About this episodeAshley Evans Smith discusses her journey as a female wrestler in a male-dominated sport, her UFC career includ…AI summary
Ashley Evans Smith discusses her journey as a female wrestler in a male-dominated sport, her UFC career including controversial fights and suspensions, and her current recovery from spinal surgery using stem cell therapy. The conversation highlights the mental toughness required in combat sports, the realities of anti-doping oversights, and the physical toll of aging athletes.
Key takeaways 7
Ashley Evans Smith joined the boys' wrestling team at age 15 after being double-legged by a friend, proving herself through persistence rather than seeking attention.
She recounts her second professional fight against Fallon Fox, noting the controversy surrounding Fox's transgender status and how the organization paused a tournament to deliberate.
Smith was suspended twice: once for an accidental hydrochlorothiazide ingestion from an ex-boyfriend/nutritionist, and again for DHEA provided by a doctor despite being in the USADA testing pool.
She advocates for wrestling as the best base for combat sports due to its discipline and 'never say die' mentality, contrasting it with Jiu-Jitsu.
Smith is undergoing stem cell treatments at BioAccelerator to recover from spinal surgery (C5/C6/C7 disc replacement) and hopes to return to fighting by May.
She discusses the physical risks of aging athletes, noting that while stem cells can help, they create a cycle where athletes may push their bodies harder knowing they can be repaired.
Smith mentions her upcoming potential fight with Luis Gomez, motivated by a desire to prove her toughness and shut down critics who dislike her sexuality.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I live and die by the sword. That's how I feel. I've had two fights but I remember being in a lot of trouble in both of them and I was like no [ __ ] way.”
Ashley explains her fighting mentality, refusing to tap out or quit even when in danger of losing or getting hurt.
“Wrestling is the best base you can have. It's kind of like baby military a little bit. Because there's discipline.”
▶ 23:11Ashley recommends wrestling over Jiu-Jitsu for young athletes because it instills essential discipline and perseverance.
“If I wanted to cheat like I know people we all know people we could get the good [ __ ] you know and I wouldn't have gone in trouble. This was an honest mistake.”
▶ 29:42Ashley defends herself against accusations of intentional doping, attributing her suspensions to oversights with nutritionists and doctors.
“You only got one body you only got one brain not to bring the vibe down but CTE is a real [ __ ] thing and you don't even know if you have CTE until you're dead.”
▶ 48:12Ashley discusses the long-term health risks of MMA and her plan to retire after winning a belt to preserve her health.
“I'm not fighting Luis Gomez. I'm fighting his friends that hate me. I'm gonna knock him out.”
▶ 43:14Ashley explains her motivation for fighting Luis Gomez, suggesting he is supported by people who despise her sexuality.
Chapters & Sections (46)▼
0:00Islander Jesus Discusses Wrestling Backgroundchapter4
0:00Discussion on Physical Fighting and Relationships
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