after UFC release

20:52 issues with Sam Hoger

22:14 hyping up fight with Mike Hayes “ canceled bout”

32:41 offered fight with Tony Lopez

33:31 negotiating fight with Cameron Befort

39:37 Sean McCorkle vs Cameron Befort

39:47 controversial post fight interview

41:58 understanding fight capabilities

45:10 bad experience with the Schmo

46:29 travis Brown story

52:32 Sean McCorkle vs Alex Rozman

54:03 turning down Hollywood producers

56:22 getting an offer from the WWE

57:35 meeting professional wrestlers at signings

1:00:56 talking to Alex Rozman after fight

1:04:05 sending Alex Rozman money for commissary

1:07:06 UFC refusing to let Sean McCorkle return

1:08:42 the Fertitta brothers ties to the Mob

1:10:15 Sean McCorkle vs Justin Grizzard

1:12:34 interactions with Alex Trujillo

1:14:12 Sean McCorkle vs Richard White

1:16:01 Pat Curran vs Joe Warren “bad stoppage”

1:19:29 Sean McCorkle vs Christian Morecraft

1:21:51 Joe Silva refusing to book local fighters

1:23:57 receiving front row tickets from Dana White

1:28:14 next chapter of fight career

1:29:38 Sean McCorkle’s son pursuing comedy

1:31:11 roasting Brandon Schaub online

1:36:36 issues with hosting a podcast

1:39:03 having unbelievable stories

1:43:03 interview wrap up

1:43:13 outro/ closing thoughts

#MMAHistoryPodcast #UFC #MMA #MontyCox #JoeSilva #UFCFighters #SteroidsInMMA #FighterStories #CombatSports

MMA History Podcast #332: Marcus Davis "The Irish Hand Grenade" – TUF 2, UFC Wars, Supernatural Eye Healing & Street Life

In this explosive episode, we sit down with former UFC welterweight contender and boxing standout Marcus Davis, the Irish Hand Grenade. Marcus delivers one of our most raw and unforgettable interviews of the year, opening up about his brutal upbringing in Maine, brushes with the juvenile justice system, family trauma, and the darker characters from the boxing world — including surprising mafia ties and Whitey Bulger connections.

He details his casting for The Ultimate Fighter Season 2, a near career-ending torn retina that miraculously healed in what he describes as a supernatural event (complete with Dana White's stunned reaction), his transition from boxer to complete MMA fighter, and his exciting early UFC run. Marcus also shares wild TUF house stories with Jorge Gurgel, Melvin Guillard, Rashad Evans, and more — plus insights on training with Matt Hughes, Rich Franklin, and his intense rivalry with "The Muscle."

Marcus recounts his rough childhood spent in survival mode, how he broke the generational cycle for his kids, his boxing roots and early MMA journey with Tim Sylvia, the full TUF 2 casting drama and house life, his UFC debut fights, shoulder injuries, and the seven-fight win streak that followed. He also dives into encounters with organized crime figures and the survival instincts that kept him alive through it all.

This is Part 1 — Marcus has already agreed to Part 2, so drop your questions in the comments (he reads them!).If you love raw MMA history, behind-the-scenes UFC stories, fighter comebacks, and untold tales from the golden era, this is essential listening.

Subscribe for more deep-dive interviews with the legends who built the sport. Like, comment, and share your favorite Marcus Davis moment or what we should ask in Part 2!

MMA History Podcast – Preserving the real stories of mixed martial arts.

In this powerful episode of the MMA History Podcast, host Mike Davis sits down with Mark Schultz, 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, three-time NCAA champion, and one of the earliest crossover stars from wrestling into mixed martial arts.Mark opens up about his legendary wrestling journey — from high school state champion to dominating college wrestling at UCLA and the University of Oklahoma, his iconic NCAA finals battles including the legendary 1982 match versus Ed Banach, and his unforgettable 1984 Olympic run where he broke the number one ranked wrestler’s arm en route to gold.

He also shares rare stories about his brother Dave Schultz, the Foxcatcher tragedy, and the lasting impact of John du Pont’s murder of Dave.Mark discusses his introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Rickson Gracie, early MMA insights and training with Pedro Sauer, behind-the-scenes stories from the wild formative era of combat sports, and the Schultz brothers’ unique wrestling style, mindset, and unbreakable bond.

A must-watch for wrestling fans, MMA historians, and anyone interested in the real Foxcatcher story, Olympic wrestling in the 1980s, and the roots of modern MMA.

If you enjoyed this episode, drop a like, comment your favorite moment, and subscribe for more rare interviews with the pioneers who built MMA. New episodes every week!

Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram: MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitreRecords Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstressSocial Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacentoInstagram

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Episode 330 – The Rise of Cage Rage with Andy Gear (Part 1)In this first episode of our Cage Rage series, the MMA History Podcast sits down with co-founder Andy Geer for a rare, in-depth look at the promotion that changed UK MMA forever.From running their very first event in a local leisure centre to landing a television deal by their second show, Andy reveals how they built a global brand on a shoestring budget. Discover the rise of British legends like Michael Bisping, Brad Pickett, and the notorious Lee Murray, who fought his final MMA bout for Cage Rage before his infamous high-profile bank heists.Learn how Cage Rage took a Brazilian fighter with a spotty Pride record in Anderson Silva and, in just two appearances, delivered the future UFC GOAT to the world. Andy shares wild stories from events 1 through 9, including bringing in international talent, chaotic early fights, Royce Gracie refereeing, political pushback, venue battles, and the raw, unfiltered energy of the early 2000s UK MMA scene.He discusses starting Cage Rage with zero experience, landing Sky TV and building an international audience, the Anderson Silva versus Lee Murray weigh-in chaos, Michael Bisping’s early arrogance and rise, along with key figures like Jeremy Bailey, Mark Epstein, Paul Jenkins and more, plus the crazy backstage culture and growth pains that shaped the promotion.A must-watch for any MMA fan interested in the golden era of European MMA, UK pioneers, and the wild history behind one of the most influential promotions outside the UFC.Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram: MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitreRecords Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstressSocial Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacentoInstagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support

MMA History Podcast #328: Rudy Silva Prison Interview – The Cocaine King of San Diego

In this raw and unfiltered prison interview, former fight promoter, City Boxing and Alliance MMA gym owner, and self-proclaimed Cocaine King of San Diego Rudy Silva opens up to Mike Davis like never before.

Rudy details his traumatic childhood, early days at City Boxing alongside Brandon Vera, Dean Lister, KJ Nunes, and Tyrone Glover, launching Alliance MMA with Vera, and his deep connections in the San Diego MMA scene. He speaks candidly about his relationships with Dominic Cruz, Jocko Willink, Dan Bilzerian, Justin Bieber, and the chaotic lifestyle that pulled him into the Tijuana Cartel world.

From gym politics and embezzlement drama to cartel dealings, robberies, a high-profile nightclub stabbing, bipolar struggles mixed with heavy cocaine use, family estrangement, and life in federal prison while appealing his sentence, Rudy holds nothing back.

This is a gripping, no-holds-barred look at the dark underbelly of early San Diego MMA — sex, drugs, violence, power, and regret from someone who lived it all at the highest levels of both the fight game and the streets.

A must-listen episode of The Other Side of the Cage prison interview series.

The MMA History Podcast is the only show dedicated 100% to preserving mixed martial arts history through interviews and stories from the men who lived it.

0:00 MMA history podcast intro

0:33 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

2:16 interview start

2:25 current life/

5:28 going through a break up

7:09 having a rough upbringing

10:16 becoming involved in drug distribution

12:01 selling memberships for City boxing

15:58 Urijah Faber and Mark Dion incident

19:07 kickboxer Alex Gong

19:53 Coach Oleg Larson

21:18 Boxing coach Manny Melchor

22:37 Coach Ernesto Martinez

25:51 kickboxer Danny Steele

26:04 leaving City boxing

28:54 opening up a gym

31:56 renting rooms out to fighters

34:29 introduction to the drug market

42:33 working for Total Combat

44:05 fight politics in Mexico

47:00 opening an Alliance Jiu jitsu gym

51:29 falling out with Brandon Vera

54:52

56:31 relationship with Jocko Willink

1:02:51 bible app with Michael Chandler

1:05:04 transitioning from coach to drug distribution

1:09:42 stabbing at a nightclub

1:16:48 argument with Chris Leben

1:21:18 Elias Gios

1:24:21 training Dan Bilzerian

1:26:30 robbed for $285,000

1:29:52 Kickboxer Rob Kaman

1:30:10 relationship with Dominick Cruz

1:33:44 falling out with Dominick Cruz

1:38:20 relationship with Dean Lister

1:40:38 Eric Nicksick

1:42:05 process of getting caught up

1:45:27 outro/ closing thoughts

Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram:

MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632

Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre

Records Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress

Social Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_

Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacento

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qr

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8g

Apple Podcast

MMA History Podcast

YouTube

https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632

Cash App - $mikedavis1231

Venmo - Mike-Davis-63

ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052

#MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast

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