In this episode of It’s Not About The Fight, Ross Cameron is joined by one of the most influential figures in UK mixed martial arts — Carl Prince, founder and head coach of Manchester Top Team.
From humble beginnings and a casual interest in martial arts to becoming a coach and promoter at the forefront of the UK MMA scene, Carl shares his powerful story and hard-earned insights into what it takes to succeed in the fight game.
We go deep into the evolution of MMA in the UK, from the early days to the emergence of professional-level gyms like Manchester Top Team. Carl breaks down the challenges of gym ownership, the critical role of community, and why sparring, media training, and mindset are as important as any technique.
🧠 Topics Covered:
- The origins and growth of UK MMA
- Building a world-class fight team with local roots
- Creating a culture of discipline, respect, and development
- The role of youth development in MMA
- Why sparring must be smart, not savage
- How to protect your fighters and still push them
- Managing the amateur-to-pro journey
- The importance of media training in the modern fight game
- Leadership, consistency, and removing negative influences
- Advice for new coaches and team leaders
💬 "Your chin’s got an expiry date."
💬 "We want to be the Manchester City of MMA."
Whether you're a coach, athlete, gym owner, or martial arts fan, this episode offers raw, valuable insight from someone who’s shaping the next generation of fighters.
🔗 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform.
💥 Follow Ross Cameron and the It’s Not About The Fight podcast for weekly conversations with the world’s leading martial artists, coaches, and thinkers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Carl Prince and His Journey
02:21 The Evolution of MMA in the UK
04:58 The Culture of Manchester Top Team
08:51 Building a Supportive Community in MMA
12:26 Training Philosophy and Sparring Practices
20:07 Identifying and Developing Young Talent
23:45 The Importance of Media Training in MMA
28:45 Mindset and Coaching Philosophy
31:01 Challenges of Gym Ownership
33:48 Community Engagement and Impact
35:17 Building a Strong Local Fight Community
38:19 Advice for Aspiring Coaches
42:57 Future Aspirations and Fighter Development
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