One of the all-time greatest martial artists joins the podcast! Monster Energy is proud to welcome former UFC World Champion and MMA icon TJ Dillashaw on Episode 314 of the sports and pop culture podcast UNLEASHED with The Dingo, Danny, and Brittney.
Recorded at Studio M inside Monster Energy headquarters in Corona, California, the one-hour episode was initially broadcast live on the Twitch platform on June 29, 2023. Today, fans have the chance to tune in to the official recording of the episode featuring the 37-year-old fighter from Sonora, California.
Speaking on his approach to fighting, Dillashaw said on UNLEASHED: “Some guys fight better scared, some guys fight better angry, some guys fight better having fun. And I’m the guy who enjoys walking out with a smile on my face in front of millions of people. And hopefully, watch me knock somebody out.”
For the full conversation with the outspoken UFC icon, tune into Episode 314 of UNLEASHED with The Dingo, Danny, and Brittney Fueled by Monster Energy. Released today, the new podcast is streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube.
In the hard-charging world of MMA fighting, Tyler Jeffrey Dillashaw requires no introduction. After building his foundation as a collegiate wrestler and three-time NCAA Division National Qualifier at Cal State Fullerton, the California native took the mixed martial arts circuit by storm. After competing on the 2011 season of the hit TV show The Ultimate Fighter, Dillashaw joined the UFC’s bantamweight division as a professional athlete in 2011, and the rest is history: In 2014, Dillashaw as a complete underdog stopped reigning champion Renan Barão’s 32-fight unbeaten streak to become the UFC Bantamweight Champion in one of the biggest upsets the sport has ever seen. Dillashaw defended the title four times and achieved the rare feat of claiming the belt a second time in 2017. Curious to learn what’s next for the MMA icon? Tune in and hear the full story – only on UNLEASHED!
Hear the inside story in conversation with the three podcast hosts, Australian action sports personality Luke “The Dingo” Trembath, professional snowboarder Danny Kass, as well as painter, model, and UFC ambassador Brittney Palmer. Tune in right here.
Born and raised in California, Dillashaw seemed destined for a career as a professional wrestler. But while wrestling on the collegiate circuit at Cal State Fullerton, he caught the mixed martial arts bug. Speaking on the evolution of MMA, Dillashaw said: “Before I got into the sport, you could get away with being good at just one thing. But nowadays, you have to be so well-rounded. If you have any holes in your game, someone is going to exploit it. I wrestled my whole entire life and caught on to striking. But look at some of the greatest guys in the world today, and they’re all great wrestlers.”
Dillashaw earned his shot at a pro contract as a competitor on the 2011 season of the hit TV show The Ultimate Fighter. He instantly went on a four-fight win streak and started a campaign that would transport him all the way to the top. “It took me four years to win my belt from getting into the sport. It was a very fast track to get to the top. I won the belt when I was 28.”
Destiny unfolded in 2014, when Dillashaw stepped in as a last-second replacement (and 8:1 underdog) to fight Renan Barão, who was on a 32-fight unbeaten streak, for the Bantamweight title. In what sports commentator Joe Rogan called the greatest upset in the history of the sport, Dillashaw won the fight in spectacular fashion to become the new world champion. “He was the guy who was pound-for-pound at the top of the list, hadn’t lost in 32 fights. And he was a monster that everyone was afraid of. So, he gave me no chance but to go for it,” said Dillashaw. “It was kind of tricking yourself into believing that it was your destiny, it was your time!”
In a full-circle moment, Dillashaw starred as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter season 25 in 2017. He faced off against then-UFC Bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt to reclaim his belt with a thundering knockout victory. “I was screaming at his face after the knockout. Just because there was a lot of drama going into that fight with coaching The Ultimate Fighter.”
Recently, the MMA icon has been battling a shoulder injury that sidelined plans to return to the Octagon. But with 1.3 million Instagram followers waiting for his next move, Dillashaw is not giving up and weighing his options. “If you’ve been in the sport long enough, your body is going to start feeling it. I’m now 37 years old with nine surgeries through the sport. It added up, but I’m doing alright!”
Ready to hear the inside story from the legend himself? Visit the landing page to access Episode 314 of UNLEASHED with The Dingo, Danny, and Brittney featuring, two-time UFC World Champion TJ Dillashaw.
Episodes of UNLEASHED are filmed on a special set inside Studio M at Monster Energy headquarters in Corona, California. The podcast is hosted by the dynamic duo of Australian action sports personality Luke “The Dingo” Trembath and professional snowboarder Danny Kass. Known for their deep roots in action sports culture, the two starred in the beloved cult TV show ‘The Adventures of Danny and The Dingo’ on Fuel TV for five action-packed seasons in the early 2010s. Both hosts have walked the walk as pro snowboarders and are joined by painter, model, and UFC ambassador Brittney Palmer. Together, the three hosts possess the interview skills to find common ground with guests from any type of background – sports and pop culture. Always look out for new episodes dropping bi-weekly on Mondays.
The UNLEASHED with The Dingo, Danny, and Brittney Podcast is here to celebrate the personalities behind the Monster Energy lifestyle. With each episode dedicated to a unique guest or topic, listeners learn about living on the edge and advancing the state of the art in the world of high-energy sports as well as music, games, and pop culture from individuals at the top of their game. More than a drink, Monster Energy is a way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers, and fans – and the podcast is an extension of this unique DNA.
For more on Monster Energy and the UNLEASHED Podcast, visit www.monsterenergy.com. Also, follow Monster Energy on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for exclusive content and athlete features.
