Backbreakers and Bites

"I was 7-0 and I felt empty... I needed a reason to keep going." TUF veteran and Shamrock FC champion Dustin Lampros joins the table for a raw conversation about the life shifts that redefined his career.From the high-pressure environment of The Ultimate Fighter to co-founding 561 PC to protect children in South Florida, Dustin shares the unfiltered reality of his journey: navigating the loss of his mother, the struggle of being turned away from gyms, and the spiritual awakening that changed his perspective on fighting.In this episode:St. Louis Roots: Growing up in a farm town and the chance meeting with Tyron Woodley that started it all.The Ultimate Fighter Reality: Inside the house with Alexander Volkanovski, the mental toll of isolation, and the lessons learned from his first professional setback.561 Predator Catchers: The dangerous reality of catching online predators and why Dustin believes this work is his true calling.The New Era at Kill Cliff: Training under Henri Hooft and the influence of veterans like Robbie Lawler on his mental game.Double Champ Quest: Preparing for his March 22nd title fight and the dream of returning to the UFC.The Bite: Authentic Greek gyros and spicy feta fries at Souvlaki Time.Follow Dustin: Instagram: @Scrappy135MMA YouTube: @561PredatorCatcherSubscribe to Backbreakers and Bites for more unfiltered stories where combat sports meets the best food in the game.

In today's episode of the podcast we have Coastal Championship Wrestling's Domino. Domino is a relative newcomer to CCW, with just over a year in the promotion. Already he has captured the Southeastern Championship and gained a loyal following among South Florida wrestling fans and is a staple in the Miami pop culture scene. Domino chose Tripping Animals Brewery in Doral, FL as the backdrop of this episode. Domino and the owners of Tripping Animals go way back, the brewery itself has a wide range of craft beer and have recently added the Trippy Kitchen where they provide delicious culinary experiences to pair with your choice of drink.Topics in this episode of the podcast include Domino's roots, training with Gangrel, his work fighting as an advocate for Mental Health, his meteoric rise in CCW and as always much, much more.

In today's episode, we have CCW southeastern champion Meto. Meto is currently on a 400+ day streak as champion in the promotion.Rule Fitness in Miami Beach, Florida will serve as the backdrop for this episode. Rule is a modern take on the classic hardcore gym, featuring all the equipment you could need for bodybuilding, powerlifting or crossfit, as well as all the equipment you could need for post training recovery. Rule is also home to the only jungle gym outside Tulum.Topics in this episode of the podcast include Meto's influences, his experience dealing with time off from brain bleeding, and coming to America from Bulgaria to fulfill his dream to be a pro wrestler.Tune in and discover some new locale and a little insight into Meto you won't find anywhere else.

In today's episode we have pro MMA fighter Johnny "Pressure" Eblen, fighting out of American Top Team. Joining along with Johnny is his partner Emily. Johnny Eblen is currently 14-0 as a professional MMA fighter and is the current Bellator Middleweight Champion. PFL -- Johnny's new home -- just bought Bellator and is holding a Champion vs Champion card next month in Saudi Arabia. Johnny will be taking on PFL Light Heavyweight champ and former UFC fighter Impa Kasanganay. The two will be meeting at 185 for a "champ vs champ" super-belt. Johnny went to his roots for our backdrop today, choosing The Namu in Coral Springs. The Namu is a Korean-Japanese fusion restaurant, specializing in traditional Korean dishes and Izakaya which is "a type of informal Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks. Izakaya are casual places for after-work drinking, similar to a pub, a Spanish tapas bar, or an American saloon or tavern." We do not partake in the extensive Sake collection in this episode, but we are served an extensive tasting of The Namu's menu, with items ranging from Kimchi, Fish Cakes, Korean Fried Chicken, Pork Belly, Bulgogi, Fried Rice and more. Topics in this episode of the podcast include Johnny's roots, moving to Florida from Missouri and landing at ATT, training with Sean Strickland, his thoughts on PFL and his future and as always much, much more.Tune in and discover some new food and a little insight into Johnny you won't find anywhere else.

In today's episode we have pro MMA fighter Sal Guerriero, fighting out of American Top Team. Sal Guerriero is currently 6-4 as a professional MMA fighter, competing in promotions such as Titan FC, Jorge Masvidal's iKon Fighting Championships, M-1 Global and most recently Legacy Fighting Alliance and as well has had grappling success making a deep run in the last ADCC trials. Sal has an extensive background in Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and both his father and uncle are two of American Top Team's first black belts.Sal chose Phat Boy Sushi to serve as the backdrop for this episode of the podcast. Phat Boy Sushi & Kitchen sources a higher level of fresh-caught fish and essential ingredients to create an inspired selection of sushi and traditional Japanese fare. From first dates to family get-togethers; from girls’ night to going’ solo, Phat Boy Sushi & Kitchen caters to everyone. Sample a unique appetizer like our Mushroom Tobanyaki. Savor one of our signature rolls, like the Phat Girl and Samurai rolls. Explore our popular, selection of ramen dishes from our authentic hot Japanese kitchen. Sip one of our excellent cocktails, or specially-selected wines, sakes or beers. Our menu is ideal for both sharing and individual dining experiences.Topics in this episode of the podcast include Sal's roots, his experiences going from BJJ to Wrestling back to BJJ and then MMA, training at top team since childhood, his interests outside of fighting and we even get into some simulation theory if you stick around long enough!Tune in and discover some new food and a little insight into Sal you won't find anywhere else.

In today's episode we have current UFC fighter and holder of the most submission wins in UFC women's division history, Gillian "The Savage" Robertson, fighting out of Goat Shed in Miami.Gillian Robertson is currently 12-8 as a pro, spending majority of her career in the UFC. She is set to fight Polyana Viana at UFC 297 on January 20th, 2024. Gillian chose The Salty as the backdrop to this episode of the podcast. The Salty specializes in craft donuts. As they put it - "With unthinkable care and using nothing but the finest ingredients, we push the boundaries of what a donut can be and tell stories through our ever-changing menu of new flavors.".Gillian snacks on a Strawberry Pop Tart donut, while Dan and Rick try the Pumpkin Spice and Banana Creampie donuts, respectively.Topics in this episode of the podcast include Gillian's roots, her experience in the TUF house, the evolution and philosophy behind her fight style and her relationship with coach Din Thomas and her transition from American Top Team to Goat Shed.Tune in and discover some new food and a little insight into Gillian you won't find anywhere else.

Roy Echeverria is currently 8-1 as a pro and just won his last fight a week ago by Anaconda Choke. He’s well rounded and has been a walking highlight reel throughout his career.Roy chose Mr. Cachapa in Wynwood to serve as the backdrop for this episode of the podcast. Mr. Cachapa specializes in Venezuelan cuisine, most notably… the cachapa.A cachapa is a traditional Venezuelan food item that resembles a pancake or flatbread. It is made from maize (corn) and is typically served as a savory or sweet dish. They are often filled with various ingredients such as cheese, ham, shredded beef, or other savory fillings. Some people also enjoy them with a drizzle of syrup or a sprinkle of sugar for a sweet variation. On Roy’s recommendation we try the trademark cachapa as well as an Arepa, and it tastes just as good as it sounds.Topics in this episode of the podcast include Roy’s roots, his struggles in Venezeula, the evolution and philosophy behind his fight styles and what it’s like training in the most viral gym in social media.