Chad Mendes: The Preparation Behind Greatness

UFC legend Chad Mendes joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to talk about the mindset, discipline, and preparation that carried him from a small California farm town to the highest level of mixed martial arts.

Chad opens up about starting wrestling at five years old, becoming a two-time NCAA All-American, fighting for multiple UFC titles, and what it truly feels like when the cage door closes. He also shares stories from his battles with José Aldo, the origins of his “Money” nickname, life inside Team Alpha Male, and why preparation was always the foundation of his success.

Now living in Idaho, Chad has carried that same mentality into hunting, business, fatherhood, and conservation. He explains how preparing for a backcountry hunt compares to preparing for a championship fight, why passing hunting traditions on to the next generation matters, and why becoming a husband and father is the accomplishment he is most proud of.

Chad also talks about Fins and Featherz, his celebrity hunting and fishing guide service, his new energy gummy company Gate Drop, and the packed hunting season ahead.

This episode covers:

• Chad’s wrestling roots and college career
• His transition from wrestling into professional MMA
• Fighting José Aldo and competing for UFC gold
• Life with Team Alpha Male
• The mentality required to fight at the highest level
• How fighting preparation translates into hunting
• Raising kids around hunting and the outdoors
• Conservation and introducing new hunters
• Building Fins and Featherz and Gate Drop
• Why fatherhood means more than any championship

Follow Chad Mendes on Instagram and YouTube, and check out Fins and Featherz and Gate Drop to see what he is building outside the fight game.

Subscribe to the Mountain Dude Podcast for more conversations about hunting, fatherhood, faith, business, discipline, conservation, and life in the outdoors.

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