Lou Neglia on MMA, Matchmaking & the Road to MSG

So, Frank and I rolled up a day early for this interview. Pro move.

But we figured, hey, might as well knock out the intro while we’re here.

Fast forward 24 hours, and we’re sitting down with Lou Neglia, a legit cobat sports icon.

Lou’s been around the fight game forever—former world champ, longtime promoter, and one of the guys who helped get MMA legalized in New York. We get into his transition from fighter to promoter, how he’s sent 160+ fighters to the UFC, and why matchmaking is everything when it comes to a great fight.

Plus, we talk about the Road to Madison Square Garden, why some big-money fighters lose their hunger, and how a cleaning product company (yes, really) might be the next big thing in combat sports.

 

[00:00] – We Screwed Up – Showed up a day early. Recorded the intro anyway.

[00:30] – Lou Neglia Enters the Chat – From world champ to top fight promoter.

[01:15] – Why He Started Promoting – Retiring from fighting = not an option.

[02:30] – MMA Legalization Saga – How politics held New York back.

[04:00] – Making Great Fights – No mismatches. No BS.

[05:30] – Road to MSG – Win big, fight bigger.

[07:00] – Big Money, Less Fire? – Are fighters still in it for the right reasons?

[09:15] – Why Local Shows Hit Different – More fights, more action, fewer letdowns.

[10:45] – The Chaos of Fight Week – Injuries, no-shows, and guys getting arrested on the way in.

[12:00] – Fighters Ducking Fights – When did everyone get so picky?

[13:45] – Clean Boss & Gym Hygiene – Because staph infections aren’t a good look.

[15:30] – The Retirement Talk – Telling a fighter it’s time to hang it up.

[17:00] – Women in Combat Sports – They’re killers. You probably wouldn’t date them.

[18:00] – Lou’s VIP Invite – Madison Square Garden. Tropicana. We’re in.

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