In this episode, Emanuel Rivera shares his journey from Southside Chicago to Oklahoma, his mixed martial arts and ballroom background, and how he founded The Come-Up Foundation to bring martial arts, discipline, and mentorship to kids in schools and community centers.

We hear how the program builds leadership and emotional control, the anti-bullying and life-skills curriculum, school partnerships, and a win story that shows how young people’s lives are being transformed.

• Emmanuel Rivera’s journey from South Side Chicago to Oklahoma • Growing up without discipline, direction, or consistent role models • Early trouble, hard lessons, and the turning point that changed his path • Competing in mixed martial arts and how discipline reshaped his life • How heart issues ended his fighting career and opened the door to purpose • The origin of The Come Up Foundation and why mentorship comes before martial arts • Why boxing and MMA reduce violence instead of increasing it • Teaching emotional control, leadership, and resilience through training • Partnering with City Center, schools, and community hubs instead of opening gyms • Bringing The Come Up Foundation into Oklahoma City Public Schools • The role Emmanuel’s mother played in instilling hope and accountability • Practical steps for changing your life by changing your environment and habits • The long-term vision for The Come Up Foundation across OKC neighborhoods • A powerful success story of a young man whose life was completely redirected • Why small moments of mentorship can shape a lifetime

“Mixed martial arts is the worm on the hook. The real change is the mentorship.” “Discipline and emotional control will take you further than talent ever will.” “If you hang out with five losers, you’ll be the sixth. If you hang out with five winners, it’s inevitable.” “There’s no gratification like changing someone else’s life.” “Sometimes you’re doing more impact than you even realize.”