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The Balkan Bear's UFC Debut

December 12, 202500:44
00:00:00
I don't shake my opponent's hand before
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the fight.
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>> Yeah, I saw that.
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>> Yeah. So, and people think that's
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disrespectful and stuff, but you got to
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understand like my life is on the line.
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He's trying to hurt me and I'm going to
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do whatever I can to protect my energy
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and to get the win. I saw straight away
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as soon as I didn't shake his hand, his
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eyes changed and he got nervous. I'm
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playing the mind games with him. And
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then even in the cage, once I walked in
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the cage, I saw how nervous he was and I
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was like calm and just happy to be
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there. I knew I was going to win. So
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it's it's it's not it's not out of
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disrespect like I I don't wish harm on
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him but he signed the contract to fight
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me after the fight. I went backstage and
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you know I I said thank you for the
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fight and checked up on him and yeah I
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wish him all the best in his career.

Podspun Insights

In this episode, the conversation dives deep into the mental game of fighting, where the stakes are as high as they get. The guest shares insights on the psychological tactics used before a match, revealing how not shaking an opponent's hand is more than just a snub—it's a calculated move to establish dominance and protect one's energy. As the discussion unfolds, listeners are taken on a journey through the emotional landscape of competition, where nerves and confidence collide. The guest's calm demeanor in the face of pressure is both intriguing and inspiring, showcasing the importance of mindset in high-stakes situations. The episode wraps up with a sportsmanlike gesture, reminding us that respect can exist even in the fiercest of rivalries. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of strategy, emotion, and the human spirit in the world of combat sports.

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  • 90
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  • 90
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  • 85
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  • 85
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Episode Highlights

  • Mind Games in the Cage
    The fighter discusses the psychological tactics used before and during the fight.
    “I saw how nervous he was and I was like calm and just happy to be there.”
    @ 00m 22s
    December 12, 2025

Episode Quotes

Key Moments

  • Psychological Warfare00:06
  • Post-Fight Respect00:30