FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU LOVE | JACK HUSTON + MICHAEL C. PITT

Last month Day of the Fight was released into theaters. It tells the story of Irish Mike as he prepares for his fight at Madison Square Garden. As we lead up to this big event, we also get to see the people, places, and things that make up his life. With an incredible cast that includes Michael C Pitt (Boardwalk Empire, Asphalt City, Reptile), Ron Perlman (Hellboy franchise, Sons of Anarchy, StartUp), Joe Pesci (Goodfellas, Casino, The Irishman), and Steve Buscemi (The Sopranos, Fargo, Boardwalk Empire) to name a few - we're drawn into his world as well as the decisions that he makes.

We had the pleasure to sit down with Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire, Expats, House of Gucci), writer, producer and making his directorial debut along with lead actor, Michael to talk about this film, how it came to be, moments that they enjoyed, the takeaway that they want others to have from it, and the power of cinema.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We watched this movie last night and we’re boxing fans. So we were already excited to see the movie. It was even better that it was not the traditional and formulaic boxing film that we are used to seeing! Before we delve into the movie, Jack you wrote, directed, and produced it. What led you to creating this film? Michael, what made you want to be part of this film?

JACK HUSTON: I had the great opportunity to work with Michael many years ago on Boardwalk Empire.

AM: Which was an amazing series!

JH: Thank you! I always had memories of Michael punching sandbags and going off to the boxing gym. So maybe, I had him there in my head. But I also had the memories of just how much I loved working with Michael just him being such a beautiful actor and he has always elevated any season that he was in. Somebody who just conveys so much through his eyes. He has this amazing sense of sensitivity and vulnerability with a hard exterior you know and he could play every part. When I sort of conceived the film, I could not imagine anybody else in the role. It’s amazing where you have these moments where you are literally right there with someone else’s voice in your head. So, I wrote and came up with the idea for the film with Michael in the role and I went to him and said, you’ve got to do this role! He asked me, where’s the script and I was like, well I haven’t written it yet. So we worked and sort of developed it through the years. It was a great fight worth having to get Michael to play this part. I thank God everyday that I got the opportunity to do it with him.

AM: Wow, that’s great to hear. What drew you to the film Michael?

MICHAEL C. PITT: Permission to speak freely?

AM: Of course.

MCP: This film chose me. Jack chose me. My very good friend, my buddy, and my collaborator basically said that he wanted me to do this. He pulled me out of the gutter to play this film. We made it with a lot of love and a lot of heart. We made it to inspire the younger generation and so I hope we do.

AM: It was incredible. The casting was incredible obviously in addition to Michael, Joe Pesci, Steve Buscemi, Ron Perlman -

MCP: Well that’s all Jack! I have no idea how – I mean I used to call him The Prince! I have no idea in hell how he did it!

AM: That part!

MCP: Yeah, how he assembled those older men – they are not the easiest and they are set in their ways.

AM: Haha you are basically asking what we’re trying to say so I thank you for navigating that one! How'd you do that?

MCP: To get them in the room. That was all Jack. All Jack. Thank God we were able to get those guys!

JH: You know, it’s funny. When you write it for certain people, I think that just like Michael said, the film was all heart and it was all love. The two elements or the two characters that were written specifically for the film were Mike and Joe. Joe was – you know, I heard his voice and that’s him singing in the movie. I was developing this character that had dementia and we needed an actor with such a history and almost where their reputation proceeded them the way that they find them in the film, they have to have such a body of work because they are suffering from dementia. Then I heard him sing and I thought, what if he doesn’t speak, but you hear him sing? That’s what brings back the memories because when my grandma when she was suffering from dementia, music would bring her back in the room. She gained that lucidity through that – through music and that’s what sort of happened.

But, getting Joe was landing the white whale because the film wouldn’t have happened. He pretty much secured our financing! I think it was kind of like, “ha ha if you get Joe Pesci, we’ll secure your financing for the movie.” Then we went ahead and got Joe Pesci. Then they were like oh shit, we have to finance the movie. But it was a big gamble and I think again it came down to the collective love of what we were trying to make and a bit of a throwback to the movies that aren’t made like this anymore. It is an homage to that type of picture. It’s all about feeling, all about character, all about the sort of real human struggle and the human condition. The kinds of films like Mike was saying that made us fall in love with cinema and hopefully, it will inspire other people to fall in love with cinema all over again.

AM: What did you draw from, Mike in terms of your character and how did you approach playing him?

MCP: Oh, that’s such a difficult question because it was set up – Jack set it up for me to experience this role. So it was a bit like, “ok, I set everything up, you’re trained, and now ding, ding, ding – go out there and do everything and get out into the ring and make me proud.” Basically, that’s how it was set up for me and it’s hard for me to watch, but I do notice that it does make people feel. I do think that that is a very important thing that Jack touches on. It’s really smart to be streetwise, it’s very good to keep your poker face up and to keep your guard on. But you need to feel things. We need to feel things or we’re not human. I hope that people have the courage to feel when they are watching the film.

AM: There were so many themes that we enjoyed when watching the film: redemption, resilience, fortitude, and even being able to establish things in the future that you know will not be yours to enjoy; however, you have created the fingerprint for that to happen. Of course, the whole past, present, future of everything that is going on in the film is just really great. What stuck out for you as moments in the film that you really enjoyed?

JH: God, there’s so much! You know what? It’s wonderful when you’re able to step back and say, this role is yours. Run, enjoy, feel it, and experience it. Witnessing the actors coming together and what was made, the writing was elevated to such an extent, but that is exactly again, going to the beauty of relationships. I have to say that I think that what Michael and a lot of our actors did is that they gave very honest performances. There’s a lot of truth in them and I think that everyone is always talking about forgetting to go to the movies. I always say that I like to remember things and I like to feel that scene in my heart and gut and I want to wake up thinking about that.

Certain images – I like when everything comes together and that’s usually as a common goal. There are a lot of surprising scenes that on the page read one way, but my God it’s gorgeous to witness 2 lovely actors take it and run with it. You know, it was magic. I spent a lot of time crying when I was looking at the monitors. It was huge moments of gratitude for me.

AM: Michael, was there anything that stuck out with you?

MCP: In the filming? Every single day! Every single day, every single moment. It’s a beautiful memory for me. Listening to Jack talk, you know, I don’t know why I started thinking about when I was a little boy and my mother has 4 kids tugging on her and we’re trying to make ends meet and she would buy $1 movies at Blockbuster. Blockbuster was going out of business and she would buy $1 movies, and I would just sit in front of all of these movies and I never saw a bad movie, I never saw a movie that I didn’t like.

JH: Yeah, right!

MCP: These films changed people. A film that makes you feel is a film that you see and it changes people. Those were films that changed my whole direction of life!

Every moment of every single day of every single second that I was filming, it was incredible! So people should go see it!

AM: In thinking about the concept of deadlines with the movie literally being the Day of the Fight, you know that you’re seeing everything that is happening or lead up to the day of the fight, but you also understand that there is this health condition that is going on so if he does box, this could be another timeline that takes place. What was the thought behind running these multiple timelines as well as the past, present, future, aspect as well?

MCP: Jack, you mentioned this wonderful quote by Hitchcock (Psycho, Rear Window, The Birds) and I think it’s so great that you need to say it.

JH: Yeah, Hitchcock did an early - well before I say that, in this film initially, you didn’t find out about his medical condition in this script until the fight and when he gets knocked down. Then you put things together and realize why this day has been like this.

It’s funny because when I was in the edit, I used an old Hitchcock quote which is, “2 people sitting at a table having a conversation and that’s one thing. You put a bomb under the table, the conversation becomes very different.”

MCP: So his condition is the bomb.

AM: Right.

JH: His condition is the bomb, but the audience –

MCP: Which is brilliant.

JH: It’s good for the audience to know that because every single one of those scenes where you know it’s a ticking bomb makes that scene all the more weighty because it’s possibly the last time that he is seeing any of these people. So you’re on this journey that only Irish Mike knows about!

MCP: From a writing standpoint, it’s a really brilliant thing for people to hear.

JH: Yeah.

MCP: It sets and puts the tension in every scene.

JH: Every scene!

MCP: It puts the motivation in every scene, every character, and so his condition is the bomb under the table during the conversation.

JH: And you know that, so it’s even better when you’re watching it for the second time. Even though you know it when you're watching it for the first time, it works great for the second time as it is really set in. A lot of people have come to multiple screenings and they have told me that they are so happy that they got to see it again. They gained so much more from the second viewing. I love films that you can watch over and over again! I think that this is a film that you can watch a bunch of times.

AM: Our thoughts exactly as we want to watch it again. Even when watching it last night in preparation for today’s discussion, it was incredible. We love a film that is in black and white. There was nothing to not love about this film. In an additional viewing, it will be great to see more of the little things that maybe weren’t seen the first time! Just from top to bottom, it was a great watch! Then to be able to see it and talk with both of you about this has been really amazing!

MCP: Ditto! Ditto! It’s really nice to talk to you as well.

AM: So great chatting with you and I hope that it gets all of the awards it deserves because it’s so great!

JH: You’re so sweet! Please go yell that at the rafters as we need people to come and support this movie!

AM: 100%

JH: We love you for it!

IG @dayofthefight

@thejackhuston

@michaelcarmenpitt

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Front/Back Cover, PG 16 - 27 + 30 - 43 Day of the Fight/Jeong Park | PG 28 Day of the Fight/Peter Simsonite |

Read the DEC ISSUE #108 of Athleisure Mag and see FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU LOVE | Jack Huston + Michael C. Pitt in mag.

BEYOND THE RING | LEAH VAN DALE

It's always great to reconnect with our faves and see how they continue to blaze new trails as they navigate the intersectionality of their lives. We first met Leah Van Dale back in 2019 for her SEP ISSUE #45 with us at the Mondrian Park Avenue Hotel. In this month's issue, she talks about her routine to the ring in WWE as Carmella who always knows how to bring the drama and athleticism, the importance of self-care, her recent marriage to Matt Polinsky/WWE's Corey Graves and her approach to fashion as she's always rocking amazing looks unapologetically.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It’s so good to re-connect with you again and to catch up! To connect all of our readers at Athleisure Mag, what have you been up to, what are you looking forward to in terms of this year as you navigate your upcoming matches in the WWE?

LEAH VAN DALE: Yeah, I just had my first match back in about 7 months on Feb 6th! That was really exciting to be able to be back in the ring with a new look and back to my Moonwalking, trash talking, Princess of Staten Island character! It’s been a minute since I have been able to do that. I’m really enjoying that. I just really want to be able to focus on being the best version of me that I can and to have a lot of fun. That’s really my goal this year, to have a lot of fun and to not put too much pressure on myself.

AM: That’s great! In terms of the WWE, are there any events that you’re looking forward to that we should mark our calendars for?

LVD: Absolutely on the 18th, we have the Elimination Chamber, a Premium Live Event. I’m going to be in the chamber, there will be 6 of us, we’ll all be facing each other. The winner will face Bianca Belair at WrestleMania for the Raw Women’s Championship. I have never held the Raw Championship. I have been Smackdown Champion, I’ve been Tag Team Champion, but I have never held the Raw Title so I’m really hoping that I can win that match and go up against Bianca Belair for that match at WrestleMania.

AM: Obviously, we hope that you do! When you know that you will be heading into the ring, are there routines that you do before and after the matches so that you can prepare for the fight and do you have things that you do when you’re coming down after exerting all of that energy?

LVD: Oh yeah! I have a huge stretch routine. I have to stretch! I was a dancer in the first part of my life and I feel like I lost my flexibility because of the regimen that I do, being in the ring and the injuries that I have gone through. So because I feel like I lost a lot of my flexibility, stretching has been something that I have been focusing on a lot more lately. So I do a huge stretch before the match and then I really like to listen to Megan Thee Stallion. I put my headphones on and I just get in the zone and remind myself of what a bad B that I am and try to channel my inner Megan Thee Stallion and just get into character. Because Carmella is a lot different then Leah so I feel like I have to really remind myself of who I am and what I’m going out there to do.

After my match, something that I have learned through acupuncture because of my acupuncturist is that with WWE, it’s just go, go, go all the time, so it's to be more in the moment. It’s on to the next thing, hurry up and get to the airport, hurry up and land and get your rental car, hurry up and get to the hotel, hurry up and try to get some sleep, try to go to the gym. It’s always go, go, go, so I feel like I want to try to focus more on being in the moment. After that match and coming down from being on that high and adrenaline that took place out there which is running through my veins like that, I want to come down from that and just take a few minutes backstage by myself, unwind, recognize what I just did, being out there and performing in front of all of these people and then come back and just kind of take a minute and breathe! It's just about recognizing what I did, to be present and then to be able to move on to the next thing without being in such a blur.

AM: You’re clearly a fit person and especially in what you do. We have a great mild winter that has been taking place here in NY, which makes us think of the Spring and the Summer. What are 3 workouts that you do that we should consider adding into our own routines?

LVD: Ooo that’s a good question! I’m a huge advocate for [solidcore]. It’s basically Pilates I suppose, but Pilates to the 100th degree! It is insane and I’m really huge on that. So, I used to lift heavy for most of my career and most of my life, and I found that doing Pilates and doing [solidcore] has really transformed my body as it’s more resistance-based training as opposed to lifting heavy. It’s been so good on my muscles and my joints and I just feel like a new person. I feel strong and prepared when I do [solidcore]. So, I would definitely say that!

I’m huge into yoga I’m a big yogi. I really enjoy what it does for my body and my mind, both inside and out, huge fan of yoga. I think that honestly, I live in the city of Pittsburgh and I do a lot of walking. I think it’s pretty underrated. I love to go out for a nice walk, I bring my dog with me and I just walk all over the place. I walk to get coffee, I walk to go to the store. Anywhere I go, to get lunch, to get a juice – it’s so underrated, go outside, take a walk and get going! The steps add up.

AM: Oh yeah when you’re with your dog or your friends, it’s a nice thing to do. Totally agree with you.

As an entrepreneur, what do you look for when it comes to brands you’re thinking of launching or even partnering with others?

LVD: Great question! I feel that it has to be something that is super authentic to you. Anyone can go out and try to make a business out of something. But if you don’t love it and you’re not passionate about it, it’s going to feel like work, it’s gong to be work no matter what – but you’re going to notice how hard it is and how difficult it is if you don’t love it. I even look at it that way with the WWE. There’s no way that just anyone can walk off the street and do what we do. Not only because of the physical toll that it takes on you in the ring, but the travel! It’s so demanding! If you don’t love it, there’s no way that you’re going to last.

AM: I couldn’t agree with you more! I have to say that I have such a respect for you and the other WWE people. When we’ve shot with you, Nattie, Trinity and Danielle Moinet, when you guys came to set you’d share that you just drove 3 hours to get there, you had a fight the day before, a fight later on that same day after our shoot and the amount of schedules that you guys juggle and yet to see how happy you are and how you still interact with fans is insane!

LVD: It is a lot, but I think that you have to have great time management skills and like I said, if you love it, it doesn’t feel as difficult because you’re doing something that you’re enjoying. So you get an instant gratification from that.

AM: Are there ventures that you’re exploring that you’re able to share? Something that you’ve done which is really great, is that in addition to us knowing you as an athlete, you cover other areas in business because you’re truly an entrepreneur.

LVD: Well, I actually have something in the works that I can’t say just yet. When we’re able to announce it, it will be exciting! I’m really trying to focus on fashion right now and explore it. It’s something that I’m passionate about, I love it and I enjoy it. I’ve always loved clothes since I was a kid. I just think that it’s fun to be able to express yourself and to show who you are by what you’re wearing. I think that that is something that I will really try to focus on this year. I would love to have an athleisure line and to get more into that realm. I’m putting that out into the universe because it’s something that I really want to be able to do and to dive into.

AM: I could see you doing that as your IG always shows you killing a range of looks!

You recently got married to Matt! How is it juggling your busy lives with both of you part of WWE, working, traveling and your family? It’s so exciting.

LVD: It is so exciting! I think that we have really found our way into the groove. We both have such demanding and crazy schedules! Luckily, we’re both on Raw, so we’re on the same show; however, we both have separate commitments outside of just Raw. I have live events, he has currently been working with NXT talent. So we’re just kind of all over the place. FaceTime is great, we’re always communicating via text, all day every day. It just makes our time when we’re together, that much better because we get to be in the moment and present and enjoy each other. We have things that we can catch up on, but if we’re together all day every day, we already know everything happening in each other’s lives. It’s great to have a little bit of separation because then we can come together and chat about the things that we have going on with each other.

AM: It’s always fun to see you guys on IG or when you were doing your podcast show together, are there other projects that the two of you will do together that you’re able to share?

LVD: There’s actually nothing in the works right now. We love working together. It’s funny because we truly complement each other so well. We are truly opposite from each other. He’s more quiet and you know, a little mysterious, whereas I’m more kind of like obnoxious, annoying and just in your face. It’s funny the way that we compliment each other. We are thinking about bringing our podcast back. We had to take a break with getting married, then work was just insane and then life just got in the way. But our fans are really asking for it so I think that when the time is right, we will eventually go back to the podcast. There’s so much to update everyone on.

AM: It was so fun to listen to and I love a whole peanut butter and jelly aspect!

A few minutes ago, we were talking about fashion. How do you approach your closet? You wear items that are sporty to those that are chic, you play with proportions. You can truly tell that you just embrace playing and seeing what works and just enjoying that. How do you approach your closet in terms of the looks for the day and events when you’re going out?

LVD: I think that if someone were to ask me how I would describe my style, I don’t have a specific style. I like anything and everything. When I’m just at home, I’m usually in sweats. But I like for it to be something cute like a matching set or just a big baggy sweatpants and a crop top. I feel like I really try to just do the most. I don’t care if the look might offend someone. I’m always in a crop top, even if it’s in the winter, I really don’t care. I’m going to do the most, I just want to do something that makes me feel good and to just make a statement. I think it’s important that when it comes to my closet, that I don’t spend a lot of money on trendy items. I like to spend my money on a classic piece and something that I can wear forever and something that will last forever and won’t go out of style. If I’m going to go for something that’s trendy, it’s going to be a lot cheaper. I like to pair something cheap, with something expensive. If I have a nice pair of Louis boots and then I wear it with my $20 Fashion Nova jeans, who cares?

AM: How do you take time for yourself in terms of self-care so that you can reset and be present for whatever it is that is on your agenda?

LVD: As I mentioned earlier in working with my acupuncturist, that’s something that I have really been focusing on for the last few months. I think that it’s so important to take time for yourself. It’s not selfish. It’s a great way I think to be able to reset and to just be present in your everyday life. If you’re taking time for yourself, then you’re going to be a better wife, a better daughter, a better friend and a better employee. That’s because you’re not all over the place. I think it’s important to stay in the moment. I really like to schedule appointments. So if I have an appointment for my yoga, for my acupuncture, for a stretch, PT or the chiropractor then I make that commitment and I have to go. If I say, “oh I will stretch out when I’m at home,” there’s no way that I am going to do it. I’m going to get wrapped up in work or a phone call that is going to distract me. So I feel, that for me, when I make appointments, I have scheduled something and I know that I will be paying for it. I have to commit and I have to do it!

AM: For sure! There’s nothing worse than seeing a charge for a no show fee because you weren’t there. You’re just cheating yourself.

LVD: That’s the worst, legitimately the worst!

AM: What do you want your legacy to be in terms of the sport and the world? What’s that mark that others can look to and say that they know that that was what Leah Van Dale did and/or contributed to?

LVD: Oh my gosh, that’s such a huge and crazy question to hear! I think that when it comes to that, I want women, especially young women in general just to be able to realize that you don’t have to be just one thing. I think for a long time I thought that I was just a WWE SuperStar or I’m just the girl that comes out and dresses sexy on TV or I’m the girl that was the last Draft Pick in 2016. I’m so much more than that and I don’t have to fit into just one box! As women, that’s sort of what we are taught in society and it’s made us think that we are just one thing. No, I have so many more things to me and different aspects and sides of me that I want to share and I don’t have to be just the girl that dresses sexy or the girl in WWE. I’m also a step mom, a wife, a daughter, a friend and there are so many other things that define me! I’m not just one thing. I think that if I can pass anything on to women and using my social media platform and my following, that’s what I want women to know. You don’t have to be that and your thing can change by the way! Who I was in 2017 is a hell of a lot different then who I am now and that’s so different from who I am going to be a year from now! It’s ok to change, evolve and grow.

AM: And sometimes, circling back!

LVD: For sure! Absolutely!

AM: There have been things that 8 years ago you did it and whatever and then last year you think about it and realize that you want to bring it back to the front burner again. Things are fluid and we shouldn’t be beating up on ourselves.

IG @carmellawwe

PHOTOS COURTESY | PG 40 - 47 + 9LIST STORI3S PG 48, 49 + 51 Leah Van Dale

Read the FEB ISSUE #86 of Athleisure Mag and see BEYOND THE RING | Leah Van Dale in mag.

REMAINING FOCUSED | JULIANNA PEÑA "VENEZUELAN VIXEN"

We're very excited about this month's cover, Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña who will be fighting Amanda Nunes in the title fight in Dallas on Jul 30th for UFC277. This anticipated rematch is one we'll be glued to and just ahead of it, we took some time to catch up with the 'Venezuelan Vixen' herself! We wanted to know about her journey in the MMA, being the first woman to win The Ultimate Fighter - Season 18, joining the UFC, being a coach on Season 30 of The Ultimate Fighter, and how she trains to be Octagon ready!

ATHLEISURE MAG: What led you to MMA and when did you fall in love with the sport?

JULIANNA PEÑA: When I was 19 years old, my sister asked me to join a women’s cardio kickboxing class with her and I needed to lose some weight, so I joined the class. It came naturally to me and I wanted to explore it more. I immediately fell in love with it. And when I eventually started winning fights, the joy combined with the rush of winning solidified my obsession for MMA.

AM: You’re known as the Venezuelan Vixen. How did you get that name?

JP: I have to credit that to my coach that gave me that name early on in my career.

AM: What did you learn about competing on The Ultimate Fighter and becoming the first woman to win in Season 18?

JP: I learned that I still had so much more to learn, and that I still do. Not only is every fighter different, every FIGHT is different. Because as I’m learning and growing, so are my competitors. It taught me to never feel as though I know everything. There is always more to learn, more room to grow, more fights to win, and more fighters to challenge ahead. Always a student of the game.

AM: Last season, you and Amanda Nunes were coaches for The Ultimate Fighter. How did it feel to be there as a coach versus competing and what does it mean to you to work with those who are coming up and to give them the tools that they need to operate at their best?

JP: It was really interesting to be a 135lb woman giving advice to male MMA fighters twice my size! It was a little strange at first because I wasn’t sure how they would take my advice when we’re in very different divisions with different disciplines. But it soon became second nature. It was exciting to see them grow but it was also difficult getting to know them, their strengths/weaknesses, and then having to see them get eliminated. It was also very interesting to coach against Amanda because I was able to get a better understanding of her approach and methods, whereas before, I had only known what it was like to be fighting against her in the cage.

AM: We always like talking about workouts that athletes do that optimize their work in the sport, what are 3 workouts that you do?

JP: I love to run. All my workouts are what I do for and in camp. But running and strength/conditioning/lifting weights are others that I do. I love to swim and do yoga if I get the time.

AM: What is a typical training session/day like for you and how is it different when you are preparing for a fight?

JP: I train 2-3 times a day except on Sundays when I’m not in camp. I train MMA a few times a week but not nearly at the pace I do while I’m at camp.

AM: When it comes to training, how important is the mental aspect of it to you and how do you strengthen that area?

JP: The mental aspect of MMA training is just as important as the physical aspect of the sport. Especially as a mother, it’s very important for me to prioritize that work/life balance. I'm constantly reminding myself to remain focused and avoid unnecessary distractions while I’m training, so that I can, not only be the best fighter, but also be the best mother I can be to my daughter.

AM: In looking at your IG, we loved seeing your daughter Isa standing with you when you were doing promos for your fight last year or even when you’re training in the gym. It reminded me of being able to watch my mom work when she owned her own couture boutique. I think it’s powerful for kids to be able to see what their parents do. How is it to balance your duties as a mom, training, being a champion fighter and also building other areas of your brand/portfolio?

JP: Thank you! That’s so incredible that you have such fond memories of your mother and that you had a role model that also struck a great balance between work and parenthood. At the end of the day, my daughter comes first. She is the greatest joy in my life. And my duty to her to be a good mother is my ultimate responsibility. She will always come first. And the rest seems to fall into place as long as I continue to stay focused and motivated. Isa will forever be my biggest win in life.

AM: If we want to eat like an MMA fighter, what are the foods you eat that assist you in being an amazing champion and what are items you enjoy splurging on?

JP: My splurge is PINKBERRY or frozen yogurt of any kind. I train so much I can virtually eat what I want but I use Eat Clean Chicago to help prep me for the week and it ranges from spaghetti to baked chicken or salmon depending on the day.

AM: You have an amazing record 12-4-0. You are fighting Amanda Nunes in Dallas for a title rematch main event for UFC 277 on July 30th. When you fought her last year, you won the Bantamweight Title. Heading into Saturday’s fight, what are the days leading up to game time like when you touch down in Dallas?

JP: I’m actually already in Dallas! I got in earlier this week. Fight week is always a bit crazy – there are media interviews, press conferences, weigh-ins, and more.

And all of that is still in addition to an even more intense training schedule. Put it this way, I can’t wait to enjoy a bit of free time and sleep next week!

AM: After a fight, what do you do as you come down from all the energy and focus that you needed in the Octagon?

JP: Other than enjoying my victory?? I enjoy time with my daughter!!! That’s the easiest way to come down from that adrenaline rush that comes with months of training. Just fun and relaxation with Isa and my family.

AM: In addition to fighting, you are also a commentator for MMA fights as well. Why is this something that you wanted to add into your portfolio and what do you like about doing this?

JP: I love to talk and I love MMA. I always want MMA to be a part of my life!

AM: Earlier this summer, you threw the 1st pitch at the White Sox/Dodgers game in Chicago! How exciting was that experience for you?

JP: That was beyond exciting! The Chicago White Sox were so welcoming and truly made it an experience I will never forget. And it’s always fun to meet the players and coaches because it makes watching the game so much more fun. If they ever want me back, I’m a phone call away!

AM: When you’re not training or prepping for a fight, how do you take time for yourself?

JP: I spend my free time with my daughter. I’m so busy all the time between training and my other endeavors so any free time I have, I spend it with her. I haven’t sat on my couch in three months. I’m looking forward to putting my feet up.

AM: With all the successes that you have had, being a champion in the UFC and being able to do what you love – what do you want your legacy to be in the sport?

JP: I would love to be remembered for my ability to bring home victories even when the odds are stacked against me; being able to have opened the doors and break barriers for other working mothers. If you believe in yourself and are determined enough, there’s no reason that you can’t have it all. I dream of being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame one day.

IG @venezuelanvixen

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Pillar Marketing Corporation

Read the JUL ISSUE #79 of Athleisure Mag and see REMAINING FOCUSED | Julianna Peña “Venezuelan Vixen” in mag.

KING OF THE RING WITH RYAN GARCIA

This month's cover is WBC Interim Lightweight, Ryan Garcia who has held the WBC interim lightweight title. WIth a record of 21-0 and 18 KOs, he is known as having one of the fastest hands in the sport. In addition to making waves in the sport, he shares how he has navigated boxing from training, meeting fans, being signed to Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, his appearance on Celebrity Family Feud and taking them with him to his fights via his social media. His passion and love for the sport also allows him to diversify his brand between his sponsorships with Gatorade, 1800 Cristalino and Gymshark to name a few. We talk about how he got into the sport, his career and being the Co-Owner and Chief MARLOWE. officer.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you start boxing and fall in love with the sport?

RYAN GARCIA: I started boxing at seven years old. I fell in love with it because I was shy as a kid. Boxing gave me confidence inside and outside of the ring.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to go pro?

RG: I got to the point my life where I had to decide either go for it all or give up on my dreams and I decided to pursue my dreams. It was right around when I turn 17.

AM: You fight in the interim lightweight class, are 21-0 with 18 being by knock out, you’ve held the WBC interim lightweight championship title and are signed with Golden Boy Promotions. What are you looking forward to for upcoming fights?

RG: I’m looking forward to the big fights against top competitors. I’m looking forward to showcasing that I am the best fighter in the world of my division.

AM: You’re trained by Eddy Reynoso. What is a typical day like for you in terms of training and staying ready for your next match – can you walk us through what training with him is like and what you do?

RG: We stay in shape by going on morning runs, eating healthy, sparring, strength and conditioning, and reviewing fight tapes.

AM: Is there a difference between your working out/training when there isn’t a fight coming up versus when you’re in preparation for an upcoming one?

RG: Big-time when I’m not training for fight my workouts are much lighter and I like to do things that are fun for me like playing video games or playing poker. When I’m getting ready for a fight it’s completely different. It’s like a switch is turned on and I’m completely focused and locked in. I don’t know anything else that’s going on it’s just tunnel vision and I’m super hyper focused on that fight.

AM: For those who want to workout like a boxer, what workouts do you do that we should incorporate into our daily/weekly routines?

RG: I think that the cardio element in boxing is super important for people; things like hitting the Mitts or hitting the Fierce reflex bag would be great for non-boxers to do to get in shape because it will really tone up your arms and help your cardio.

AM: Nutrition is essential to optimize what you do in the ring. What do you eat when you’re in training mode and what foods do you like to splurge on to treat yourself?

RG: In the past I did not optimize my nutrition but now I really understand the importance of eating right. I work with my chef to make sure that I’m eating the right foods especially during training things; like lean proteins fish chicken etc., rice, and vegetables are typically staples. Ultimately it’s about finding what works for your body and sometimes that means not eating. I found that when I skip breakfast in the mornings I tend to work out better.

I would say my one guilty pleasure is McDonald’s. Two cheeseburgers with a large fries and a large soda.

AM: After a fight, what do you to unwind?

RG: I’ll have a couple shots to celebrate with 1800 Cristalino tequila and then right after look to take my family on a nice little vacation where we can all relax and unwind.

AM: Who are 3 people that have been mentors to you in the sport?

RG: Manny Pacquiao and Canelo have been mentors that I look up to within the sport. There are also boxers who I like to watch like Roy Jones Junior, Floyd Mayweather, Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson.

AM: You have a large and engaged digital footprint, how important is using social media in terms of reaching out to your fans and letting people know about you inside and outside of the ring?

RG: I think it’s very important. Social media allows me to connect more intimately with my fans. Because of Covid, I haven’t been able to see a lot of my fans in person or do meet and greets so this really helps us to keep connected and engaged with one another. I love my fans. I want to stay connected with them and keep them updated and this is the best way to do it.

AM: You are the co-owner of MARLOWE. Can you tell us about the brand and what your role of Chief MARLOWE. Officer entails?

RG: MARLOWE. provides men with high quality, easy-to-use, perfectly formulated skin care and grooming products without all the fuss and high price tags. We believe that life is complicated enough, looking good and feeling amazing shouldn’t have to be. As the Chief MARLOWE. Officer, I am excited to be the face of the brand and to help spearhead the digital marketing content strategy along with my content partners Liquid Light. I have been very involved in the entire process from the second I came onto the brand. Everything you see on the packaging for my signature SKU's is all me -- from the exact gold color we used, the thickness of the carton and the overall design. I have so many creative ideas - this partnership was beyond a great fit.

AM: How important is your skincare routine to you?

RG: I have always had an up and down relationship with my skin. During training, I get right into it at the gym with hours of sweating - it can take a toll on my skin causing some breakouts. Also, during training I am constantly taking multiple showers a day, burning through so much product.

When I first discovered MARLOWE., I was so impressed by the effectiveness of each product and the affordability. I wanted to make sure the product was affordable to my fans and following so they could enjoy the products just as much as I do.

AM: Why did you want to be involved with this brand and what can we expect to see from you and the brand as we go into the holiday season and into 2022?

RG: The quality of MARLOWE. products is what attracted me to the brand right away. The No. 102 Body Scrub Soap Bar was by far the greatest soap I’ve ever used and it's a true experience. I found that to be true with almost all of their products. The No. 102 bar is the only soap tough enough to get me clean after a hard training session! I liked them so much I knew I had to be a part of the brand in a bigger way as co-owner & now Chief MARLOWE. Officer. We have a lot in store coming down the pipeline - stay tuned for some greatness. As for Holiday, we have some cool virtual bundles launching on marloweskin.com in December including all my faves in one exclusive bundle! This is perfect for those who want to give a gift with 1 click - perfect for any guy on your list.

AM: What are your 3 go-to products that you enjoy using from MARLOWE. that we should think about using?

RG: By far, my favorite product is the No. 102 Body Scrub Bar. It is a true experience and has become my solution for getting clean after training and working out super hard. I also love using the No. 171 Classic Pomade for my hair and the No. 002 Extra Moisturizing Body Lotion for my dry skin. I am taking so many showers after working out multiple times a day while I train and it can take a toll on my skin. The 002 lotion gives me the replenished hydration I need.

AM: From a fashion perspective, how would you define your personal style?

RG: I like to stay classy and gentlemen like it’s important to add a little nuance to your style and some uniqueness that’s you. So I like to stay classy but for me add a little edge, maybe wear an oversized T-shirt, or add a little bit of jewelry that really pops.

AM: When you’re not in the ring or working on other projects, how do you take time for yourself?

RG: I’ll take the time to study other things that interest me, things that I’m passionate about, because ultimately that’s what keeps the fire going. Whether it’s a business passion like MARLOWE., or learning about Poker strategy, or playing tennis.

IG @KingRyan

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | MARLOWE.

Read the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see King of the Ring with Ryan Garcia in mag.