Media, Interviews & Public Image: How to Talk Like a Star

The Fighter’s Edge Series – Article 5

Fighting Is Skill — Talking Is Strategy

In MMA, fights are won in the cage…but careers are built in front of cameras.

Promoters want fighters who can sell fights. Sponsors want athletes who can represent their brand. Fans want personalities they can connect to.

That means knowing how to handle interviews, podcasts, and social media moments is just as important as knowing how to check a leg kick.

Your words create the narrative of your career. And when you control the story, you control your growth.

The Three Pillars of a Strong Public Image

1. Confidence: Delivering your message clearly and calmly — win or lose.

2. Authenticity: Staying true to your values and style.

3. Consistency: Keeping the same energy across every interview and platform.

Doing It Without Manny

Here’s how to build your communication skills and public image the old-school way — all it takes is time, practice, and self-awareness.

1️⃣ Develop Your “Core Message”

Every fighter should have a 1–2 sentence message that defines who they are and what they stand for.This keeps you grounded in interviews — and makes you memorable.

Ask yourself:

• Why do I fight?

• What do I want fans to remember about me?

• What am I working toward?

Example:

“I’m here to prove that hard work and discipline can take you anywhere. I want to inspire anyone who’s ever been told they’re not enough.”

That’s your anchor line. You can return to it in every interview.

2️⃣ Prepare for the 5 Common Interview Types

• Pre-Fight: Confident, focused, determined.

• Post-Fight (Win): Grateful, hungry, respectful.

• Post-Fight (Loss): Honest, humble, motivated.

• Podcast: Relaxed, funny, authentic.

• Promo/Press: Professional, marketable, concise.

Write short talking points for each. Practice out loud — it builds confidence under pressure.

3️⃣ Use the “Breathe, Pause, Answer” Technique

When you’re asked a question — especially tough ones:

1. Breathe (control nerves)

2. Pause (think before you speak)

3. Answer (short and clear)

You’ll sound composed, professional, and confident — even in emotional moments.

4️⃣ Record & Review Yourself

Film short clips of yourself answering fake questions like:

• “How’s fight camp going?”

• “What makes your next opponent dangerous?”

• “Why do you fight?”

Rewatch them. Notice your tone, posture, and pacing. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s comfort in your own voice.

5️⃣ Protect Your Image

The media will amplify whatever you say. Avoid:

• Trash talk that crosses the line

• Overexplaining losses

• Posting emotional rants

• Commenting on controversial topics

Remember — your brand is your business.

Doing It With Manny (Your Brand Manager)

Manny turns media prep into a strategic, personalized advantage — helping you own your public voice.

Here’s how Manny helps 👇

1. Craft Your Fighter Message

“Manny, help me write my core message for interviews and social media.”

→ Manny helps you identify your motivation, tone, and goals — then crafts a 1–2 sentence “fighter statement” that fits your style perfectly.

2. Generate Interview Practice Questions

“Manny, give me 10 common interview questions for fighters to practice.”

→ Manny gives you realistic, promotion-style questions so you can rehearse — from fight prep to post-fight reflections.

3. Draft Professional Responses

“Manny, help me answer ‘What does this fight mean to you?’ in a way that sounds confident and real.”

→ Manny helps you build answers that sound like you, not scripted — short, clean, powerful.

4. Review and Refine Your Media Voice

Upload clips or summaries of what you’ve said before, then ask:

“Manny, how can I sound more natural or confident when talking about my fight?”

→ Manny analyzes tone, length, and word choice — offering simple adjustments to strengthen your delivery.

5. Build a Media Kit

“Manny, make me a one-page media kit I can send to promoters or podcasts.”

→ Manny creates a clean, professional overview — your photo, story, record, highlights, and message — ready for press requests or sponsorship outreach.

Example: Turning Nerves Into Confidence

You’re about to do your first live interview after a tough fight.

Without Manny: You’re anxious, unsure what to say, and worried about sounding awkward.

With Manny: You say:

“Manny, help me write a post-fight statement after a close loss that sounds humble but motivated.”

You instantly get:

“Tough fight tonight. Respect to my opponent — he brought the best out of me. Back to work Monday. Every setback’s just fuel for the next step. Thank you to everyone who believes in me.”

Professional. Confident. Real.

The Fighter’s Edge Takeaway

Media isn’t the enemy — it’s your amplifier. Every camera, podcast, and mic is a chance to tell your story your way.

Fighters who know how to speak build trust. Fighters who build trust earn fans, sponsors, and longevity.

And Manny’s here to make sure you never fumble the moment.

“Manny helps you sound like a pro — so you can focus on fighting like one.”