Behind the Scenes of UFC & WWE: Jimmy Smith Gets Real on Vibe with Scott Weidley

9 December, 2025, by Jacob Roach

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like behind the bright lights of the UFC or the scripted chaos of WWE, this episode of Vibe with Scott Weidley pulls no punches. Scott and Amanda sit down with the one-and-only Jimmy Smith—former MMA fighter, longtime UFC and Bellator commentator, and WWE host—for an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes ride through the world of combat sports and sports entertainment.

From the Cage to the Ring

Jimmy Smith’s career is one of the rare crossovers between two massive arenas—real fights and scripted ones. But don’t let the contrast fool you—both worlds demand insane levels of preparation, performance, and mental toughness. In this episode, Jimmy breaks down the similarities and stark differences between the UFC and WWE, and what he’s learned from navigating both.

Combat Sports Evolved

Health and fitness have come a long way since Jimmy’s early fight days. He talks with Scott and Amanda about how athletes now train smarter, recover faster, and take mental health seriously—something that wasn’t always the case in the early 2000s fight scene.

There’s also some real talk about weight cutting, overtraining, and how broadcasting brought Jimmy a whole new level of awareness around longevity in the sport.

Mindset Is Everything

What sets this episode apart is how deep it goes—not just into training regimens or funny behind-the-scenes WWE stories (though yes, there are some wild ones), but into mindset. Jimmy opens up about the mental demands of live broadcasting, the transition out of fighting, and what it takes to keep evolving as a professional, both on-air and off.

For Scott, it’s another powerful example of how performance, purpose, and culture collide—and how health isn’t just about your body, but your ability to adapt, focus, and show up when it counts.

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’re into combat sports, fitness, media, or just love hearing from someone who’s done it all, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with:

• Wild stories from the UFC and WWE you won’t hear anywhere else
• A deep dive into how elite performers approach health and recovery
• Insights on pressure, storytelling, and evolution in high-stakes environments
• A whole new appreciation for the people behind the mic—and behind the punches

🎧 Watch to the full episode now: https://youtu.be/4Wef2gu0aUI