From: officialflagrant
Tapping into Primal Self and Cultural Roots
A fighter describes visualizing his wins, knockouts, and post-fight press conferences, feeling immense happiness during these visualizations. This mental practice helps him manifest success, acting as a “vessel” in a “flow state” where things just happen [00:00:51]. He uses his imagination as a tool for manifestation [00:01:19].
Six weeks prior to a fight, he engaged in practices to connect with his primal self, including taking mushroom chocolates and meditating in the shower [00:20:26]. This microdosing helped him “tap into himself” and connect with his “dog in me” to reinforce his self-belief in victory [02:11:51]. He emphasizes that the goal is not merely to win, but to prove to himself that he can overcome his opponent [02:13:34].
Leading up to a fight against an opponent deeply connected to his own culture, the fighter felt the need to tap into his own cultural roots and spirituality [03:09:07]. He specifically brought a Ukha, a chief staff made from a horse’s tail, to a weigh-in as a symbol of his royal family heritage (his prefix “Adesanya” means “king”) [03:09:12]. He believes that understanding and connecting with African history, which highlights rulers and the wealthiest men in history, empowers him [03:10:06]. This practice is seen as a way of connecting to his “Primal self” and will be continued in future endeavors due to its perceived success [03:11:51], [03:11:56].
The Flow State and its Spiritual Dimension
The fighter views the “flow state” (being “in the zone”) as a spiritual experience, equating science with spirituality or magic yet to be understood [03:12:24], [03:12:32]. He notes that during this state, specific chemicals are released in the brain, creating a heightened sense of awareness and performance [03:12:40].
He recounts a specific instance during a fight on “Fight Island” where he took a nap on a chair while getting his hands wrapped [03:19:15]. During this nap, he experienced something akin to a “Lion King” or “Black Panther” scene, where he was told to “remember who you are” [03:20:36]. Waking up, he felt like a “sleeper agent” activated into a different zone, which profoundly impacted his performance in the subsequent fight [03:20:47]. This experience, combined with the belief of those he cares about, solidifies his own self-belief, allowing him to perform at his best [03:11:11].
This perspective highlights the deep connection between mental and meditative practices, cultural identity, and peak athletic performance, suggesting a spiritual dimension to achieving success in sports.