Sloan Clymer | From Barn Fights to Pro MMA: Performance, Branding & the UFC Dream

Sloan Clymer is a pro MMA fighter, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and no-gi specialist at Legion American Jiu-Jitsu in San Diego (founded by Keenan Cornelius). He earned his black belt from Cornelius—being the coach’s second-ever recipient—and has competed in organizations & events like Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, WNO, EBI, Subversiv (holding a win over Nick Rodriguez), and ADCC trials. In this conversation, we explore Sloan’s journey—from training in a makeshift “Caveman Combat” barn in Indiana to earning his black belt, chasing MMA dreams, and establishing himself in the San Diego fight scene. We also discuss cornering at UFC 318, his mindset for maximizing performance, transitioning from BJJ to pro MMA, building his personal brand, and promotion strategies inspired by top fighters like Conor McGregor and Sean O’Malley. Plus, Sloan shares his entrepreneurial life hack—why mastering one thing can outshine the mainstream hustle. 

Partners:

JNGL ATHLETICO:  https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ  Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 25% off

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PURE HIMALAYAN SHILAJIT: https://www.purehimalayanshilajit.com/?ref=4021  Use code DIMEZ for 40% off

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction

03:38 – Cornering at UFC 318, Fight Dreams & Lessons from the Big Stage

07:18 – UFC Experience vs. Other MMA Promotions | Maximizing Performance at the Next Level

13:40 – Sloan’s Childhood & Early Exposure to Fighting, Wrestling & MMA

20:22 – Evolution of MMA & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Growth of the Sport

22:23 – How Sloan Became “Feisty” & Why He Chose the Fighter’s Path

32:44 – San Diego Chapter: Pursuing Fighter Dreams | 10th Planet, Legion AJJ, BJJ Black Belt, Pro MMA

41:43 – Transition from BJJ to MMA | Lessons from the Grind

47:25 – Branding & Business of Fighting | Building a Fighter’s Path to the UFC

55:18 – Promotion Strategies & Fighting Styles: Conor McGregor, Sean O’Malley, Colby Covington, Khabib, Ilia Topuria, & Georges St-Pierre  

1:02:22 – Entrepreneurial Life Hack: Why Mastering One Thing Beats Mainstream Advice 

Follow Sloan Clymer:

Sloan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sloanclymer/ 

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