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In this powerful episode of the MMA History Podcast, host Mike Davis sits down with Mark Schultz, 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, three-time NCAA champion, and one of the earliest crossover stars from wrestling into mixed martial arts.
Mark opens up about his legendary wrestling journey — from high school state champion to dominating college wrestling at UCLA and the University of Oklahoma, his iconic NCAA finals battles including the legendary 1982 match versus Ed Banach, and his unforgettable 1984 Olympic run where he broke the number one ranked wrestler’s arm en route to gold. He also shares rare stories about his brother Dave Schultz, the Foxcatcher tragedy, and the lasting impact of John du Pont’s murder of Dave.
Mark discusses his introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Rickson Gracie, early MMA insights and training with Pedro Sauer, behind-the-scenes stories from the wild formative era of combat sports, and the Schultz brothers’ unique wrestling style, mindset, and unbreakable bond.
A must-watch for wrestling fans, MMA historians, and anyone interested in the real Foxcatcher story, Olympic wrestling in the 1980s, and the roots of modern MMA.
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Is this a new Mark Schultz episode or repost of an old one? He is one of my favorite guests
TTToday
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Loved this episode. Would love to see a round table episode with elite wrestlers like Coleman, Schultz, and Kerr. Schultz and Paul Herrera would be good too since they trained wrestling together.
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his grand dad drew snoopy so frickin good!
That would be great
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This is Gr8 So far !!!
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Thank You Phooey
The way he picked up GG looked so effortless. He made it look easy.
TTT
Olympic gold medalist and MMA pioneer Mark Schultz returns for Part 2 of his most revealing interview yet. He finally opens up about subjects he’s long avoided — fixed fights, the dark realities of Foxcatcher, John du Pont’s mental decline and drug abuse, testicular amputation, and the shocking lows that followed his highest highs.
Mark shares gripping stories about his battles with Rico Chiperelli, Fabio Santos, and Walt Bayless, the unforgettable Robin Williams airport encounter, stepping in on short notice for his UFC 9 debut against Gary Goodridge, and the chaotic Jungle Fight in the Amazon where a planned pro wrestling match turned into a real disaster. He also details his first meeting with John du Pont, life on the Foxcatcher farm, du Pont’s predatory behavior, cocaine-fueled psychosis, and the toxic environment that impacted so many careers.
Raw, honest, and deeply personal — this is essential listening for any fan of MMA history.