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
HOSTAGE TAPE: https://www.hostagetape.com/CHRIS28059
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/
Follow Chris Nichols:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimez
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtforlegacypodcast
Website: https://builtforlegacy.buzzsprout.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-legacy/id1667715105
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MAr6sSCwiyU9G1JZgeZxq?si=a7da325d67a64a72
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforlegacypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/nicholsanddimezshow/100090067950005
Contact: chris@nicholsanddimez.com
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