Trevor Wittman Talks Coaching Champions, ONX, Fighter Safety, and Future of MMA | Between Rounds #21

Legendary MMA coach and ONX Sports founder Trevor Wittman joins us for a deep conversation on Between Rounds. Trevor reflects on the early days of coaching, building his team from the ground up, and the journey from small gyms and local shows to coaching world champions on the biggest stages in MMA. But this episode goes far beyond fighting. Trevor opens up about the sacrifices that come with coaching at the highest level — balancing gym life with family, missing time with his kids while building his career, and the lessons he’s learned as both a coach and a father. He shares stories about homeschooling his daughter, watching his son build a creative career around the fight game, and why helping people find what they truly love matters more than forcing a traditional path. We also dive deep into fighter safety, the origins of ONX Sports, and Trevor’s mission to improve training equipment and long-term athlete health. From frozen gloves at local events to conversations around head trauma, commissions, and safer sparring practices, Trevor explains why MMA still has major gaps when it comes to protecting fighters. The episode also covers gym culture, managing personalities, coaching philosophy, and the emotional weight that comes with trying to help athletes reach their potential. This is one of the most honest and thoughtful conversations we’ve had about coaching, leadership, family, and the future of combat sports. 👊 Topics include: Building a gym and coaching UFC champions The sacrifices of coaching and raising a family How ONX Sports was created Fighter safety and long-term brain health The future of MMA equipment and training Managing personalities and gym culture Helping athletes find purpose beyond fighting Lessons learned through decades in combat sports 📺 Subscribe for more long-form MMA conversations, behind-the-scenes stories, and interviews with fighters, coaches, and legends of the sport. #TrevorWittman #ONX #ONXSports #MMA #BetweenRounds #MMAPodcast #UFCCoach #CombatSports #FighterSafety #MMAInterview #FightCulture #MartialArts #Coaching #BrainHealth #MMATraining #Family #Leadership