From UFC Fighter to Mentor: Cody Donovan’s Journey of Resilience

Step inside the journey of Cody Scott Donovan — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, retired UFC Light Heavyweight fighter, and Bellator competitor. From his roots in Waterloo, Iowa, to training with legends like Nate Marquardt, Donovan’s story is one of resilience, cultural heritage, and transformation.

In this conversation, we explore:

• His path from security guard to professional MMA fighter
• Reflections on Irish and Mexican traditions of grief and resilience
• The challenges of violence, bullying, and finding strength through martial arts
• Mental preparation, flow state, and lessons from legendary fighters
• Personal anecdotes, including a hilarious “Batman” story
• Advice for aspiring fighters: commitment, intentionality, and presence

This episode is more than a fight story — it’s about growth, culture, and the power of martial arts to shape identity.

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