231. TJ Dillashaw: On Biohacking, Longevity, Injury Recovery and Life After UFC - The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka Recap

Podcast: The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka

Published: 2025-12-30

Duration: 1 hr 4 min

Guests: TJ Dillashaw

Summary

Two-time UFC Champion TJ Dillashaw discusses his journey from wrestling to MMA, his biohacking practices for longevity and recovery, and his new entrepreneurial pursuits in the supplement industry.

What Happened

TJ Dillashaw began wrestling at eight years old and pursued it through college, but his wrestling career didn't meet his goals. Encouraged by his coach, Mark Munoz, Dillashaw transitioned to MMA, dropping out of grad school and eventually joining the UFC, where he won a world title just three years later. Throughout his career, he faced multiple injuries, notably two blown-out shoulders, and relied on stem cell therapy to avoid surgery and enhance his performance.

Dillashaw's transition from fighter to entrepreneur was marked by a dark period following a suspension for using erythropoietin, a medication for anemia. He used the time to rebuild his identity and focus on biohacking protocols, such as zone two training and stem cell therapy, which improved his endurance and overall health. His heart rate threshold for burning fat increased significantly after training with renowned Coach Sam Calavita.

Following his fighting career, Dillashaw launched Wild Society Nutrition, aiming to disrupt the supplement industry with high-quality, transparent products. His business endeavors are driven by a passion for creating products he wished he had during his competitive career, like his 'Caveman Eats' grass-fed ribeye and longevity supplements. Dillashaw emphasizes mental toughness in entrepreneurship, likening it to the challenges faced in the UFC.

He partnered with Sprouts to launch his products, ensuring they meet strict ingredient standards and undergo third-party testing. Dillashaw plans to expand his brand into Whole Foods by 2026 and is currently available in Sprouts and GNC, where his longevity product is exclusively featured in their new section. He continues to use various health tools, including hyperbaric chambers and red light therapy, to maintain peak performance.

Dillashaw's post-UFC journey is chronicled in a forthcoming documentary produced by Paramount, highlighting his transition from fighter to entrepreneur. He maintains a relationship with Dana White, who proposed the documentary to capture Dillashaw's entrepreneurial journey. Despite challenges, Dillashaw remains determined to succeed, driven by the same grit that fueled his MMA career.

Gary Brecka, the host, admires Dillashaw's commitment to excellence and shares insights from his own ventures, advising his children to start businesses for the right reasons. Brecka's son owns H2TAB, and his daughter is launching a chemical-free skincare line. Dillashaw's narrative resonates with Brecka's emphasis on longevity and performance, making for a compelling episode.

Key Insights