GRAPPLING HOUR with Byron Valle

GRAPPLING HOUR with Byron Valle

From Grappling Hour by Raf Esparza

October 21, 2025 · 28 min · Season 7 · Episode 29

About this episode

Raf Esparza interviews UNF champ Byron Valle about his journey in fighting and the impact of his family on his career.

I got the chance sit down in person with UNF champ Byron Valle. We talk about everything from childhood fights in bounce houses to starting Muay Thai at 18. Byron opens up about how his roots and family, especially his late grandfather, have motivated him to stay on a positive path and inspire others, making fighting not just a career but a responsibility for his community. In this conversation, you’ll hear us dive deep into what it really means to be “the little guy” standing up for others, what competing for and winning a belt means to someone who’s dreamt about it since he was six, and why he made the leap to go pro after just a handful of amateur fights. Plus, you get an inside look at how Black House and Uprise MMA shaped his skills, and how meaningful it’s been to earn the respect of guys he once looked up to. As always, thank you for supporting the show here on Patreon and letting us bring you the best conversations in the world of grappling and MMA before anyone else gets to hear them! —— WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH: Head on over to https://www.rafesparza.com/merch You can purchase our BRAND NEW Grappling Hour HOODIES and T-SHIRTS. ---- We’re on PATREON now! Head over to…

People in this episode

Guest: Byron Valle

Topics covered

  • childhood fights
  • Muay Thai
  • community responsibility
  • professional fighting
  • training camps

Keywords

  • grappling
  • MMA
  • inspiration
  • competition
  • Black House
  • Uprise MMA

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Grappling Hour

More episodes of Grappling Hour

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Grappling Hour podcast page.