Between Rounds

Between Rounds: The podcast where fighters and coaches bring you closer to the action. Candid conversations, behind-the-scenes stories, and the grind that makes the glory. This is the voice of MMA, told between rounds.

Between Rounds is a sports podcast hosted by Themmalab, with 43 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Themmalab hosts Between Rounds, a sports show with 43 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #27

  Art Castillo Talks Early MMA Stories, Building Western Wyoming, and Coaching Philosophy | Between Rounds #27

  Aug 4, 20261h 18mS1

  Art Castillo joins John Crouch on Between Rounds for an in-depth conversation covering his entire path from small town Wyoming wrestling to leading a national championship program at Western Wyoming. Coach Castillo opens up about his upbringing in Green River, overcoming a devastating knee injury during his senior year of high school, and navigating the chaotic early days of regional combat sports. The discussion dives into his time at Dana College training alongside chaos magnet Buddy Leister, cornering Benson Henderson before either of them had high level experience, and the wild stories that defined their early years in the sport. Coach Castillo also breaks down taking over Western Wyoming, the grind of building an elite junior college environment from scratch, maintaining academic excellence alongside athletic success, and why leading with love, self awareness, and empathy is the true foundation of sustainable elite performance. Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:33 Art’s Wrestling Journey37:23 Becoming a Coach54:43 The Mental Game01:08:38 The Castillo Way #BetweenRounds #MMA #Wrestling #BensonHenderson #CoachCastillo

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  Episode #26

  Anthony Njokuani Talks First Nigerian UFC Fighter, WEC to UFC, and Coaching | Between Rounds #26

  Jul 21, 20261h 11mS1

  <p>Former UFC, WEC, One Championship, and World Combat League veteran Anthony Njokuani joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on Between Rounds.Anthony reflects on moving from Nigeria to Garland, Texas, growing up as a problem child, and finding structure through breakdancing as a teenager. He shares how a chance encounter at a local gym led him to train under 6-time world champion Saxon, pivoting from top-tier b-boying to building an undefeated kickboxing record and jumping headfirst into mixed martial arts.We dive into his time in the World Combat League, fighting for the Oklahoma Destroyers, navigating early short-notice fights...

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  Episode #26

  Anthony Njokuani Talks First Nigerian UFC Fighter, WEC to UFC, and Coaching | Between Rounds #26

  Jul 21, 20261h 11mS1

  Former UFC, WEC, One Championship, and World Combat League veteran Anthony Njokuani joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on Between Rounds.Anthony reflects on moving from Nigeria to Garland, Texas, growing up as a problem child, and finding structure through breakdancing as a teenager. He shares how a chance encounter at a local gym led him to train under 6-time world champion Saxon, pivoting from top-tier b-boying to building an undefeated kickboxing record and jumping headfirst into mixed martial arts.We dive into his time in the World Combat League, fighting for the Oklahoma Destroyers, navigating early short-notice fights against top-tier competition, and his high-stakes WEC run—including his infamous knockouts of Chris Horodecki and Bart Palaszewski. Anthony breaks down his move to Las Vegas to train under Nick Blomgren, his battles against future champions and top contenders like Edson Barboza and Cowboy Cerrone, and the reality of fighting in bare-knuckle MMA.Beyond his fighting career, Anthony discusses his transition into coaching, opening his new martial arts gym, preserving traditional striking discipline versus modern MMA fight trends, and the life-changing perspective of becoming a father.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 Intro & Nigerian Heritage01:21 Raising Kids06:26 From Nigeria to Texas: The Early Years13:53 From B-Boying to Muay Thai & WEC Wars50:24 Making it to the UFC & Epic Striking Battles57:09 Bare Knuckle MMA, Coaching & Passing the Torch1:06:21 Fatherhood, Roots & Legacy Topics include:Moving from Nigeria to Texas and growing up in GarlandBreaking, b-boy culture, and developing early athletic footworkMeeting Saxon and transitioning from dancing to Muay ThaiFighting in the World Combat League with the Oklahoma DestroyersShort-notice fights, WEC title contention, and iconic knockoutsRelocating to Las Vegas to train with Nick BlomgrenBattles against Edson Barboza, Cowboy Cerrone, and Benson HendersonBeating 14-time K-1 champion Andy Souwer in One ChampionshipThe intensity and physical toll of bare-knuckle MMAOpening a new gym, coaching philosophy, and traditional fight IQFatherhood, family roots, and building a legacy#MMA #UFC #BetweenRounds #AnthonyNjokuani #WEC #MuayThai #Kickboxing #BareKnuckleMMA #FightPodcast #MartialArts

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  Between Rounds

  Al Escobar Talks Physical Therapy, Bodybuilding, and Building Champions | Between Rounds #25

  Jul 7, 20261h 3mS0

  <p>Al Escobar joins Between Rounds for an inspiring conversation on physical therapy, leadership, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to help people perform at their highest level.</p><p>As the founder of ERIS Physical Therapy, Al has spent decades working with everyone from everyday patients to world-class athletes. He shares the lessons that shaped his career, growing up in a military family, finding his calling in physical therapy, winning the NPC Mr. USA bodybuilding title, building a successful business, and developing a philosophy centered on service, integrity, and excellence.</p><p>Whether you're an athlete, coach, business owner, or...

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  Between Rounds

  Al Escobar Talks Physical Therapy, Bodybuilding, and Building Champions | Between Rounds #25

  Jul 7, 20261h 3m

  Al Escobar joins Between Rounds for an inspiring conversation on physical therapy, leadership, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to help people perform at their highest level. As the founder of ERIS Physical Therapy, Al has spent decades working with everyone from everyday patients to world-class athletes. He shares the lessons that shaped his career, growing up in a military family, finding his calling in physical therapy, winning the NPC Mr. USA bodybuilding title, building a successful business, and developing a philosophy centered on service, integrity, and excellence. Whether you're an athlete, coach, business owner, or someone looking to improve your health, this episode is packed with practical wisdom on discipline, leadership, and lifelong performance. Topics include: • Growing up in a military family • Finding a passion for physical therapy • Lessons from Al's father • Becoming the NPC Mr. USA champion • Starting ERIS Physical Therapy • Building a business from the ground up • Leadership and company culture • Helping elite athletes recover and perform • Balancing business with serving people • The mindset behind long-term success Subscribe for more conversations with world-class coaches, athletes, and leaders from the world of combat sports and beyond. #AlEscobar #BetweenRounds #PhysicalTherapy #SportsPerformance #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Bodybuilding #MMA #MMAPodcast #TheMMALab #CombatSports #Recovery #AthleteDevelopment #Performance #Mindset

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