THE BACKBREAKERS AND BITES PODCAST – EPISODE 29
Evan “The PHenom” Elder
In this Episode Of The Podcast:
“Your ability to know and understand suffering directly relates to the level in which you can enjoy anything… if you really want to get the most out of life, it’s going to depend on how willing you are to confront and face suffering.”
In this episode of Backbreakers and Bites, we sit down with UFC Lightweight Evan Elder at Oishi Sushi in Las Vegas. Elder opens up about his “Front Lines” philosophy, detailing how his faith and a willingness to embrace suffering have shaped his journey through the Octagon. From the technical nuances of the fight game to the spiritual forging that occurs in the heat of combat, Evan provides a raw and thoughtful look at the life of a modern-day warrior.
Contents
Show Notes and Highlights
About the Restaurant
Episode Extras
Featured Links
Show Notes and Highlights
Key Topics and Discussions
Vegas & The “Independent” Training Model: Evan explains his move from Florida’s Kill Cliff FC to Las Vegas. He details the importance of being able to “piece together” his own training schedule to prioritize health and mobility over simply “emptying the tank” every day.
Overcoming the Injury Cycle: A deep dive into Evan’s past mistakes of training like a bodybuilder and “redlining” for hours before eating McDonald’s. He shares how his current strength and conditioning coaches (Sarah and Steve Long) helped him transition to a maintenance-based, biomechanically sound approach.
The Mind of a Champion (Nate Diaz Lessons): Evan shares a pivotal story from his time training with the Diaz brothers in Stockton. He describes watching an out-of-shape Nate do 15 rounds of sparring through sheer verbal self-conviction: “Fuck that, I ain’t tired.”
UFC Debut Whirlwind: The raw reality of getting a “short notice” call-up. Evan recounts the 4-day chaos of USADA calls, delayed flights, and head MRIs, which led to a difficult debut but a massive learning experience for his mental preparation.
Featured Segment: Faith on the Front Lines
The Warrior Dilemma: Evan discusses a period of deep questioning where he wondered if his job as a fighter conflicted with his Christian faith. He explains the revelation that God called him to be a “strong warrior on the front lines” to stand against evil.
Duality and Suffering: Drawing from the Bible and philosophers like Alan Watts, Evan explains that our capacity for joy is directly tied to our willingness to endure suffering. He views the Octagon as a “forge” where fighters are tested to become the best versions of themselves.
A Different Kind of Love: Evan redefines love not as a surface-level feeling, but as sacrifice and servitude. He applies this to the cage, explaining why he shows no mercy to opponents—because a true test is the greatest gift one fighter can give another.
About Oishi Sushi
Located in the heart of Las Vegas, Oishi Sushi has become a premier destination for those seeking an authentic and high-energy Japanese dining experience. Renowned for its extensive All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) menu, the restaurant specializes in a massive variety of fresh nigiri, specialty long rolls, and kitchen appetizers that cater to both traditionalists and those looking for bold, modern flavors.