Part 8/14:
The Business Side and Personal Dynamics in MMA
Beyond tactics and science, Lockhart offers candid insights into the politics and personal relationships that influence fight careers. Loyalty and long-term trust with trainers and camp teams are critical yet often overlooked aspects. Fighters frequently switch gyms seeking better results or different styles, but Lockhart suggests that stability and trust are more effective.
He discusses the shifting dynamics with fighters like McGregor, emphasizing that fighters ultimately pursue fights that excite them personally, often dictating matchmaking. McGregor’s desire to rematch Khabib within minutes of a fight's conclusion exemplifies this, illustrating how fighter psychology and business interests intertwine.