This week I got to volunteer at Tee Off Against Trafficking, supporting Stand Up Placer at a charity golf event put on by the Roseville Rotary. My job for the day? Driving around a golf cart delivering pizzas to the golfers. Not exactly the kind of fighting I’m used to, but it was a great day, a great turnout, and we finished it off with a really nice banquet.

I also had my interview this week before starting crisis intervention training in September, and it went really well. That’s something I’m genuinely excited about. I’ve always been huge on anti-bullying, especially with kids, but the older I get, the more I realize that same mentality applies everywhere. There are a lot of people going through things behind closed doors who don’t necessarily know how to ask for help, or don’t have somebody willing to stand beside them.

I’ve spent most of my life learning how to fight. These days, I’m realizing there are a lot of different ways to use that. Sometimes fighting for someone has nothing to do with throwing a punch. It can mean showing up, listening, speaking up, or being there when somebody feels like they’re on their own. If somebody needs someone in their corner, that’s a fight I’m willing to take. 👊🏽

No Bittersweet Feeling

UFC Sacramento is this weekend, and I honestly thought I might feel some type of way about it. Bittersweet. Weird. Maybe a little FOMO now that I’m no longer with the company.

But I don’t.

Instead, I’m just excited. We got approved for a pair of tickets, and because apparently I don’t know when to stop pushing my luck, I replied asking if there was any chance we could get two more so the boys could come. Somehow they said yes. Four tickets. I’m genuinely thankful for that, especially considering I’m no longer on the roster. 😂

And it’s a hell of a card to get to watch as a fan. Fluffy is headlining Sacramento against Gregory Rodrigues. He spent this camp in Vegas training with Sean Strickland and the Xtreme Couture crew, and everything coming out of camp has been about how much he’s grown and changed things up. I saw him at MMA Gold yesterday moving around with the coaches, and the dude looked lean, mean and fast as fuck. Cardio looked ridiculous too.

I’ve also got some good friends competing. Mason Jones is back in there, and Jamall Emmers has a big one too. I’ll be rooting hard for both of them.

I guess that’s the biggest thing I’ve noticed about this weekend. I don’t feel bitter looking at the UFC from the outside. I feel grateful that I got to be part of it for as long as I did, grateful I can bring my boys, and genuinely excited to watch my friends go do their thing in my city.

Sometimes a chapter closing doesn’t have to make you resent the book.

Good luck to all the Sacramento fighters this weekend. Go put on a show. 👊🏽

Life… For Gummies? 🍬

I saw this story out of Texas and legitimately thought it had to be bullshit. Texas recently made several hemp-derived THC products Schedule I controlled substances, including delta-8, delta-10 and THCP, with THCA flower caught up in the restrictions too. These are products people have been openly buying for years. Meanwhile, certain low-dose delta-9 THC products are still legal.

Here’s where it gets crazy. Depending on the total weight of the product, the consequences can escalate fast. The law counts aggregate weight, including other ingredients, so we’re not necessarily talking about the weight of the THC itself. At the highest level, 400 grams or more can carry 10 to 99 YEARS… or LIFE. Over gummies. 🤯

I’m not here to tell anybody they should or shouldn’t use THC. Regulate it. Test it. Keep it away from kids. Absolutely. But imagine something being openly sold at stores for years and then the laws change, and now possessing enough of that same type of product can potentially expose somebody to decades behind bars. At what point does the punishment stop fitting the crime? Because life over a pile of gummies sounds fucking insane to me.

Before You Go…

Tonight I’m joining NBA Champion Matt Barnes and professional boxer Brandon “Flawless” Gonzales for a youth panel here in Sacramento.

We’ll be talking about the stuff that matters way beyond sports: perseverance, resilience, discipline, leadership, setting goals, and what it actually takes to keep going when life doesn’t go according to plan.

This one means a lot to me. I’ve had plenty of people help guide me along the way, and any chance I get to be that person for the next generation, I’m showing up.

Friday, August 21 • 6 PM
Flawless Boxing & Fitness
600 Broadway, Sacramento
FREE • Ages 12–24 + families • Food provided

If you’ve got a young person in your life who could benefit from being in the room, bring them out. I’d love to see you there. ❤️

That’s a wrap for this week.

Life has a way of closing doors and opening your eyes at the same time.

I’m grateful for the battles, the lessons, the people, and the platform. But I’m even more excited for what’s next.

This letter is where I’ll keep sharing the real journey. The fights, the healing, the purpose, the family, the wins, the losses, and the growth in between.

Appreciate you being here.

Max “Pain” Griffin

I heard a quote this week, often attributed to John Wesley, and it hit me immediately: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” Sometimes helping does not need to be complicated. It just requires us to stop watching and step in.

Ty has wrestled for the past two seasons, and I had never helped on the mat. I did not feel qualified, so I stayed on the sidelines. But after hearing that quote that morning, I felt compelled to help at practice that night. I worked with the kids, kept them focused, helped them through positions, and encouraged them. They got a lot out of it, and so did I.

It reminded me that you do not need a title or perfect expertise to make a difference. Sometimes doing good simply means using what you already know, wherever you happen to be. Now, if I am there and I can help, I am helping. Where could you step in and do a little more this week?

Pretty Divine, If You Ask Me

A few weeks earlier, I had told God I wanted to start golfing. I didn’t know how, when, or who I would play with. I just felt pulled toward it. Then I reached out to my friend Adrian Blanco because I needed to pick something up from him. He told me he was out of town, sent me a picture from a golf course, and asked if I wanted to come to the Bobby Jackson Classic, where he had sponsored a hole. I said hell yeah.

Anastasia and I showed up with no clubs, no cart, and no real plan. After meeting Bobby and Greg Elmasian, everyone took off and we were basically stranded. I spotted an extra golf cart, asked Greg about it, and he told us to grab it. With no map and no clue where we were going, we somehow ended up on a hole with my friend Sara, her husband, her dad, and two friends.

Sara invited us to join their group, and one of the women happened to be a golf professional and coach at Timber Creek Del Webb. She coached me through almost the entire round, and by that Friday, I was officially training with her. Then I realized I needed clubs. I posted online, and within 30 seconds Ryan Schiller reached out and offered me a Callaway Patron bag, Callaway clubs, and a TaylorMade driver.

Since then, I’ve been at the range almost every day, sometimes twice a day. I love how mental golf is and how completely different it is from fighting. It challenges me in a whole new way, and I’m officially obsessed. Sometimes God doesn’t give you the entire plan. He gives you one invitation, one open door, and waits to see whether you’ll walk through it. I showed up with no clubs, no cart, and no idea what I was doing. I left with a foursome, a coach, a full set of clubs, and a new obsession. Pretty divine, if you ask me.

Stay Salty This Summer

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That’s a wrap for this week.

Life has a way of closing doors and opening your eyes at the same time.

I’m grateful for the battles, the lessons, the people, and the platform. But I’m even more excited for what’s next.

This letter is where I’ll keep sharing the real journey. The fights, the healing, the purpose, the family, the wins, the losses, and the growth in between.

Appreciate you being here.

Max “Pain” Griffin

Six people are killed in Sacramento. Two people are stabbed to death in Davis. Law enforcement spends years investigating. Prosecutors spend millions of taxpayer dollars building their cases. Families wait years for their day in court. After months of testimony, one case ends in a mistrial, and the other ends without a murder conviction.

If you’re an average citizen looking in, it’s hard not to wonder what standard has to be met anymore.

This isn’t only about these two cases. They’re just the latest examples. It feels like we keep seeing violent crimes drag through the courts for years, only to end with outcomes that leave the public scratching its head. Is it prosecutors failing to prove their case? Is California law making convictions harder to get? Are defense attorneys simply doing a better job? Or are juries getting these cases wrong?

I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I do think it’s a conversation worth having. When people see years of investigations and trials end with results like these, confidence in the justice system starts to erode. Whether that’s because of the law, the prosecution, the defense, or the jury, something isn’t connecting with the public.

A justice system should protect the innocent, punish the guilty, and leave the public believing justice was served. When it repeatedly fails to do all three, we shouldn’t ignore it. We should fix it.

Men… You’re Not Alone. 🥲

Can we have an honest conversation, fellas? 😂

Marriage is funny. One minute you’re convinced you’ve still got game, and the next you’re standing in the kitchen wondering if asking, “You wanna watch a movie?” somehow became your version of flirting. Somewhere along the way, you stop assuming tonight’s the night and start thinking, “Eh... we’ll see.” Expectations get a little more... realistic.

I’ve talked to enough married guys to know this isn’t just me. It’s almost funny how universal it is. You start out thinking there’s some secret formula. Do more around the house. Plan date nights. Buy flowers. Give compliments. Be patient. Be spontaneous. Read the room. Don’t read the room. Then eventually you realize... sometimes it just isn’t your night. Or your week. 🤷🏽‍♂️

This isn’t me calling anyone out. Life is busy, stress is real, and I’m sure my wife could write a newsletter about all the dumb things I do... and she’d probably have enough material for a sequel. 😅

I’m just letting the husbands out there know that if you’ve ever laid there thinking, “Welp... maybe next Tuesday,” you’re definitely not the only one. Stay strong, kings. 🤝

The Calm Before The Storm 😌

I’ve finally figured out why so many older men wake up early.

I used to think it was about discipline or getting a head start on the day. Now I think it’s something much simpler. Peace and quiet.

The second everyone else wakes up, life begins. The kids are running around. The baby’s crying. Your wife needs you. Your phone starts buzzing. Work is calling. From that moment on, you’re giving your attention to everyone else.

Lately, I’ve been waking up early just to take a walk by myself. No destination. No agenda. Just me and the silence before the storm. And honestly... it’s been magical.

I’ve noticed that when I’m training hard, I don’t crave that alone time as much because the gym gives me an hour where it’s just me, my thoughts, and the work. But when I can’t train, I need that quiet time even more. It’s like plugging my brain into a charger before spending the rest of the day giving my energy to everyone else.

Maybe that’s what I’ve been missing all these years. It’s not about escaping your family. It’s about recharging so you can show up as a better husband, father, and man when they need you most.

Before You Go…

This Saturday I’ll be volunteering at a local backpack giveaway for families getting ready for the school year.

If you’re in the Sacramento area, I’d love to meet you. If you’re not, here’s my challenge: find one way to support a family or organization in your own community this month. Small acts make a bigger difference than we realize.

Hope to see some of you there.

That’s a wrap for this week.

Life has a way of closing doors and opening your eyes at the same time.

I’m grateful for the battles, the lessons, the people, and the platform. But I’m even more excited for what’s next.

This letter is where I’ll keep sharing the real journey. The fights, the healing, the purpose, the family, the wins, the losses, and the growth in between.

Appreciate you being here.

Max “Pain” Griffin

I’ve spent years getting punched, kicked, elbowed, and choked for a living… and now I’m supposed to be worried about lettuce. Welcome to 2026. A multistate Cyclospora outbreak has people getting absolutely wrecked with diarrhea, and while investigators haven’t confirmed the exact source yet, fresh produce is the leading suspect. Some Taco Bell locations have even pulled ingredients like lettuce, pico, guac, and cilantro as a precaution.

The crazy part is this parasite usually ends up on produce through contaminated irrigation or wash water. Symptoms can take one to two weeks to show up, which makes it incredibly difficult to trace back to the meal that caused it. That’s why these investigations can take a while, even when hundreds of people get sick.

I’m not giving up on eating healthy, but I am taking a break from bagged salads and raw leafy greens until they figure this one out. For now, it’s steak, salmon, eggs, fruit I can peel, and cooked veggies. I’d rather get punched in the face than get TKO’d by a Caesar salad.

Keyboard Warriors 💻

Here we go again…

One thing I’ve noticed lately is that if someone doesn’t agree with you online, the first thing they do is try to insult you. This week alone I’ve had people telling me I have CTE because I shared an opinion they didn’t like. Not because they had facts. Not because they wanted a conversation. Just, “You got hit in the head too many times.” That’s where we’re at?

It got me thinking. Has social media created an army of keyboard warriors? People who say things behind a screen that they’d never say face to face because there are no real consequences. I’m 40. I grew up before social media. If you had an issue with someone, you handled it in person. You watched your mouth because disrespect had consequences, whether that meant losing a friend, getting embarrassed, or yes, sometimes getting punched. Today people fire off insults from thousands of miles away and call it courage.

Maybe that’s just the world now, and maybe I need to accept it. But I can’t help wondering what happened to basic respect. We don’t have to agree on politics, sports, religion, or anything else. Disagree all you want. Just act like there’s another human being on the other side of the screen. The internet gave everyone a voice. Somewhere along the way, too many people forgot it should also come with accountability.

Mystic Mac Is Back ☘️

It’s International Fight Week, and whether you love him or hate him, Conor McGregor knows how to own the spotlight. The last time we saw him in the Octagon was against Dustin Poirier, where he suffered the broken leg and still managed to create one of the most unforgettable post-fight moments with, “Your wife is in me DMs.” Love the guy or can’t stand him, nobody sells a fight quite like Conor.

That night was a memorable one for me too. I had the honor of sharing the card and picked up a win over the legendary Carlos Condit. Crazy how one event can hold so many memories for so many different fighters.

Now the question is… which version of Conor are we getting? The trash talking villain? The calculated “Mystic Mac” who predicts the future? Or the man who’s been openly talking about finding God and changing his life? However he shows up, the UFC is simply more exciting when he’s around. The card is stacked, the energy is different, and I’ll definitely be watching. Will you?

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That’s a wrap for this week.

Life has a way of closing doors and opening your eyes at the same time.

I’m grateful for the battles, the lessons, the people, and the platform. But I’m even more excited for what’s next.

This letter is where I’ll keep sharing the real journey. The fights, the healing, the purpose, the family, the wins, the losses, and the growth in between.

Appreciate you being here.

Max “Pain” Griffin

I just got back from my fourth trip to CPI Stem Cells, and every time I go, I’m reminded why I believe in what they’re doing.

It’s not because someone handed me a research paper. It’s because I meet people. Every. Single. Time.

People who were in wheelchairs and are now walking. People living with less pain. People getting back to hobbies they thought they’d never do again. Their stories are hard to ignore.

Then I come home, read the comments, and see people saying, “Stem cells don’t fix discs,” or “That stuff doesn’t work.”

My question is…why are some people so quick to dismiss something they’ve never experienced?

I’m not saying stem cells work for everything or for everyone. But I know what I’ve experienced.

Before getting the P-Shot, my coach talked to doctors and surgeons who told him it wouldn’t help me. They were confident it wouldn’t make a difference. I got it anyway.

Let’s just say…I need bigger “youknowwhats” now. 😂🍆

Jokes aside, that’s my point. You can’t tell someone their experience didn’t happen. Between my own results and the dozens of patients I meet every time I visit CPI, I’ve seen too much to simply write it off.

Healthy skepticism is important. But so is being willing to say, “Maybe there’s something here worth paying attention to.”

National Pride 🇲🇽

One thing I couldn’t stop thinking about after my trip to Tijuana had nothing to do with stem cells.

The World Cup was on, and the entire city seemed to stop. Everywhere I looked, people were wearing Mexico jerseys. Restaurants were packed. Every goal sent the whole place into a frenzy. Cars drove by waving flags and honking their horns. Complete strangers hugged each other. People were literally throwing their buddies into the air after goals. The pride was contagious. 😂

A few days later I was back home at Dave & Buster’s, and Mexico was playing again. The place was packed. I was talking to the hostess when Mexico scored, and the crowd got so loud we literally had to stop our conversation until everyone settled down. It instantly took me back to Tijuana.

It made me realize how rare that kind of unity feels. An entire country, regardless of background, all pulling in the same direction for one thing.

Then it made me think…why do we celebrate so differently in America? Too often, our biggest celebrations end with people destroying property, flipping cars, or looting businesses. Why is that? Why can’t we celebrate with the same pride and joy without tearing things apart?

I don’t have the answer. I just know I witnessed something special. The passion was real, the food was phenomenal, and the sense of community was something I wish we experienced more often.

X Games Took Me Back

The X Games rolled into Sacramento this weekend, and man…it took me right back to being a kid.

I had to dress the part too. Baggy pants, white tee, Vans. I fit right in. 😂

The first thing I saw was a hacky sack circle. I hadn’t thought about hacky sack in years. Before I knew it, I wasn’t just filming anymore. I jumped in and got lost in the circle for a minute. It was like being transported back to the mid 1990s.

After that we watched street BMX, and the grand finale was Best Trick. These guys were launching off massive ramps throwing double backflips and tricks I can’t even describe. Absolutely insane. The talent and fearlessness was unreal.

A buddy pulled us into the VIP area, so we got to hang with friends, grab some food, enjoy the AC, and take it all in. It was the perfect way to end the night.

Sometimes it’s good to feel like a kid again. To get outside, support live events, and remember what made you smile before life got so serious.

Shout out to the X Games for bringing that feeling back to Sacramento. 🤙🏽

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That’s a wrap for this week.

Life has a way of closing doors and opening your eyes at the same time.

I’m grateful for the battles, the lessons, the people, and the platform. But I’m even more excited for what’s next.

This letter is where I’ll keep sharing the real journey. The fights, the healing, the purpose, the family, the wins, the losses, and the growth in between.

Appreciate you being here.

Max “Pain” Griffin

Since I’m no longer with the UFC, I realized how much of my everyday life was still tied to that chapter. Socks, underwear, shorts, shirts, sweaters, literally almost everything I wore had UFC on it.

I didn’t really notice until I took it all out of my closet and packed it into a tote. And honestly, it felt good. I’ll always appreciate that chapter, but I don’t need to see it every time I get dressed.

A friend of mine, Sean, compared it to a snake shedding its skin. Not because the old skin was bad, but because growth requires it. His grandmother also used to say you have to get rid of old things to make room for new blessings.

That’s exactly where I’m at right now. I’m not throwing away the past. I’m just making room for what’s next. New beginnings, new energy, and maybe even some new comfortable clothes of my own coming soon.

Stay tuned.

Psilocybin and the Mind

I recently heard a story on Joe Rogan that really caught my attention. It was about a woman in her 80s with advanced Alzheimer’s who was reportedly only speaking in single syllables, couldn’t dress herself, struggled with walking, and was dealing with incontinence.

In a published case report, she was given a high dose of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Afterward, researchers reported major temporary improvements: she began speaking again, recalling memories, recognizing family, dressing herself, walking more independently, and using the restroom on her own.

Now, this is important: this was one case report, not proof that psilocybin cures Alzheimer’s. The improvements were described as temporary, and more research is needed. But still, it’s hard not to look at that and think, “There is something here worth studying.”

We take so much for granted: being able to speak, move, remember, dress ourselves, and handle basic daily things. Stories like this remind me how powerful the brain is, how much we still don’t understand, and why I’m so interested in natural compounds, mushrooms, and the future of healing.

Finding the Right Rooms

This week, Anastasia and I attended Montcalm’s Summer Solstice gathering in San Francisco after our friend, artist Layla Love, invited us. Her Reef Revival collection set the tone for a night centered on art, ocean restoration, and raising money for initiatives that help protect and restore coral reefs.

The art was incredible, the conversations were inspiring, and the night ended with live music and an immersive light show unlike anything I’ve experienced. It reminded me how powerful creativity can be when it’s connected to a purpose bigger than ourselves.

I’ve realized more and more that the rooms you choose to spend time in matter. Being around people who are thinking about the future, solving meaningful problems, and investing in positive change expands your perspective. It challenges you to think bigger about the impact you can have.

As I step into this next chapter of my life, that’s the energy I want to be around. Less chasing. More alignment. More purpose. More conversations with people building something that makes the world a little better.

Mushroom Spotlight 🍄

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’ve become fascinated by the potential of mushrooms. Whether it’s functional mushrooms for focus and wellness or the growing research around psilocybin, I believe we’re only scratching the surface of what these natural compounds may be capable of.

That’s why I partnered with Djedi Mind Trips. What stood out to me wasn’t just the products. It was their commitment to quality, transparency, ethically sourced ingredients, and sustainable practices. No fillers. No shortcuts. Just premium formulations from a company that’s trying to raise the standard in the mushroom space.

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As always, do your own research, stay curious, and keep an open mind.

That’s a wrap for this week.

Life has a way of closing doors and opening your eyes at the same time.

I’m grateful for the battles, the lessons, the people, and the platform. But I’m even more excited for what’s next.

This letter is where I’ll keep sharing the real journey. The fights, the healing, the purpose, the family, the wins, the losses, and the growth in between.

Appreciate you being here.

Max “Pain” Griffin

This week I had the opportunity to tour Stand Up Placer (SUP), an organization serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking right here in our community.

My buddy Damon drove me out to one of their facilities, and Gary walked me through the safe house and control room. It was eye-opening, humbling, and honestly difficult to fully process.

The reality is that roughly 1 in 4 women experience severe physical violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime. Behind every statistic is a real person, a real family, and a story most of us never hear.

SUP provides 24/7 crisis support, emergency housing, therapy, legal advocacy, housing assistance, and resources for survivors rebuilding their lives.

I’m planning to complete their 72-hour Crisis Intervention Training and potentially speak with local high school students in the future. This work isn’t easy. It takes compassion, resilience, and a willingness to show up for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

As I continue this next chapter of my life, I’m looking for ways to serve. This feels like one of them. If you’d like to learn more or support their mission, please take a look at Stand Up Placer. Sometimes making a difference starts with simply being willing to help.

Who Are You Without the Title?

I’ve been reading Andy Stumpf’s Drown Proof, and one theme from the early chapters really hit home.

For years, Andy was a Navy SEAL. Not just by profession, but in how he viewed himself and how the world viewed him. Then one day that chapter ended. He talks about realizing that being a SEAL was something he did, not who he was.

What resonated with me even more was his emphasis on accountability. When a chapter closes, it’s easy to blame circumstances, other people, or the system. The harder path is taking ownership of what comes next.

As I’ve navigated life after the UFC, I’ve found myself reflecting on the same idea. Fighting has been a huge part of my life, but it’s something I’ve done, not the totality of who I am. The responsibility now isn’t to look backward. It’s to take ownership of the next chapter and continue finding ways to grow, serve, and make an impact.

That’s a lesson worth carrying into every stage of life.

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s something I think deserves a lot more attention.

For a long time, many of us were taught that asking for help was weakness. That we’re supposed to figure it out on our own, keep it to ourselves, and carry the weight in silence. The older I get, the more I’ve realized the opposite is true.

I’ve worked with a mental performance coach for nearly 10 years, and honestly, I probably could have used one long before that. Our thoughts, emotions, fears, and insecurities can be difficult to navigate. Life gets heavy sometimes. Relationships get complicated. Expectations pile up. None of us are immune to it.

What I’ve learned is that vulnerability isn’t weakness. It takes strength to be unguarded. It takes humility to admit when you’re struggling, own your mistakes, ask questions, and seek guidance. Anyone can pretend they have it all figured out. Very few people have the courage to be honest.

I definitely don’t have all the answers. But I’ve learned where to look, who to learn from, and when to lean on others. If we want to be better for our families, our children, and our communities, we have to be willing to have these conversations and remove the stigma around getting help.

If you’re struggling, reach out. Send a text. Make a call. Shoot me a DM. Write an email.

We can get through anything.

Together.

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That’s a wrap for this week.

Life has a way of closing doors and opening your eyes at the same time.

I’m grateful for the battles, the lessons, the people, and the platform. But I’m even more excited for what’s next.

This letter is where I’ll keep sharing the real journey. The fights, the healing, the purpose, the family, the wins, the losses, and the growth in between.

Appreciate you being here.

Max “Pain” Griffin

This past Thursday, I was released by the UFC. Ten strong years. Ten years traveling the globe, fighting some of the best in the world, and living a life I dreamed about. I’ve fought former world champions in packed arenas, flown across the world to fight killers in their own backyard, and shared moments with my team that I’ll never forget. The people, the food, the destinations, the battles, the stories. What a life I’ve been blessed to live.

Now I’m officially a free agent, and honestly, the land of opportunity is right in front of me. There are so many avenues now: big fights, Netflix, celebrity boxing, bare knuckle, dirty boxing, bare knuckle MMA, Karate Combat, and whatever else makes sense. The game has changed, and there are more ways than ever to compete, entertain, and make big things happen. First step is simple: heal up, get my body right, and get back out there.

The timing of it all was interesting too. The same day I got released, I spoke to a 3rd grade class and then to young men at Juvenile Hall. That’s ultimately what I want to do more of: impact people, speak life into the youth, and use my story for something bigger than myself. So maybe the timing was divine. One chapter closed, but purpose didn’t go anywhere. I appreciate everyone who reached out, checked on me, prayed for me, or sent love. I’m good. I’m grateful. And I’m just getting started.

That’s a wrap for this week.

Life has a way of closing doors and opening your eyes at the same time.

I’m grateful for the battles, the lessons, the people, and the platform. But I’m even more excited for what’s next.

This letter is where I’ll keep sharing the real journey. The fights, the healing, the purpose, the family, the wins, the losses, and the growth in between.

Appreciate you being here.

Max “Pain” Griffin

Who are we? Is it what we do, what we think, what we own, or how we behave? Is it our job, our hobbies, our goals, or the title people know us by? If you do plumbing, does that make you a plumber? If you fight, does that make you only a fighter? I’ve been sitting with this lately, because it’s easy to confuse identity with activity.

Maybe who we are is less about the label and more about the pattern. How do you show up when nobody is clapping? Are you dependable? Courageous? Helpful? Humble? Do people feel better after being around you, or drained? Your character is not what you say you believe. It’s what keeps showing up in your choices.

So maybe the real question is not “What do I do?” Maybe it’s “What do I leave behind?” A little more peace. A little more strength. A little more value. A little more good. None of us are perfect, but we are all building a reputation every day through the way we move. That’s worth paying attention to.

The Enhanced Games Are Here

The Enhanced Games are finally happening today, Sunday, May 24, live from Resorts World Las Vegas. The event airs on YouTube at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET, with opening events starting earlier at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET. You can also watch on Roku, Rumble, Twitch, and Kick.

The whole idea is wild: track, swimming, and weightlifting with enhanced and non-enhanced athletes competing in the same event. Basically, it’s asking the question most sports don’t want to touch: what happens when performance enhancement is brought out into the open instead of hidden behind failed tests, rumors, and suspensions? Some people see it as dangerous. Some see it as more honest. Either way, it’s definitely going to get people talking.

For me, I’m watching with curiosity. Not because I think this replaces the Olympics or real sanctioned sport, but because it raises a bigger question: what are we actually watching sports for? Fairness? Entertainment? Human limits? Records? The Enhanced Games might be the future, it might be a science experiment, or it might just be a crazy one-night spectacle. But when something this controversial airs for free on YouTube today, I’m at least checking it out.

What Are We Looking At?

Between the bald man on TV that people thought was wearing a mask, the new UAP videos, the orb footage, the star-looking objects, and even those alleged “alien bodies,” it feels like we keep getting little pieces of something weird without the full truth. The mask situation was reportedly just lighting and shadows from a remote camera setup, but the fact that everyone’s mind went there says a lot.

The government has also released more UFO and UAP-related files, including videos, documents, and witness accounts. Some of it describes strange objects, orbs, discs, fireballs, and sightings near military facilities. But even with more footage coming out, there still is not definitive proof that we are looking at alien technology or extraterrestrial life.

That is the weird space we’re in now. AI, deepfakes, drones, satellites, military tech, bad lighting, and real unexplained phenomena can all get thrown into the same bucket. I love a good rabbit hole, but I’m trying to stay curious without letting every strange clip hijack my mind. The challenge now is learning how to stay open without being gullible, and skeptical without being closed off. That might be the real skill in 2026.

Memorial Day

Before the barbecues, sales, lake days, and long weekend plans, it’s worth taking a second to remember what Memorial Day is really about.

This day is for the men and women who gave their lives serving this country. People who left behind families, dreams, futures, and everything they had so the rest of us could live with more freedom and security. That deserves more than a quick post or a flag emoji.

So enjoy the weekend. Be with your family. Grill something good. Laugh. Rest. Live fully. But also take a moment to be grateful, because the freedom to do all of that came at a real cost.

A Tool I’ve Been Using: Aires Tech

This week’s theme is protecting your attention, energy, and environment. We live surrounded by phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, laptops, smart watches, and constant signals. EMFs are part of modern life, and while the science is still debated, one thing is obvious: our environment has changed fast.

For me, Aires Tech is not about fear. It’s about being intentional. As an athlete, I pay attention to every input that can affect focus, sleep, recovery, and energy: food, light, hydration, training load, stress, and environment. Aires is one more tool I use to support my body in a digital world.

It does not replace the basics, but it fits right alongside them. If you’re already trying to sleep better, recover better, and protect your energy, this is worth checking out.

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That’s a wrap for this week’s MPG Letter.

If you got value from it, hit that like, drop a comment, or share it with someone who needs to hear it.

New here? Welcome to the squad

I’ll be back next week with more real talk, fight game insights, and life on and off the mats.

Appreciate you being part of the journey.

– Max “Pain” Griffin

I was having a conversation yesterday about the news and everything going on in the world, and I realized I honestly didn’t know half of it. And that might actually be a good thing. We only have so much energy, attention, and bandwidth in a day. If we spend it all ingesting every Trump headline, every meeting, every scandal, every breaking update, and every little “did you hear what happened?” story, what do we actually have left?

The truth is, most of it doesn’t matter in your real life. It might matter in the big picture, sure, but whether you knew about it at 9 a.m. or not, it still happened. The world kept spinning. Your family still needed you. Your body still needed training, rest, and food. Your goals still needed attention. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good conspiracy rabbit hole as much as anybody. But at some point, trying to uncover every mystery and decode every corruption story becomes its own energy drain.

So maybe being “out of touch” is actually being more in touch. More in touch with your own life. More in touch with your family. More in touch with your purpose. I’ve noticed the less random stimulus I let into my mind, the more energy I have for what actually matters. Protecting your attention isn’t ignorance. Sometimes it’s discipline.

Low and Slow Into the Afterlife

I went down a weird rabbit hole this week. I watched something about the smoked mummies of Papua New Guinea, where elders are preserved and displayed almost like they’re still part of the family and community. It sounds wild at first. They basically dry the body out over smoke, almost like beef jerky, and the process is treated with honor and tradition. One of the guys in the documentary even talked about wanting to be preserved like his father. Then he passed away from malaria, and they ended up documenting the process with him.

At first, your brain goes, “That’s disgusting.” But then I started thinking about it. Is it really that much crazier than cremation? We act like cremation is normal, but you’re literally burning a body down to ash. That’s basically the broiler setting. The smoked mummy thing is more like low and slow at 220. I’m not saying I’m signing up to get turned into brisket, but it did make me realize how much of what we think is “normal” is just what we grew up around.

Then that sent me into a whole other rabbit hole about what happens after we die. In America, it feels like the main options are buried in a box, burned into ashes, or now frozen through cryonics in the hope that some future technology can bring you back. Hundreds of people have actually chosen that route. So maybe the mummy thing isn’t as crazy as it sounds. We all have our own version of preserving the dead. Some go in the ground, some go in the fire, some go in the freezer, and some apparently get smoked for the future.

Netflix Just Entered the Cage

Netflix is stepping into MMA this weekend with the MVP card headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, plus Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry and Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins. That is a wild sentence when you really think about it. Ronda coming back, Gina coming back, Nate Diaz and Mike Perry on the same card, Ngannou in the mix, all streaming live on Netflix from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 16.

The UFC is still the big dog. Let’s be real. No other MMA promotion is really holding a candle to the UFC right now. PFL is in the game, ONE is in the game, other organizations are doing their thing, but the UFC is still the major leagues. The difference here is Netflix has money, reach, and a platform that can put fights in front of people who may not even consider themselves fight fans. So the question is not just, “Is this a good fight card?” The real question is, “Can Netflix make this feel big?”

Because views are one thing. Presentation is another. A fight being on Netflix automatically gives it reach, but we’ll see who actually tunes in, how it looks, how it feels, and whether this is a one-time spectacle or the start of something bigger. Maybe they do one of these every year. Maybe it turns into a real lane for crossover combat sports. Either way, I’m watching with curiosity. Not because I think anyone is taking the UFC’s spot, but because when Netflix steps into the cage, you pay attention.

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That’s a wrap for this week’s MPG Letter.

If you got value from it, hit that like, drop a comment, or share it with someone who needs to hear it.

New here? Welcome to the squad

I’ll be back next week with more real talk, fight game insights, and life on and off the mats.

Appreciate you being part of the journey.

– Max “Pain” Griffin

They’re Only Young Once

Having kids makes you realize something deep. Every adult you see started out as a baby. Nobody came out bitter, angry, insecure, addicted to chaos, or carrying all this emotional baggage. They were shaped. By their home. By what they saw. What they heard. What they felt. What they were exposed to. Kids are not just growing up. They’re being programmed every single day.

And look, none of us are perfect. Parenting will humble you quick. But we have to be intentional. The way we talk to our kids becomes part of the voice in their head. The way we handle stress teaches them how to handle stress. The way we treat people teaches them what love, respect, anger, forgiveness, and responsibility actually look like. They’re not just listening to what we say. They’re watching how we move.

So pay attention. What are they watching? Who are they around? What are we allowing to raise them when we’re distracted? Put the phone down. Look them in the eyes. Correct them with love. Apologize when you’re wrong. Let them be kids, but guide them with purpose. They’re only young once, and what we do today shapes how they love, how they fight, how they forgive, and maybe one day, how they raise their own kids. That’s legacy. Not just what you leave for them, but what you leave in them.

The Stuff We Used to Think Was Just TV

This hantavirus cruise story feels like something from The X-Files. A ship leaves Argentina, people start getting sick, three people die, then officials are trying to track who got off, where they went, and who they had contact with. The ship is now headed toward Tenerife in the Canary Islands, with passengers expected to be screened, repatriated, or quarantined depending on where they are from. 

And of course people online are bringing up The Simpsons too, because they had that cruise episode where a fake virus kept everyone stuck on the ship. Was it the exact same thing? No. But close enough to make people say, “Here we go again.” Real life keeps feeling like reruns, and after COVID, a lot of people do not just hear “public health update.” They hear contact tracing, quarantine, international agencies, and broken trust.

That is the bigger point. WHO can say the public risk is low, and maybe they are right. But people remember being told one thing, then another, then getting shamed for asking questions. You cannot break trust and then act surprised when people stop blindly believing every headline.

The balance is simple. Do not panic, but do not be asleep either. Ask questions. Pay attention. Keep your environment clean. Protect your health. But do not let fear drive the car, because fear spreads fast too.

Alien This, Alien That

Trump just released another batch of UAP files, and normally that would have had the whole country losing its mind. UFO documents, government videos, old reports, unanswered sightings, all of it. But now? Most people are like, “Cool. What else is going on?” That tells you where we are as a country. We have seen so much chaos that even “maybe aliens are real” barely moves the needle anymore.

And with The Age of Disclosure already pushing the alien conversation into theaters and streaming, it feels like the topic is being packaged for us now. The mystery, the hype, the slow drip of documents, the “big reveal is coming” energy. Maybe there is something real there. Maybe there are things the government has hidden. I am open to that. But at this point, the American people are tired of the theatrics. If you have something, show us. If not, stop dragging it out like a movie trailer.

That is the real story to me. We are not shocked anymore. We are overmanaged, overmarketed, overstimulated, and over it. UFOs used to feel like the biggest secret in the world. Now people are trying to pay bills, raise kids, stay healthy, and figure out what is actually true. Alien this, alien that. Cool. But truth should not need a PR campaign.

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That’s a wrap for this week’s MPG Letter.

If you got value from it, hit that like, drop a comment, or share it with someone who needs to hear it.

New here? Welcome to the squad

I’ll be back next week with more real talk, fight game insights, and life on and off the mats.

Appreciate you being part of the journey.

– Max “Pain” Griffin

Subscribe

Whether you win spectacularly… or take a loss, which is ass… either way we eat 😂
You celebrate, or you eat just to cover the feeling. Either way, food gets handled.

We hit everything. Classics, new spots, random meals that just hit home. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, snacks, treats… I went full Patty Pimblett 🤣

Joey 🥊 called me “Salt Face McGee.”
I’m puffier now than I was after the fight and I barely got touched. Small cut, but I look worse now just holding all this salt and water. Gotta be over 200. I’ll weigh later… or maybe not.

People keep saying I won. I hear it. I understand it. But I’m over that feeling.
You can’t control the judges. It is what it is.

We’ll see what’s next. Hopefully I’m back in there soon. I’m ready.
But my hand is hammered. Thumb, knuckles… mad swollen. Just got scans.

I’m probably not eating today, still stuffed from last night haha. My body feels terrible.
Stomach’s so full it’s hard to breathe. Been eating like a pig all week… delicious, yeah 😂 but I’m at that point where I’m actually disgusted and impressed at the same damn time.

Cramps, tightness, can barely breathe… that’s what happens when you go too far 🫃🏽

I’ll be back, motherfuckers 😈
Love you guys.

Still got a few shirts left… swoop them up.

IT’S NOT OVER.

Not everything goes your way… Now what?

How you respond… that’s everything.

When things are loud, when your mind’s racing, when you’re replaying everything… that’s when you need control.

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That’s a wrap for this week’s MPG Letter.

If you got value from it, hit that like, drop a comment, or share it with someone who needs to hear it.

New here? Welcome to the squad

I’ll be back next week with more real talk, fight game insights, and life on and off the mats.

Appreciate you being part of the journey.

– Max “Pain” Griffin

Weigh-ins are done.

Weight is made. Tank is full. Mind is right.

Tomorrow, I walk into the Octagon.

Short notice or not, this is what I stay ready for. This is what all the early mornings, hard rounds, and sacrifices are about. When that door closes, it’s just me, him, and everything I’ve built.

I’ve had a lot of people step up for this camp, especially on short notice. That doesn’t go unnoticed.

To my team, my family, and everyone supporting from a distance… I feel it. I carry that with me.

That’s real.

These brands didn’t just watch… they had my back.

They invested in this camp, believed in the work, and stood in my corner when it counted.

If you rock with me, rock with them.

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No overthinking now. No looking ahead. No looking back.

Just presence. Just execution.

See you on the other side.

— Max “Pain” Griffin 🥊

Watch the weigh-ins here 👊🏽

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: STERLING vs ZALAL takes place Saturday, April 25th in Las Vegas, Nevada. The prelims will air at 2 pm PT / 5 pm ET

Since the fight announcement, it’s been a wild week.

This is the quickest turnaround I’ve ever taken on short notice. But it feels different this time. I’ve been anticipating this moment for months.

I went back and watched some old footage from August. Cracking pads, grappling, sharp. That was nine months ago. I can see the growth clear as day.

Not just physically, but mentally. And even deeper than that… spiritually.

The physical is always there. That’s expected. But my mind has leveled up again. And my spirit… I’m proud of where I’m at.

That’s what I’m leaning on now. That’s what carries me into battle.

See you on the other side.

Locked in

All the boxes are checked.

Medicals done. EKG, physical, eyes, labs.

Sponsors locked in. Logos are in. Shirts are already in motion.

Weight is coming down right on schedule. I hit the 180s this morning, exactly where my nutritionist wanted me.

It’s a different kind of focus when there’s a name and a date attached.

Even when you stay ready, even when you’re disciplined year-round, something shifts. The intensity rises. The focus sharpens.

I’ve felt it every time, and I still can’t fully explain it. Something flips.

Maybe there’s science behind it. Maybe it’s instinct.

Either way… I’m locked in.

Catching the Spiral

The mind is a powerful thing. And if you’re not careful, it’ll run.

I had a moment this week. Out of nowhere, anxiety hit me. The fight is coming fast. Am I ready? Not enough time. All of it.

It felt like a snowball rolling downhill.

But it lasted maybe 10 seconds.

Because I caught it.

“Max, reset.”

That’s all it took. I recognized what was happening. My mind was pulling me into the future, into scenarios that weren’t real, at a time that didn’t matter.

The fight was still over a week away. I was laying on the couch late at night. That wasn’t the moment.

So I checked it.

Put the dad hat back on.

That’s something I’ve learned. There’s a time and place for everything. When I’m with my kids, I’m dad. When I’m with my wife, I’m a husband. When it’s time to fight, I’ll be a fighter.

But not all at once.

A lot of people get caught in that loop. Thoughts create feelings. Feelings drive actions. Then those actions reinforce the thoughts. It just keeps spinning.

The key is catching it early.

For me, it was realizing I was running future scenarios instead of being present. That awareness alone was enough to break it.

I came back to the moment. And just like that, the spiral was gone.

It’s not easy. It takes reps. But that reset has changed everything for me.

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Built on Real Support

Big thank you to the businesses and people who stepped up on short notice to support me for this fight camp. That kind of support does not go unnoticed. When things come together fast, you really find out who’s in your corner, and I’ve been reminded once again that I’ve got a strong community behind me.

It means a lot to have brands and local businesses believe in me, back the journey, and help make this camp possible. I never take that lightly. To me, it’s bigger than sponsorship. It’s belief, loyalty, and people who see the value in hard work, perseverance, and showing up when it counts.

They’ve chosen to stand behind me, and I stand behind them the same way. So I’d encourage you to support the businesses and brands represented here. Show them some love, check them out, and back the people who are backing me. Good recognizes good, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by that. 🙏🏼

That’s a wrap for this week’s MPG Letter.

If you got value from it, hit that like, drop a comment, or share it with someone who needs to hear it.

New here? Welcome to the squad

I’ll be back next week with more real talk, fight game insights, and life on and off the mats.

Appreciate you being part of the journey.

– Max “Pain” Griffin

Big news. We got a fight.

My manager called me last night: “Max, we got the call. Sean wants to know if you’re ready to fight April 25th.”

I said hell yes 👊🏽

We waited about an hour, then got the name and the location. Contract is coming, but we’re locked in. I’m excited. I’m ready.

This is what I do. This is what I’m built for. I’m putting my money where my mouth is and the rubber to the road.

Short notice isn’t really short notice when you stay in the gym year-round. I’ve been training, staying sharp, staying ready. I don’t have to get ready.

There’s crazy lightning in the sky tonight. Feels like a sign. A storm is brewing ⚡️

Moments like this are exactly why I stay ready year-round. The call can come at any time, and when it does, you either step up or watch it pass you by. I’m grateful for the team around me and everyone who’s been riding with me on this journey. We’re going to make this one count.

If you want to be part of this camp, now’s the moment. I’m opening a few last-minute sponsorship spots for this fight. This is a real opportunity to ride with me into fight week and get your brand in front of a loyal audience that follows the grind.

Artemis II: Coming Home 🚀

While I’m gearing up for my fight, something big is happening above us too. The Artemis II crew is set to splash down off the coast of San Diego tonight.

This is the first time humans have traveled this far beyond Earth since Apollo 17 in 1972. They looped around the far side of the Moon, farther than anyone’s ever gone, and tested the systems that’ll one day put people back on the lunar surface.

They weren’t just along for the ride. They tested navigation, life-support systems, and manual control of the spacecraft while capturing close-up views of parts of the Moon most people have never seen. That data helps shape future missions.

Tonight’s the final test. Orion will hit Earth’s atmosphere at about 25,000 mph before splashing down in the Pacific. Navy crews will be waiting to bring them home.

It’s another step toward putting humans back on the Moon and learning how to live and operate out there. Pushing limits. Expanding what’s possible. That’s something I can relate to right now.

A Reminder on Connection 🤝

I had lunch with a friend yesterday who works in corporate team-building. He helps leadership teams connect better, which isn’t always easy. I know from my own experience that some higher-ups can be hard to talk to or relate with… almost like aliens.

He shared an exercise they do where volunteers tell a personal story. The goal is simple: vulnerability. No polished version. Just something real.

And it works.

Everyone walks around acting like they’ve got it all figured out, but nobody actually does. When someone opens up, walls drop. People realize they’re not the only ones carrying something heavy.

I’m not saying you need to be best friends with everyone you work with. But a little compassion goes a long way. You never know what someone is dealing with behind the scenes.

It’s a good reminder, whether you’re in an office, a locker room, or just moving through life. Lead with a little empathy. It costs nothing, and it can change someone’s entire day.

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The work gets heavier. The days get longer. The pressure gets louder.

People see the lights, the walkout, the fight. What they do not always see is what it takes to get there. Early mornings. Hard rounds. Staying ready when no call is guaranteed. Choosing discipline again and again, even when it would be easier not to.

To be a top athlete, you need good people in your corner. Not just coaches and training partners, but brands and businesses that believe in the journey too. The ones who understand that perseverance is not a slogan. It is lived.

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That’s a wrap for this week’s MPG Letter.

If you got value from it, hit that like, drop a comment, or share it with someone who needs to hear it.

New here? Welcome to the squad

I’ll be back next week with more real talk, fight game insights, and life on and off the mats.

Appreciate you being part of the journey.

– Max “Pain” Griffin

I watched an episode of the new Fear Factory with Johnny Knoxville and it stuck with me. The whole theme was pain tolerance, contestants bidding on how much they could take. It already felt a little off.

The first guy got electrocuted hanging onto these metallic pegs at 100 volts. Bro, his scream wasn’t normal, it was the kind that sticks with you. The shocked the shit out of him…. His hands locked up, and when it ended he looked completely out of it. Not entertainment, just someone pushed too far.

Another challenge had a guy inserting thick needles into his forearm, one after another, no numbing. You could see his whole body react every time. Then a woman had to reach into a box and get bit by snakes multiple times in a row. Knowing it was coming and still having to do it. I would faint.

Watching it, I felt uncomfortable in a way that stuck with me after it ended. Not the usual adrenaline or shock value. More like questioning why this even exists as something we watch for entertainment. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but it had a weird energy to it. Like it crossed a line somewhere.

Had to get that off my chest. It’s on Tubi if you want to see it, just know what you’re getting into.

Back to the Moon… or What Are We Really Seeing?

That Artemis launch got me thinking. Not on some conspiracy tip, just real questions. When something is this big, it should feel undeniable.

I keep going back to the original moon landing. They say the tapes got recorded over… which is wild for one of the biggest moments in human history. Yeah there’s copies and broadcasts, but not having the originals feels off to people. And now with today’s tech, you’d expect the clearest, most raw footage possible. Instead, some of it feels overly polished, almost too clean, and that’s where people start questioning.

And then the obvious one… why did we go back then, but basically stop for decades? If we had it figured out in the 60s, you’d think we’d be up there way more, building, exploring, doing something. From what I understand, it came down to money, risk, and priorities once the space race was over. No more pressure, so everything slowed down.

I’m not saying it’s fake. I’m just saying I get why people ask questions. When things don’t feel fully transparent, people start looking closer. That’s where I’m at with it.

T-Rex Leather… Yeah, We’re Here Now

I came across this and had to double take. They’re making a handbag out of what they’re calling “T-Rex leather.” Not actual dinosaur skin, but lab-grown material inspired by reconstructed T-Rex proteins. Still sounds wild even saying it out loud.

The bag’s being displayed in Amsterdam and the starting bid is around $600k. That alone tells you this isn’t about practicality, it’s about pushing boundaries and making a statement. Fashion mixed with biotech.

From what I’m reading, they’re using fragments of collagen found in fossils and then using AI to basically recreate something similar in a lab. So it’s not like they cloned a dinosaur, but they’re building a material based on what they think it was like.

Even scientists are split on it. Some say it’s innovative, others say calling it “T-Rex leather” is a stretch since there’s no actual dinosaur DNA or skin to fully replicate.

Either way, it’s kinda crazy to see where things are going. We got lab-grown meat, synthetic materials, now dinosaur-inspired fashion. Feels like we’re stepping into a different era where science and everyday life are blending fast.

Not saying it’s good or bad… just one of those things that makes you pause and go, alright… where are we headed with all this?

RHO 4-Year Anniversary Sale 🎉

They only do this once a year… and it’s live right now 🔥

If you’ve been rocking with me, you already know I don’t put anything in my routine unless it actually performs 💯 RHO has been one of those brands for me.

This weekend, everything is discounted:

• 20% off sitewide 🏷️
• Up to 40% off select bundles 📦
• Live now through Sunday, April 5 ⏳

Here’s the best part… my code automatically stacks with the sale, so you’re getting the deal without doing anything extra 🚀 Just hit my link ⬅️ and you’re locked in.

If you’ve been thinking about dialing in your stack, this is the time to do it 🧠⚡️

They also just dropped some solid new additions:

• Methylfolate for proper methylation support 🧬
• Methylated B Complex for energy and stress ⚡️
• TMG for homocysteine and cellular health ❤️
• Travel Packs so you don’t fall off when you’re moving ✈️
• Liposomal DIM for hormone balance 🔄

No fluff, just real support for performance, recovery, and long-term health 🛠️

Tap the link, load up, and stay ready 👊

That’s a wrap for this week’s MPG Letter.

If you got value from it, hit that like, drop a comment, or share it with someone who needs to hear it.

New here? Welcome to the squad

I’ll be back next week with more real talk, fight game insights, and life on and off the mats.

Appreciate you being part of the journey.

– Max “Pain” Griffin

I saw a video of a humanoid robot running around a park in NYC. Not in a lab, not behind glass. It was out there playing with kids. No one was panicking. Kids were laughing, chasing it, acting like it was normal. Then I saw another clip, Melania walking with what looked like a robotic escort. Completely different setting, but it gave me the same feeling.

At first, you’re like, “Hold up… what is this?” Then a few seconds later, you’re just watching it like it’s nothing. That’s the part that hit me. Not the robot. Not the tech. How fast it starts to feel normal. That shift is happening quicker than most people even realize.

A few years ago, this would’ve stopped everything. Now it slides right into your feed between food videos and fight clips. No pause. No real thought. Just scroll. The kids didn’t question it. They adapted instantly. And that’s how it works. Not forced. Not overnight. Just repeated exposure until your brain stops flagging it as different.

This isn’t really about robots. It’s about normalization. What we see enough, we accept. What we accept becomes reality. So the real question is this. What else are we getting used to without even realizing it?

Did We Skip Spring and Go Straight to Summer?

I’m not gonna lie, it felt good to be warm. After all the cold, the fog, the gray skies… stepping outside and actually feeling heat again hit different. But at the same time, it felt off. Not just a warm day. It was heavy, constant, the kind of heat that doesn’t really let up.

And it turns out it wasn’t just us. This heat wave broke over 1,500 temperature records across 11 states, with some places running 20 to 30 degrees above average. They’re calling it a “heat dome,” where a high-pressure system basically traps heat in one place like a lid on a pot. That’s why it stuck around instead of coming and going.

What stood out to me is what scientists are saying about it. Not just that it was hot, but that events like this are becoming more common and more intense. Some are even saying this kind of heat would’ve been almost impossible without climate change, and now it’s happening more often. That’s a different conversation than just “it was a hot week.”

And when you zoom out, it starts to connect. We just had that heavy fog sitting over Northern California, not moving for days. Now extreme heat right after. Opposite ends, back to back. I’m not here to act like I’ve got all the answers, but it does make you think. Maybe this global warming conversation isn’t as far off as some people want it to be.

Fight Nights Like This Hit Different

Insane fights this weekend.

Friday night we were at A1 Combat 34 at Hard Rock in Wheatland, sitting cageside. Every fight was action-packed. Matchmaking was on point all night. Not all our people got their hand raised, but that’s the game. Shout out to Ernie Juarez for the exciting upset and AJ Perez, definitely earned yourself a new fan, go Fresno! And Nick Maximov looked good against my teammate in the main event title fight, credits due where credit is due.

Then Saturday… UFC Seattle. Just wow.

So many finishes. Some big upsets. High-level performances across the board. And then one of the scariest moments I’ve seen in a while. Maycee Barber getting knocked out by Alexa Grasso. After she went down, she got choked, woke up disoriented, tried to take down the ref, then fainted. That’s the side of the sport people don’t always see.

I know Maycee personally, so that one hit different. Praying she’s okay.

On the other side, huge moment for Michael Chiesa. Storybook ending. Couldn’t have gone better for him. And respect to Niko Price. Always a warrior. Stepped up on short notice, and that ended up being his last one. Didn’t get the perfect sendoff, didn’t get his moment, but that’s how this sport goes sometimes.

It’s a cold game, but we love it don’t we… 🥲

Spring has sprung… and so have your allergies 🤧

Sun’s out. Trees are blooming. Birds are chirping.

You take a deep breath thinking, “this is it.”

Then 10 minutes later…
Nose starts running
Eyes itching
Sneezing back to back

Now you’re not enjoying it anymore. You’re managing it.

That’s how most people approach seasonal allergies too
Just react and deal with it

I’ve been looking at it differently:

What if you stopped more of the problem from getting in… and handled the rest better?

That’s where this stack from Heart & Soil makes sense:

Grass-Fed Colostrum → “The Walls”
Supports your gut barrier with immunoglobulins and growth factors
Less triggers getting through in the first place

Histamine & Immune → “The Cleanup Crew”
DAO enzyme + copper, B6, B7
Helps your body break down histamine so you’re not stuck reacting all day

Together → you’re not just masking symptoms
You’re supporting your system from the foundation up

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Spring’s supposed to be something you enjoy… not something you battle through.

Build the walls. Clean up what gets through.

That’s a wrap for this week’s MPG Letter.

If you got value from it, hit that like, drop a comment, or share it with someone who needs to hear it.

New here? Welcome to the squad

I’ll be back next week with more real talk, fight game insights, and life on and off the mats.

Appreciate you being part of the journey.

– Max “Pain” Griffin

A few months ago, everyone was talking about ICE. Protests, arguments, strong opinions everywhere. Now I’m seeing ICE at airports… and it’s quiet. No outrage, just long TSA lines and people trying to catch flights. From what’s actually being reported, they’re not there doing raids, they’re there because TSA is short-staffed and the system is backed up.

Same agency. Same job. Different headline… completely different reaction. Nothing really stopped, the spotlight just moved. Now it’s war, economy, whatever’s louder, and what used to be front and center fades into the background.

I never had an issue with ICE doing their job, but it is interesting how fast public opinion shifts depending on what’s trending. Makes you think… how much of what we react to is based on reality, and how much is just what’s being pushed in front of us right now? Safe travels….

When the Smoke Clears 💨

I saw a headline saying cannabis doesn’t help anxiety, depression, or PTSD. That didn’t sit right with me. I’ve seen too many people get real benefits from it, and even personally, it can help in the right situation. So when I see something that black and white, I automatically question where it’s coming from.

Then you look a little deeper and it’s not really saying it “doesn’t work.” It’s saying there isn’t strong, consistent evidence across the board. And even some of the studies they’re referencing, like the ones out of Sydney, were focused on edibles. That’s a completely different experience than smoking or vaping. Different onset, different effect, different control over dose… so of course the results are going to vary.

To me, this is another example of how things get framed. Depending on who’s funding it, where it’s coming from, and how it’s written, you can make something look one way or another. Reality is usually somewhere in the middle. Something can help a lot of people and still not be perfect science at the same time.

Blaze it up or don’t 🤷🏽‍♂️, the choice is yours and yours alone.

Karma, Simplified 🧠

From BK Shivani’s perspective, karma isn’t just about actions… it starts with your thoughts.

Every thought you create is an energy you send out. Then it shows up in your words, your actions, and eventually comes back to you through people and situations. It’s not instant punishment or reward, it’s more like a loop.

The part most people miss… we don’t know when it comes back. Could be later that day, could be years from now. But it always cycles back in some form.

So if you’re holding anger, judgment, negativity… that’s what you’re putting into the system. If you’re choosing understanding, patience, and better thoughts… that comes back too.

Karma isn’t complicated. It’s just:

what you create internally is what you experience externally… eventually. ✨

Small Edges Add Up ⚡️

At this level, it’s not one big thing… it’s all the small things stacking up.

Training, recovery, sleep, what you put in your body. It all matters.

That’s why I’ve been using Rho Nutrition. Clean formulas, high absorption, and stuff that actually supports how I feel day to day. Nothing crazy, just consistent support that helps me stay ready.

They just dropped a new Liposomal DIM+ too, which I’ve been adding in for hormone balance and overall system support.

If you want to check it out:

https://rhonutrition.com/MAXPAIN

Code MAXPAIN gets you 15% off your first order

That’s a wrap for this week’s MPG Letter.

If you got value from it, hit that like, drop a comment, or share it with someone who needs to hear it.

New here? Welcome to the squad

I’ll be back next week with more real talk, fight game insights, and life on and off the mats.

Appreciate you being part of the journey.

– Max “Pain” Griffin

Lab-Grown Chocolate Is Coming

One of the world’s biggest snack companies, Mondelez International, recently invested $4.5 million into Celleste Bio, a company in Israel working on lab-grown cocoa butter.

If the name Mondelez doesn’t sound familiar, you probably still know their products. They own major brands like Oreo, Cadbury, Toblerone, Sour Patch Kids, and Ritz.

Instead of growing cacao trees and harvesting beans, scientists grow cocoa fat from plant cells inside bioreactors. Think large stainless steel tanks instead of farms.

Supporters say this could help stabilize chocolate supply as cacao crops face disease, climate challenges, and rising costs.

A simple way to think about it: lab-grown chocolate is basically the plant version of lab-grown meat. Instead of farms and agriculture, companies grow the cells they want in tanks and harvest the ingredient directly.

And that technology is already starting to roll out.

Lab-grown meat has already been approved for sale in countries like Singapore, the United States, and Australia, while places like Israel, Japan, and the UK are actively reviewing it. 

Personally, I’m skeptical of trends like this. 🤨

Chocolate has been grown and harvested naturally for thousands of years. When food starts moving from farms into laboratories, it’s fair to ask whether efficiency is starting to outweigh tradition, farmers, and the natural systems our food once came from.

Maybe the bigger question isn’t whether we can grow food in a lab. It’s whether we should.

$19 Million to “Improve California’s Image”

According to a report from KCRA-TV, the administration of Gavin Newsom is preparing to spend up to $19 million in taxpayer money on an ad campaign to improve California’s national image.

The campaign would promote California as an “economic powerhouse, unmatched tourism destination, and the world’s epicenter of innovation.”It’s also meant to push back against what the state calls “negative narratives amplified online and in partisan media.”

The ads could run from April through December.

Here’s the thing though…

A lot of Californians don’t feel like the problem is the narrative.

They feel like the problem is the reality.

We’re dealing with some of the highest gas prices in the country as I personally just paid over $6 a gallon.  Sky-high housing costs, and one of the largest homeless populations in the United States.

And then there are the public safety concerns.

Earlier this week the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference calling attention to the release of a violent sex offender who had originally been sentenced to more than 350 years in prison. The sheriff’s office said policies around sentence reductions and releases made it possible for him to get out. Which is all complete bullshit and putting our communities at risk. 

When people hear things like that, it makes you wonder.

Is the problem really that California has a messaging issue?

Or is it that people are seeing what’s actually happening around them?

Because at the end of the day, no marketing campaign can fix reality.

Friday the 13th 🎃🔪

Since today is Friday the 13th, it’s worth looking at where the superstition comes from.

The number 13 has long been considered unlucky in Western culture. One reason often cited is the Last Supper, where 13 people sat at the table before the betrayal of Jesus. Another story traces it to October 13, 1307, when the Knights Templar were arrested across France on a Friday.

Over time the two ideas blended together, giving Friday the 13th its reputation as one of the unluckiest days on the calendar.

The superstition got so strong that many buildings still skip the 13th floor entirely, going from the 12th floor straight to the 14th.

Hollywood ran with it too. One of the most famous horror franchises tied to the date is the film Friday the 13th.

Personally though, my favorite scary movies have always been the Halloween films with Michael Myers. Classic suspense and one of the most iconic villains in horror.

I’ve never really been into the movies about spirits and possession. I’m not big on entertaining that kind of energy. I want no part 🙅🏽‍♂️

I’ll take a masked guy slowly walking around with a knife over demons any day. 🎃

UFC This Weekend

Fun one this weekend. Got a few friends on the card.

The homie Josh Emmett headlines against Kevin Vallejos. Andre Fili is also fighting, and the homie Myktybek Orolbai is stepping in there with Chris Curtis punk ass. 

Always good seeing your people go to work. 👊

Let’s go boys! 

Optimize Your Health

I’m always looking for ways to take care of my body, recover faster, and stay performing at a high level. If you’re into health optimization like I am, check out West Coast Longevity Clinic.

They specialize in medically supervised hormone optimization and personalized peptide protocolsdesigned to help improve energy, recovery, performance, and long-term health.

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• Hormone replacement therapy

• IV therapy

• Laser treatments

• Pharmaceutical peptide consultations

• Stem cell therapies

Everything starts with a consultation and lab work so the treatments are tailored specifically to you.

The cool part is they work with people nationwide, not just locally.

If you’re looking to improve your health, recovery, or overall performance, check them out.

👉 wclongevity.com

That’s a wrap for this week’s MPG Letter.

If you got value from it, hit that like, drop a comment, or share it with someone who needs to hear it.

New here? Welcome to the squad

I’ll be back next week with more real talk, fight game insights, and life on and off the mats.

Appreciate you being part of the journey.

– Max “Pain” Griffin

Subscribe

Meta’s smart Ray-Ban glasses are getting attention right now after an investigation raised serious questions about where the footage they capture ends up.

The glasses allow people to record photos and videos from a first-person point of view. On paper it sounds convenient. Capture life as you see it. But the controversy is about what happens after that footage is recorded.

According to the report, some of the recordings that enter Meta’s systems for AI training and moderation can be reviewed by human contractors. Many of those reviewers are not located in the United States but are part of a global network of outsourced workers.

That alone has people concerned.

The bigger issue is what these glasses can capture without anyone realizing it.

Because they record from the wearer’s perspective, they can easily pick up moments that were never meant to be recorded at all:

• people changing clothes

• private conversations

• someone entering credit card numbers

• people who had no idea they were on camera

In other words, normal everyday life.

And it is also very possible that some people are intentionally recording sensitive moments without realizing that the footage could potentially end up being reviewed as part of AI training or moderation systems.

One contractor who reportedly worked reviewing this type of data said something that made my head spin 🫨

“If people truly understood the extent of what is being collected and reviewed, no one would dare use the glasses.” 🙈

Meta says the process is disclosed in their terms of service and that human review is used to improve the AI systems behind the technology.

But let’s be honest. Almost nobody reads the terms before clicking “agree.” That is why this story has people freaked.

We are moving into a world where devices are constantly watching, listening, and collecting data from the real world to train AI systems.

And the real question people are starting to ask is simple.

Who else is seeing what these devices capture?

Call it innovation.

But it also feels a little like Big Brother at his finest.

Keep Your Head On Straight

I haven’t fought in eight months.

For a fighter, that’s a strange place to be. You’re ready. You’re expecting the call. Preparing. Anticipating.

But life has you sitting in the in-between.

Right now I’m in one of those seasons.

Since the end of last year I’ve been expecting a fight any day. Training, staying sharp, waiting for the call.

That’s the life I chose.

Fighting teaches you something most people never experience. You can do everything right. Train hard. Stay disciplined. Be ready.

And still… the moment doesn’t come when you expect it.

Sometimes it feels like living in limbo.

If I’m being honest, would I choose this exact path again in another life? Maybe not.

It’s a beautiful life in many ways, but it’s not an easy one. The highs are unforgettable, the lows can be hard, and nothing about it is guaranteed. There’s risk, uncertainty, and a lot of unknowns along the way. You have to develop thick skin to walk this path.

But this life has also given me a lot.

The people around me.

The opportunities I’ve had.

The ones still coming.

One thing I’ve learned is that we can’t control much of what happens around us. But we can control how we respond to it.

Our attitude.

Our emotions.

Our perspective.

Situations that feel dire in the moment sometimes aren’t. Opportunities we think we missed might not have been meant for us. Maybe it simply wasn’t in the cards.

And that’s okay.

Acceptance is powerful.

Everyone you meet is battling something behind the scenes. So try to give people a little grace. And more importantly, give that same grace to yourself.

Keep your head on straight.

Whatever season you’re in right now, you’ll get through it.

Life keeps moving. Moment to moment.

Cheehoo 🤙🏽

Fight Picks This Weekend

This weekend UFC 326 has the BMF belt on the line between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.

I love Do Bronx. One of the most exciting fighters in the sport and my PC for cards. He a proven finisher w/ the most i believe in UFC history.

But if I’m making a pick, I lean Max.

He’s insanely durable, keeps a crazy pace, and his volume can drown people over five rounds. That kind of pressure is hard to deal with.

I hate to see this fight TBH 😔

Should be a great one.

Another fight I’m curious about is Reinier de Ridder vs Caio Borralho.

De Ridder quit on the stool in his last fight. That’s always a tough look in this sport. But to be fair, cardio can break anybody. When the gas tank is gone, it can make a coward out of even the toughest man.

He does look like he’s in better shape coming into this one though, so maybe he made the adjustments.

Still, I’m leaning Caio in this one.

Who you guys got?

Before You Reach for Allergy Meds, Fix This First

Most people blame pollen.

But pollen usually isn’t the real problem.

Think of your immune system like a campfire. Stress, poor sleep, and processed food keep adding fuel. When spring hits, pollen just pours lighter fluid on the fire.

That’s why I focus on supporting the foundation, not just masking symptoms.

Grass-Fed Colostrum supports the gut barrier, where about 70% of your immune system lives.

Histamine & Immune helps your body break down histamine naturally with DAO enzyme and nutrient-dense organs.

Think of it like this:

Walls → Colostrum

Cleanup crew → Histamine & Immune

Starting March 8th Heart & Soil is running a limited bundle:

Colostrum + Histamine & Immune

Regular: $185

Bundle: $159

👉 Use code MAXGRIFFIN to save another 10%

Start building the foundation before allergy season really hits. 🤧

That’s a wrap for this week’s MPG Letter.

If you got value from it, hit that like, drop a comment, or share it with someone who needs to hear it.

New here? Welcome to the squad

I’ll be back next week with more real talk, fight game insights, and life on and off the mats.

Appreciate you being part of the journey.

– Max “Pain” Griffin