Current UFC strawweight Sam “Sampage” Hughes joins the Kings of Kimuras Podcast to tell the story of her journey from life before fighting to competing on the biggest stage in MMA.

Sam takes us back to the beginning—her background as a Division I cross-country and track athlete, discovering combat sports, stepping into the cage for the first time, and the rapid climb that eventually earned her a shot in the UFC.

We talk about what it was like making her UFC debut against Tecia Torres on just five days’ notice, the challenges of beginning her UFC career with three straight losses, and the decision to move to Dallas and begin training at Fortis MMA. Sam discusses how that move helped reshape her career, the lessons she learned training under high-level coaches, and the mental side of fighting when your career is on the line.

We also dive into the next chapter of Sam’s career—her continued evolution as a fighter and her move to Corvo Martial Arts, where she now trains alongside Coach Charles Byrd and the growing MMA team.

Sam talks openly about the highs and lows of professional fighting, learning from losses, staying coachable, developing confidence, and what it takes to continue improving after years of competing inside the UFC.

From her first fight to the UFC Octagon—and now to Corvo—this is the story of Sam Hughes continuing to evolve.

Connect with Kings of Kimuras and Corvo Martial Arts:

Follow Corvo Martial Arts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvma

Follow Tony:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncletonybjj

Listen on all platforms:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout

Train with us at Corvo Martial Arts:
Website: https://www.corvomartialarts.com

In this episode of Kings of Kimuras, we sit down with Chris Martinez, founder of Phalanx, one of the pioneers of modern no-gi Jiu-Jitsu apparel. Chris shares the incredible story of building Phalanx from the ground up—starting with nothing more than a sewing machine, YouTube tutorials, and a relentless drive to create better gear for the Jiu-Jitsu community.

We also discuss the Corvo Team Challenge happening this Sunday at our Plano location, what competitors and spectators can expect, and why events like this help strengthen the Jiu-Jitsu community.

Along the way, we dive into:

• The early days of Phalanx and how Chris taught himself to sew and hand-built his first products.
• The evolution of no-gi Jiu-Jitsu.
• The realities of entrepreneurship and growing a successful business.
• Personal growth, leadership, and lessons learned through years on and off the mats.
• Why community, consistency, and purpose matter in both business and Jiu-Jitsu.

Whether you're a grappler, business owner, or someone looking for inspiration to build something meaningful, this episode is packed with valuable insights and great stories.

🎙️ Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the podcast—and if you're in the Dallas area, come check out the Corvo Team Challenge this Sunday!

Connect with Kings of Kimuras and Corvo Martial Arts:

Follow Corvo Martial Arts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvma

Follow Tony:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncletonybjj

Listen on all platforms:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout

Train with us at Corvo Martial Arts:
Website: https://www.corvomartialarts.com

Former UFC fighter and longtime Fortis MMA head striking coach Charles Byrd joins the Kings of Kimuras Podcast to discuss his transition from professional fighter to coach and mentor. Charles shares the lessons he learned competing at the highest levels of the sport, the challenges of stepping away from active competition, and what it takes to develop young, hungry fighters into successful competitors.

We also dive into the importance of building a complete MMA athlete, creating the right culture inside a gym, and helping fighters navigate the mental and physical demands of the sport. Charles discusses his new role as Head Striking and MMA Coach at Corvo Martial Arts and his vision for developing the next generation of amateur and professional fighters.

Tony Trammell talks about leading the grappling program for Corvo's MMA team and how the partnership between striking and grappling coaches will create a well-rounded system for fighters looking to compete at the highest level.

Whether you're a fighter, coach, or martial arts enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on coaching, competition, leadership, and building successful athletes.

#KingsOfKimuras #CharlesByrd #UFC #MMA #CorvoMartialArts #FortisMMA #JiuJitsu #Striking #MMACoaching #CombatSports

Connect with Kings of Kimuras and Corvo Martial Arts:

Follow Corvo Martial Arts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvma

Follow Tony:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncletonybjj

Listen on all platforms:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout

Train with us at Corvo Martial Arts:
Website: https://www.corvomartialarts.com