Part 4/13:
A pivotal part of the conversation revolves around managing ego in the world of MMA. Sanhagen credits his coach Christian Allen for teaching him early on about staying grounded, especially after experiencing his first professional loss. That setback prompted deep self-reflection and led him to spend months in the mountains, practicing meditation and silence to uncover his true self beyond external validation.
He explains that ego is a universal trait—everyone harbors desire, pride, and the need for validation. The key, he suggests, lies in how one responds to those instincts. For him, meditation, visualization, and maintaining humility keep his ego in check, preventing it from interfering with his relationships or mental clarity.