#150 Marc Montoya - UFC & MMA Coach / Factory X
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Marc Montoya - UFC Coach, Head Coach and Owner of Factory X Muay Thai / MMA / BJJ, avid bow hunter, fly fisherman, father, and mentor to professional athletes. Nominated for 2018 Coach of the year by the World MMA Awards and winner of the 2012 and 2014 Coach of the Year by the Colorado MMA Awards, Marc Montoya is a world-renowned MMA coach and owner of Factory X. An accomplished fighter and instructor, Marc has been training, fighting, and teaching around the Denver area for over 20 years training some of the world best Mixed Martial Artist. Tune in as Coach Marc Montoya joins Bobby Marshall virtually and discuss conservation, mindset, UFC, MMA, outdoor edict, mentorship, winning, losing, reading, books, cancer, family, friends, outdoor life, and so much more. Please subscribe or like us on social media platforms for updates on shows, events, and episode drops.
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As fans of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), we look up to the Titans who battle it out in the octagon. Yet what's often overlooked are the coaches behind the scenes, molding fighters into their best selves. One such figure is coach Marc Montoya, a masted character in the UFC and mixed martial arts circuit. His sayings, philosophies, and approach to coaching have shaped scores of fighters.
In an intimate conversation on 150th episode of the Mountain Side Podcast, Montoya opens up about his journey, from overcoming fears to managing a whirlwind of impacting lives.
Life as a UFC Coach
Coaching involves various aspects, from sharing knowledge to providing emotional guidance. Knowing when to push a fighter to their limit, when to hold back, and when to be a friend or mentor requires an ability to navigate an array of emotions. "We talk about life," Marc shares when asked about his coaching approach. It's not always about the fight, sometimes it's about life beyond the ring or the training gym.
Coach Montoya's Philosophy
Montoya emphasizes that discipline, purpose, and a sense of 'why' are critical factors in managing one's schedules and commitments. Drawing parallels to using an oxygen mask on an airplane, Montoya expresses it's crucial to take care of oneself first to have the capacity to help others effectively.
Challenging oneself to select a personal word for each year can serve as a great tool to stay focused. For example, Coach Montoya's word for 2024 is 'Rise.' Keeping sight of his purpose insulates him from distractions and keeps him focused on pushing himself and his fighters upward.
Need for a Solid Support Group
Having a solid support group is crucial to maintaining a healthy mindset. Montoya is part of a men's group that convenes twice a month, providing a space to share, learn, and grow with others. This circle of support becomes a foundation to lean on, allowing Coach Montoya to thrive without the fear of judgment or misconception.
Finding Inspiration in Others
Drawing insight from those around him, Coach Montoya stresses that you can learn from anyone; whether they're emerging fighters or esteemed peers, there's always a nugget of wisdom to uncover.
"It's okay to fail personally and learn," he assures. If you're willing to look, you'll find lessons in whatever life throws at you, both in winning and losing.
Living Out His Purpose
At the end of the day, Coach Marc Montoya is a man driven by the thrill of living out his purpose. The journey may be overwhelming at times, yet the sense of fulfillment he derives by impacting lives keeps him pushing forward.
"God puts you on this earth for a lot of people," he shared, highlighting the importance of leaving a positive mark on others while nurturing personal growth.
The Journey of Coach Marc Montoya
Coach Marc Montoya's journey to success has been far from easy. Battling cancer and facing numerous challenges along the way, he discovered the power of purpose. Coach Marc emphasizes the importance of finding one's purpose and using it as a driving force to overcome obstacles. He believes that purpose is not lost; it simply needs to be organized and pursued with consistent habits. By aligning oneself with their purpose, one can create a legacy that goes beyond wins and losses.
Adversaries and Triumph: Lessons from the Octagon
One of the key takeaways from Coach Marc's conversation is the idea that the level of one's adversaries speaks volumes about their own capabilities. He recounts how his fighter, Brandon Royval, faced a tough opponent and suffered a loss in a title fight. However, Coach Marc highlights that even in defeat, they gained valuable lessons and opportunities. By embracing challenges and always striving for growth, Coach Marc instills in his fighters the determination to overcome setbacks and rise to the top.
Embracing Hope: The Essence of a Dream
Coach Marc beautifully illustrates the importance of embracing hope and finding joy in the journey. He shares an anecdote from Dave Chappelle's comedy show, where Chappelle poses the question: "Are you in the dream?" Coach Marc encourages us to take a step back, appreciate the progress we've made, and find gratitude in the present moment. The journey may be filled with thorns, but amidst the challenges, there are countless roses waiting to be smelled.
Legacy and Triumph: Celebrating Life's Victories
Coach Marc's coaching philosophy extends beyond the Octagon. He measures his success as a coach by the impact his fighters have on their lives outside of fighting. Witnessing his fighters evolve into great parents, leaders, and role models is the true measure of success. Coach Marc emphasizes the importance of not only focusing on wins and losses but of building a legacy that extends beyond achievements in the cage.
Coach Marc Montoya's inspiring journey serves as a reminder that triumph and hope are within reach for all of us. By finding purpose, embracing challenges, and celebrating victories, we can create a fulfilling and meaningful life. Coach Marc's words resonate with us, reminding us to appreciate the present, embrace our dreams, and take each moment as an opportunity for growth. Let us carry these lessons with us as we navigate our own journey and inspire those around us to strive for greatness. From shaping champions in the octagon to shaping lives outside of it, Montoya's journey as a UFC coach is truly inspiring. Despite the hurdles he faces, his steadfast mindset and profound love for coaching make him a beacon of inspiration to many.