Why Israel Adesanya Backed Brando Peričić Before the World Knew Him

Episode Description

You may or may not know the name, but this Croatian Australian who now calls New Zealand home is destined for greatness.

On September 28 2025 the fighter known as the Balkan Bear made his UFC debut in Perth.

The result was an explosive 1 minute 55 second knockout.

A couple of weeks after that debut we got together for one of the wildest, rawest life stories ever shared on this podcast.

Brando’s rise is not the typical fighter story. From visiting his father in prison as a child, to being stabbed, homeless, suicidal, and lost for years, Brando’s path would have ended for most people long before the UFC cage. But he kept going.

This is a conversation about the unseen reality of fighting: the poverty, sacrifice, isolation, and years of obscurity including sleeping in cars and gyms and showering with a garden hose.

Brando may be a knockout artist on the cusp of international fame and fortune, but at his core he’s a gentle, loyal, introspective man shaped equally by tragedy and hope. This one is special. A truly remarkable human.

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Chapter

00:00 UFC Debut and Immediate Aftermath

02:32 Personal Loss and Grief

05:12 Faith and Spirituality

07:48 Mental Health and Resilience

10:44 The Journey to UFC

13:27 Childhood and Family Dynamics

16:22 Role Models and Influences

19:03 Life Lessons and Personal Growth

21:29 Gratitude and Perspective

24:00 Future Aspirations and Goals

30:09 The Power of Perspective

30:57 Facing the Darkness

32:33 A Moment of Clarity

35:49 The Road to Redemption

37:58 Finding a Place in the Team

41:36 The Heart of a Champion

43:20 Embracing Vulnerability

44:42 Setting Goals and Achieving Dreams

46:30 A Deep Connection to New Zealand

48:13 Living the Fighter's Life

51:50 Staying Positive Through Adversity

56:11 The Importance of Faith

59:51 Life After the Fight

01:01:42 Investing in Self and Team Dynamics

01:04:40 The Reality of a Fighter's Life

01:11:36 Finding Happiness in Solitude

01:13:41 Advice for the Aspiring Fighter

01:17:46 Addressing Street Violence and Its Consequences

01:22:38 Reflections on Regrets and Personal Growth

01:26:10 The Journey Ahead: Goals and Aspirations

Brief Summary

Brando Pirich discusses his UFC debut, mental health, and the importance of community support.

Key points

Remembering Lost Friends. Brando honors friends who have passed away and reflects on their impact on his life.
The Role of Faith. Brando discusses his journey of faith and how it has shaped his life and career.
Finding Purpose in Fighting. The speaker shares how joining a gym changed their life and provided structure and discipline.
A Life-Changing Encounter. An unexpected meeting with an old lady leads to a profound moment of clarity.
Turning Point in the Gym. After a dark moment, a call to his coach leads to a renewed focus on fighting.
Cultural Identity and Ambition. He expresses his desire to represent his heritage and become a UFC champion.

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Episode highlights

Episode quotes

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Tension

60/ 100Some tension

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