MMA Past, Present & Future: Sean Sherk, Adrian Yanez and Ben Ellis

In this episode, Keith talks with former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champ Sean Sherk, current UFC bantamweight Adrian Yanez and Welsh Cage Warriors Fighting Championship prospect Ben Ellis.

TIMESTAMPS:

Sean Sherk (00:00)
04:00 What Sherk does with himself these days.
05:40 Do you get recognized often still?
07:05 Knowing when it was time to retire
09:31 After retiring, did you have any ‘What Ifs’?
11:10 Injuries from MMA and wrestling days.
14:35 Most memorable moment?
17:00 Whom do you wish you fought that you didn’t get the chance?
18:35 Why wasn’t lightweight as popular then as it is now?
20:30 Sean Sherk vs Georges St. Pierre
21:29 Moving down from welterweight to lightweight
25:00 Weight cutting pros and cons
27:03 Comparing competing at lightweight and welterweight.
30:00 Old-school contracts and getting cut from the UFC
31:14 Fighting outside the UFC while under UFC contract
31:56 Old-school MMA sponsors and getting $1000 in sponsorship to fight Matt Hughes
32:20 Sherk vs. Royce Gracie rumors after retiring
33:10 Why Sean doesn’t watch MMA
34:27 Advice for younger fighters coming up
36:30 Sherk’s legacy

Adrian Yanez (38:23)
39:04 UFC debut, DWCS fights and pressure to perform well
42:43 What do you credit for your improvements and recent buzz?
45:21 Getting a boost in confidence from recent performances
48:37 Yanez vs. Gustavo Lopez breakdown
50:00 How was your life changed since joining the UFC?
53:04 Plans for the future, wanting to fight Nate Maness next
56:02 Adrian Yanez vs Gustavo Lopez prediction

Ben Ellis (56:54)
56:33 Pressure facing an undefeated opponent.
58:40 Support from Welsh fans
59:44 Ellis vs. Manny Akpan breakdown
01:01:10 What will fans be saying after Ben Ellis vs. Manny Akpan
01:02:13 Welsh wrestling and how Ben gained his high-level wrestling in Wales
01:04:01 Areas of improvement before stepping up a level
01:06:22 Cage Warriors exclusive deal
01:08:32 Future plans for signing with the UFC.
01:09:45 Prediction for the fight against Akpan.