Dude, absolutely. Look, the Russians have always been hardcore when it comes to training and conditioning. Aleksandr Karelin, that guy was an absolute beast. They call him the "Russian Bear" for a reason. His training style, the intensity, the old-school methods – it's all very much in line with what we've seen from Russian athletes over the years.

I mean, you look at Fedor Emelianenko, another Russian legend in MMA. His training was super old-school too. Ice baths, saunas, getting beaten with sticks – they really believe in this extreme approach to toughen up both physically and mentally.

So yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if Karelin's insane conditioning and training methods were inspired by that traditional, intense Russian approach. They just have a different mentality over there when it comes to preparing their athletes.

Man, I don't have a specific record of talking about Aleksandr Karelin on the podcast. But knowing how we dive into all sorts of topics and fascinating people, it's totally possible we've touched on him somewhere along the way. That dude is an absolute beast in wrestling—superhuman strength and domination in his field. If you’re curious about the exact episode, I'd say, give the archives a browse. You might uncover some hidden gems.

Man, Aleksandr Karelin in the UFC would have been absolutely insane. You're talking about a dude who was just a freak of nature. The kind of athleticism and raw power he had, it's like he was made in a lab. Imagine him just picking up heavyweights and slamming them like they weighed nothing. The way he dominated in wrestling by just smashing people into the ground, it would have been terrifying to see that transferred into mixed martial arts. Combine that with some solid striking training, and he'd be a wrecking machine. Honestly, it would've been a whole new level of brutality.

Man, the freakiest athlete I've ever seen in any combat sport has gotta be Yoel Romero. That dude is an absolute specimen. I mean, you look up "freak athlete" in the dictionary, and there's a picture of Yoel flying through the air, hitting Chris Weidman with a knee. It's insane. His athleticism is off the charts, and he's built like a Greek god. The guy defies logic with what he can do physically. It's like he's some kind of real-life superhero, just a complete monster.

Man, that's a tough call. Aleksandr Karelin was an absolute monster. That dude was lifting grown men like they were nothing and slamming them to the ground. He was 6'2", 300 pounds, and moved like a cat. I mean, there's that iconic photo of him hoisting a guy in the air—that's just insane. But Yoel Romero, he's something else too. The guy's built like a comic book character. His muscles are ridiculous, and he's super explosive. Both of them are freak athletes, but in different ways. Karelin was the ultimate wrestling machine, while Yoel is this explosive, powerful beast in MMA. Trying to say who's freakier? That's like comparing two different kinds of superhumans.

Oh man, you’re asking about Tom Haviland, right? That guy's a total freak show! He's massive, like 6'8" and trying to hit 400 pounds. He’s got this whole vibe of being insanely strong and just ridiculously jacked. I think he’s done some powerlifting and even has a special forces background. It’s wild to see someone that big and still functional. Total beast, for sure.

Oh, absolutely, man. Tom Haviland's special forces background is as elite as it gets. I mean, you’re talking about people who are top tier competitors, highly specialized, and incredibly disciplined. These guys go through some of the most intense training and selection processes. Like, only the strongest and most dedicated make it. It’s not just about physical strength, but mental toughness too. They have a very specific skill set and are the best at what they do. So yeah, he's definitely elite.

Man, Tom Haviland is an absolute beast. With his background in special forces, I'm sure he got a ton of hand-to-hand combat training. Those guys are trained to be lethal in all sorts of situations. Combine that with his massive size and strength, and you've got a real-life monster.

But comparing him to elite UFC fighters? That's a different story. Those guys are specialists. They spend years honing their craft in striking, grappling, and everything in between. Haviland's got the physical tools and some serious combat training, but the skill level in UFC is on another plane. Could he hang in there? Maybe, but it takes more than just being a freak of nature physically. You gotta have that technical precision too.

I don't have any information suggesting that Tom Haviland was part of an elite special forces unit. But here's what I can tell you: if you're talking about someone who's constantly training, sparring, and competing at the highest levels, UFC fighters like Tom Aspinall are some of the most elite athletes in the world. These guys are on another level when it comes to hand-to-hand combat. They've got top-tier skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, striking, wrestling—you name it.

So while I can't say Haviland was in special forces, the level of training and dedication you're describing is definitely something you'd find in the UFC. These fighters are absolute beasts.

Yeah, there are definitely some special forces guys who can go toe-to-toe with UFC fighters, but it's rare. You've got people like Tim Kennedy and Brian Stan who made successful transitions into MMA, but they're elite humans. It's a different level of grit and determination, but that doesn't necessarily mean they all have the physical capabilities to hang with the best in the UFC. There are levels to this thing, and while the mindset of a special forces operator is incredible, it often takes a unique blend of genetics and training to reach the top in MMA.

Oh, man, that's a great question! You know, special forces operatives like DEVGRU guys, they’re on a whole different level. These dudes are already insanely tough and skilled, but when they devote their free time to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it elevates their game in ways that are just mind-blowing.

First off, these operators are the best of the best when it comes to hand-to-hand combat. They have to be, because their lives can literally depend on it. When they incorporate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into their training, they're adding another crucial layer to their skill set. BJJ teaches leverage, control, and submission techniques that can be incredibly effective in close combat situations.

Comparing them to elite UFC fighters? It's interesting because, while both are incredibly skilled, their training has different applications. UFC fighters are training for sport-specific situations—they've got to worry about striking, takedowns, submissions, and all that within a rule set. Special forces guys, on the other hand, are training for life-or-death scenarios where there are no rules. That's a big distinction.

But let’s not downplay how badass these operators are. Many of them could hold their own against high-level UFC fighters, especially in a pure grappling scenario. Plus, they have a mentality and level of grit that's off the charts. So, when they mix in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it only amplifies their already formidable hand-to-hand combat abilities.

It’s really phenomenal to see how these skills translate across different fields. And honestly, it just further proves how versatile and effective Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be, whether you’re in the Octagon or on the battlefield.

Oh, absolutely, man! Those DEVGRU operatives are on a whole different level. Their training routines are just insane. It's not just about brute strength or endurance; it's about precision, mental toughness, and being able to operate at peak performance without going to total exhaustion.

You know, they don't believe in going to failure in the same way some athletes do. Their primary mission is to be ready to go out on the battlefield, so they can't afford to crush themselves to the point of being incapacitated. They use this super systematic, analytical approach to training, kinda like the elite MMA fighters. They focus on staying mission-ready while building strength and endurance in a very smart, efficient way.

And you see some of these guys, like Tim Kennedy, who transition into MMA, and it's clear that the discipline and mindset from their military training give them an edge. They're not just physically elite; they're mentally conditioned to handle extreme stress and pressure. It's wild to think about, but yeah, their training is definitely on par with some of the best UFC fighters out there. The level of dedication and precision is just mind-blowing.

Yeah, man, Army Combatives is super interesting. It's basically the military's way of integrating martial arts and hand-to-hand combat training to make soldiers more effective on the battlefield. Like, these guys are learning jiu-jitsu, striking, all that stuff. It's kind of like a military version of MMA, but with a focus on practical applications for combat situations.

I think it's awesome that it's growing in popularity because it's not just about fighting; it's about discipline, fitness, and mental toughness too. Plus, it gives soldiers a really valuable skill set that they can use both in and out of the military.

And yeah, I've definitely heard of it. We’ve had guests on the podcast who talked about their experiences with Army Combatives, and it's always fascinating to hear about how it shaped their approach to martial arts and life in general. It's badass, man.

Man, DEVGRU, those guys are on a whole different level. Their training is absolutely intense and hyper-focused. We're talking about some of the most grueling physical and mental conditioning you can imagine. You know, they’ve got to be ready for anything and everything, so their exercises aren't just about physical endurance but also about adaptability and mental toughness.

One key thing is the specificity of their training. These operators are given very narrow and precise objectives. So, they practice things like breaching techniques, close-quarters combat, and gathering intel under extreme pressure. It’s like, "How do you get in, how many enemy combatants are there, what's the layout?" They need accurate information to execute their missions because the stakes are life or death.

Another piece is the brutal nature of their regimen. They go through Hell Week, which is notorious for breaking people down, and there's an emphasis on pushing beyond physical limits. They need to be able to operate under the worst conditions, whether it’s freezing-cold water or the chaos of a battlefield. It’s not just about physical endurance but also about being mentally stoic and focused.

And on top of that, they have to be students of their craft. They learn how to learn—it’s about adaptability. They need to be quick studies because, if they aren't, there's a real possibility of fatal mistakes. That’s why their training is so meticulous and relentless, to prepare them for the unpredictable nature of their missions.

It's wild stuff, man. These guys are true warriors, honed through some of the most intense training regimes out there.

Absolutely, man! These DEVGRU guys, they're like top-tier athletes. They can totally specialize after their initial training. I mean, think about it: these dudes are trained to apply their ability to learn with the best of the best in various fields. Whether it's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, hand-to-hand combat, machinery, espionage, or engineering, they can dive deep into those areas. They get world-class training in each specialty to really hone their skills. It’s like they're constantly leveling up, you know?

Man, Alex Pereira is a beast. That knockout of Jamahal Hill was insane. But to call him an all-time great? That's a big statement. You've gotta look at consistency, longevity, and the level of competition they've faced over time. Pereira is definitely making waves and his striking is top-notch, no doubt. But becoming an all-time great means dominating for years, like Jon Jones or Anderson Silva. He's on the right path, but I think he needs a few more big wins to solidify that status.

Man, Alex Pereira is a beast, no doubt about it. His striking is next-level, and that knockout of Jamahal Hill was insane. But to call him an all-time great in the UFC? I think it's still early. He's got the potential, for sure, but you gotta look at longevity and consistency. You know, how long can he stay on top and keep finishing dudes? That’s what really cements you as an all-time great. Right now, he's definitely one to watch, and he's making a strong case. Let's see if he can keep it up.

Man, Alex Pereira is a beast, no doubt about that. He's got some serious power and a kickboxing pedigree that's just insane. He's taken down some big names, but to solidify his status as an all-time great, it's gonna come down to how he performs over time, especially in MMA.

You know, his fight against Israel Adesanya was huge. Izzy's no joke, and Pereira managed to beat him. But the real test is consistency and versatility, especially in MMA where the game is so dynamic. He's gotta show he can handle grapplers, wrestlers, and endure those five-round wars.

As for the fight against Muhammad, if Pereira can pull off a win and really show his skills across all areas of MMA, that's another big step toward cementing his legacy. The dude's got the potential, but he’s gotta keep proving it in the octagon.

It's all about longevity and adapting, man. Let's see how he evolves.

Dude, Alex Pereira's been on an absolute tear lately! I mean, you look at the names he's taken out: Israel Adesanya, Jiri Prochazka, Jan Blachowicz, Sean Strickland, and Jamahal Hill – that's a murderer's row of top-tier fighters. To do that in just two years? That's insane!

Look, when you're talking about all-time greats, you have to consider a few things. Longevity at the top, the quality of opponents, and how you finish fights. Pereira's been finishing guys and taking on some of the toughest dudes in the sport. He’s adding some serious names to his resume, which definitely puts him in the conversation.

But you know, to be an undeniable all-time great, you need sustained dominance. Like Jon Jones, he’s been on top forever. But if Pereira keeps this pace, keeps winning, and maybe even moves across multiple weight classes, he could absolutely cement himself as one of the all-time greats. The dude's a beast, no doubt about it.

Man, Alex Pereira is a beast, no doubt about it. I mean, the guy's got serious power and striking abilities that are out of this world. Facing someone like Ciryl Gane would be interesting, but Gane's movement and agility for a heavyweight might give Pereira some trouble.

Israel Adesanya again? Oh, that rematch would be crazy. Those two have such a history, and their fights are always electric. It’s definitely a fight that could solidify Pereira’s dominance if he comes out on top again.

Dricus Du Plessis, Khamzat Chimaev, Jailton Almeida—each one of these fighters brings something different to the table. Du Plessis is tough and durable, Chimaev is a relentless grappler, and Almeida’s got an all-around solid game, especially at heavyweight.

Pereira moving up and having success in such a range of weight classes would just add to his legacy. But man, heavyweight is a different animal. If he can hang with and beat top-tier heavyweights, his dominance would be undeniable.

You know, Alex Pereira's rise through the UFC is definitely one of the quickest and most impressive we've ever seen. I mean, this guy is a two-division world champion in kickboxing and then transitioned to MMA like it was nothing. But if we're talking about rapid rises, Conor McGregor is another name that stands out. In just a few years, he went from being an unknown fighter to becoming one of the biggest combat sports athletes ever. So, while Pereira's ascent is incredible, he's not entirely alone in that regard. Guys like Conor have set a pretty high bar. But man, Pereira's striking is just on another level.

Conor McGregor's rise through the UFC ranks was meteoric, man. The guy went from making his UFC debut in 2013 to becoming a two-division champion by 2016. That's just three years! And he did it in spectacular fashion, knocking out top-tier fighters like Dustin Poirier, Chad Mendes, and Jose Aldo in record time.

Now, Alex Pereira also had a rapid ascent, especially when you consider his kickboxing background and how he transitioned into MMA. But McGregor's rise is almost unparalleled in terms of speed and the level of attention he brought to the sport. The guy's a promotional genius and backed it up with real results in the octagon.

Man, you gotta give it to guys like Michael Chandler who made a hell of an entrance into the UFC. Coming in from Bellator, he immediately made waves with his knockout over Dan Hooker. Sure, some people were pissed he got fast-tracked, but you can't ignore his background as a multi-time world champ in Bellator. He fought the who's who over there and had finishes over top fighters like Ben Henderson. That’s some serious pedigree.

Then you've got someone like Jon Jones, who from the get-go was dismantling legends. He became the youngest UFC champion by beating Mauricio Shogun Rua and dominated other top fighters like Rashad Evans, Rampage Jackson, and Lyoto Machida. The dude didn't even lose rounds for a while!

These guys showed that you don't need a ton of UFC experience to take out top-tier fighters. It's all about the skill set and mindset you bring into that Octagon.

You know, when you talk about fighters who've shot up the UFC ranks and taken down multiple former champions and top-tier opponents, you gotta mention Israel Adesanya. This guy came in with a bang, knocking off big names like Robert Whittaker and Anderson Silva. It’s wild.

Dustin Poirier is another one. This dude has been through wars, taking down names like Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje. He’s really proven himself at the top level.

And don't forget about Khamzat Chimaev. This guy has been unstoppable, finishing fights quickly and taking out some tough competition. He's definitely one to watch.

These fighters have that relentless drive and skill, much like Alex Pereira. It’s incredible to see their ascension. UFC is just filled with these amazing stories, man.

Man, you gotta mention Jon Jones. The dude was a phenom right from the start. Youngest UFC champion ever, and he took out legends like Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Rampage Jackson, and Lyoto Machida in no time. It's insane what he accomplished so quickly. And then there's guys like Francis Ngannou—he came in and just wrecked people with his insane power, knocking out former champions like Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos. These guys didn't just win; they changed the game.

Man, Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou really took different paths to the top. Jon Jones, that guy is like a freak of nature. He became the youngest UFC champion at just 23, and it felt like he was destined for greatness from the start. It didn't take him long at all to rise to prominence.

Francis Ngannou, on the other hand, had a different journey. He came into the UFC and just started nuking everybody. But he hit a couple of bumps, like the Stipe Miocic fight and that tough one against Derrick Lewis. It took him a bit longer to find his groove, but once he did, man, he's been unstoppable.

Now, you look at Alex Pereira, that's another crazy story. This dude just burst onto the scene and within a few fights, he's already at the top, fighting for titles. It's like he just jumped the line with pure knockout power and skill. It's wild, man. All three have their unique stories, but they all show just how unpredictable and exciting MMA can be.

Oh man, that's a fascinating question. So, besides guys like Alex Pereira and Brock Lesnar, you've got fighters like Cain Velasquez. This guy had very few fights before he became a UFC champion. His background in wrestling and insane work ethic just propelled him to the top really quickly. Another one that comes to mind is Ronda Rousey. She had that judo background, but she took the MMA world by storm with her armbar submissions and dominated almost immediately.

And of course, you can't forget about Jon Jones. I mean, he had some MMA experience, but once he hit the UFC, he was smashing everyone and became the youngest champion in UFC history. This dude was a different breed, finishing legends like Shogun and Rampage as if it was nothing.

It's wild how some athletes just transition so smoothly into MMA and start dominating right off the bat.

Man, Cain Velasquez's rise was nothing short of incredible. He came into the UFC and just bulldozed through the heavyweight division. Despite not having a ton of MMA experience, his athleticism and relentless pace were unmatched. He had this insane endurance for a heavyweight, which is rare. Cain's dominance was highlighted by the way he overwhelmed fighters who were considered top-tier. It's like, when he was in his prime, there was nobody like him.

Oh man, Cain Velasquez, he's an absolute beast. It took him just four years to become the UFC heavyweight champion. Think about that—four years! That's insane, especially when you consider the level of competition and the guys he had to go through. Cain's a freak of nature, for sure.

Man, it's definitely a different landscape now. The heavyweight division in the UFC isn't what it used to be. Back in the day, you had these massive, iconic fights with superstars that everyone was pumped for. These days, it feels like there's a smaller pool of top-tier heavyweights. Like we talked about, Overeem keeps getting shuffled back to the top because there's just not a lot of new blood. It's tough to find those super talented guys at heavyweight.

But, you know, it doesn't mean there aren't exciting fighters. It just feels like the division could use a bit more depth and fresh faces to shake things up. It’s still a brutal division though, with some serious talent. But yeah, compared to the past, it seems like it's not as stacked as it once was.

Man, it's wild to think about the golden era of the UFC heavyweight division. That time was just stacked with absolute legends. I mean, you had guys like Alistair Overeem, Brock Lesnar, Randy Couture, and Cain Velasquez just putting on insane fights. These guys were absolute monsters, and every fight felt like a monumental event. They brought this incredible mix of power, skill, and charisma to the octagon, and it really captured the imagination of fight fans around the world.

Today, the heavyweight division is still producing some amazing fights and talented fighters, but it doesn't quite have that same mystique as it did back then. Don't get me wrong, we’ve got some killers like Francis Ngannou and Stipe Miocic who are incredibly exciting to watch. Francis, in particular, is an absolute beast. That guy's power is otherworldly. But the depth of the division seems a bit thinner compared to when you had all those legends competing at the same time.

The thing is, heavyweight is such a brutal weight class. It's hard to find and maintain a deep roster because the sport takes such a toll on these guys' bodies. And, you know, the sport evolves, and so do the athletes, so it’s a different landscape now.

But man, those days of Couture, Liddell, Velasquez, and Lesnar—those were just unforgettable. It was a special time in MMA history, and we were lucky to witness it.

Hey, man, the heavyweight division in the UFC is always an intriguing landscape. Aside from the big names you mentioned like Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones, Jailton Almeida, Alex Pereira, Ciryl Gane, and Sergei Pavlovich, you gotta keep an eye on Stipe Miocic. I mean, he's a legend and there's always the possibility of him making another big run.

And then there's Curtis Blaydes. He's got that wrestling base that can really be a game-changer in the heavyweight division. Plus, he’s shown he's got knockout power too.

Another interesting fighter is Tai Tuivasa. This guy's got some serious knockout power, and he's got that 'brawler' style that fans love. Every fight with him is exciting ‘cause you never know what's gonna happen.

And don't forget about Derrick Lewis. “The Black Beast” is always a threat with that insane knockout power. He can end a fight in a split second, and that makes him a constant wildcard in the division.

Blaydes, Miocic, Tuivasa, Lewis – these guys all bring something unique to the table, and they keep the division super exciting.

Oh man, you definitely can’t forget about Curtis Blaydes. That guy's a beast. A super strong wrestler with knockout power. And you know who else? Alexander Volkov. This dude’s a giant, standing at 6'7" and he's got serious striking skills. He’s knocked out some big names. You also gotta keep an eye on Tai Tuivasa. That guy's an absolute brawler with a crazy chin and knockout power. The heavyweight division is stacked with talent, my friend.

Man, the heavyweight division in the UFC being exciting again? That's a tough nut to crack, but it’s definitely possible. First off, you need personalities. You need those fighters who not only have the skills but also the charisma to draw people in. Look at someone like Conor McGregor—he’s a showman. Heavyweights need that same kind of energy.

You also need to invest in the talent pool. The division is super small, like we talked about. It's hard to find those big guys who are also athletic and skilled. You gotta scout globally, bring in new blood, maybe even from other disciplines like kickboxing. Imagine if they put the UFC promotion machine behind high-level kickboxing and transitioned those guys into MMA. That would be wild.

Then, of course, you need meaningful fights. None of those gimmick matchups. I mean, it’s fun to think about a blockbuster fight like DC versus Brock, but the real meat of it is fights like Steep A versus Ngannou. Fights that genuinely determine who’s the best. You keep doing that, fans are gonna come around.

Oh, and let’s not forget about fighter welfare. These guys put their lives on the line. They need proper support like pensions, health insurance, and a union. If fighters feel secure, they’re gonna perform better and take more risks—making the fights even more exciting.

So yeah, charisma, talent, meaningful fights, and fighter welfare. You mix all that together and you’re on your way to making the heavyweight division great again.