Timeless Lessons: Unpacking This UFC Fighter’s Most Dangerous Opponent — And It Wasn’t in the Cage.
FLASHBACK: This podcast is from 2023 — but the lesson is timeless.
When UFC fighter Anthony “Lionheart” Smith fought off a home intruder, my inbox blew up. So many of you tagged me or messaged me asking what I thought.
I didn’t respond at the time — I was working behind the scenes to get Anthony on the KNOW FEAR® Podcast.
We finally made it happen — and this episode really matters. Not just because it’s a wild story — but because Anthony explains it in his own words.
And that matters.
Why?
Because most of you already know who he is. He’s a legit badass. He’s fought in one of the toughest weight classes in the UFC. And let’s be honest — if I pointed him out across the room and said, “You’ve got to fight that guy,” most of you would shit your pants just thinking about his résumé.
So lean into this podcast. Listen closely. Then when it’s over, contemplate the message — about fear, about psychology, and how that impacts how we move. Because real fear interferes with your complex motor skills. It scrambles your ability to think clearly, move efficiently, and access your training under pressure.
Anthony shares, in his own words, what was really going through his head — the chaos, the fear, the confusion — everything you don’t see in a sanctioned fight. I break down how emotional and psychological stress affects your energy, your decision-making, and your physical skills when real violence shows up.
Why does this matter to you?
Because you probably train too — and you think you’ve got the complete package.
Why do I think that?
Because I hear this all the time:
“But I train MMA.”
“But I train Jiu-Jitsu.”
“But I train Krav Maga.”
“I’ll be ready.”
People confuse martial arts training with being prepared for real violence.
Yes, training builds important attributes — timing, strength, stamina, coordination — a martial toolbox — but it leaves out one of the most important variables: fear. The real kind. The ambush. The adrenaline dump. The psychological hijack.
Conventional training prepares you for sparring and competition.
But there’s a massive difference between a consensual fight and sudden violence.
In sport fights, you have a rules meeting. A weigh in. You warm up. You agreed to the fight!
In the street? You didn’t know it was coming. You didn’t get to warm up… you get the point.
When the rules change — the skills change.
Like I’ve said for decades:
“Violence doesn’t care what martial art you study.”
This isn’t about criticizing anyone’s style. It’s about helping you recognize the missing pieces and train differently.
If you find this message meaningful, I’d love to teach you how to bring my 40+ years of research into your family, your school, dojo, club, company, or community.
We’ve completely revamped our certification. It’s more accessible than ever — and it’s battle-proven.
People throw that term around. But ours has actually been used — by military, law enforcement, and civilians — in the field, in the street, and on the battlefield.
If you already teach self-defense — or you’ve always wanted to teach self-defense — go here now: Click here
Let’s make good people safer.
Coach Blauer
Not Looking to Teach? No Problem.
If you’re new to this responsibility — or just want to train for yourself — start with my Human Weapon System program and the KNOW FEAR® Course. These are two powerful foundations that will change how you think about personal safety, fear, and real-world readiness. Grab both at 50% off plus get the bonus ebook “Making Friends With Fear” for free: Click here
→And if you want to train with me personally, I host a private, immersive training at my home in California three times a year. It’s limited to 10 people.
The next one runs June 6–8.
You can learn more about that here: Click here
Let’s get you safer — mentally, emotionally, and physically.