Big Hype Podcast with Jonathan Millard

Jason Jenkins: Living Two Lives: Pro MMA Fighter & Rock Drummer

Jonathan Millard Season 2 Episode 11

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0:00 | 32:12

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In this episode of the Big Hype Podcast, host Jonathan Millard sits down with Jason Jenkins—a unique talent balancing two demanding worlds: professional MMA and music.

Jason shares how his journey began with Taekwondo at a local gym and evolved into a pro career with 10 professional fights, including the step up in production and pressure that comes with bigger promotions like Cage Warriors. We also talk about what makes MMA so addictive, why it stands out from other combat sports, and what it’s really like travelling abroad to fight (including experiences in Greece and Cyprus).

On the music side, Jason opens up about playing in a band, the grind of promoting original music, and how injuries have shaped (but not stopped) his next chapter—both inside and outside the cage.

Key takeaways

  • From Taekwondo beginnings to professional MMA
  • The jump from amateur shows to pro promotions (including Cage Warriors)
  • Why “MMA just excites me” (and what makes it different)
  • Fighting abroad: travel, preparation, and pressure
  • Balancing training camps with a music career
  • Injury setbacks—and the mindset to come back stronger

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jason Jenkins
 02:16 Transitioning from Amateur to Professional
 03:05 Experiences in Cage Warriors
 04:36 The Impact of Local Legends in MMA
 05:19 Boxing Background and Experiences
 06:48 Fighting on Various Platforms
 07:57 Preference for MMA Over Other Disciplines
 08:47 Understanding MMA for New Viewers
 11:23 Fighting Abroad: Experiences in Greece and Cyprus
 13:23 Training and Preparing for Fights Abroad
 14:41 Balancing Music and Fighting Career
 15:12 The Music Scene and Upcoming Projects
 17:26 Unique Stage Presence and Performance Style
 18:57 Signature Acts and Social Media Presence
 19:18 The Evolution of Music and Content Creation
 20:44 Journey into Drumming: Influences and Inspirations
 22:17 Dream Collaborations: Bands and Future Aspirations
 24:15 Overcoming Challenges: Injuries and Future Goals
 27:42 Engaging with Fans: Social Media and Community
 30:13 Closing Thoughts and Future Events

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