In the world of professional fighting, where the stakes are as high as the adrenaline rush, UFC veteran Luke Barnatt has learned to roll with the punches both in and out of the cage. Barnatt took to Instagram to share a nugget of wisdom that’s guided him through this unpredictable journey of being a professional fighter.
“There’s a guy called Nigel Burgess,” Barnatt explained, referring to the gym owner who played a pivotal role in kickstarting his MMA career and said,
“He said to me, when you think life is going good, it’s never as good as you think, and when you think life is going bad, it’s never as bad as you think. And from a man who’s lived high, lived low, it helps you cope with those moments.”
View this post on Instagram
For Barnatt, these words weren’t just motivational fluff they became a mantra that helped him stay grounded during the rollercoaster ride of his MMA career. From the electric highs of stepping into the UFC Octagon to the tough losses that tested his resilience, Barnatt’s journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport.
A fan favorite during his time in the UFC, Barnatt’s towering frame and technical skills made him a formidable middleweight contender. He racked up impressive wins, earning himself a reputation as a fighter to watch. But as any athlete will tell you, success in combat sports is rarely linear. Barnatt also faced setbacks—defeats to Sean Strickland and Mark Munoz, which could have easily derailed his passion for the sport.
It’s a story every fighter can relate to. Yet, fighters like Barnatt learn to embrace this duality, finding meaning in both triumph and failure.
As Barnatt transitions into the next phase of his life, his journey serves as a reminder that every high and low has a purpose. Now as a podcast host and commentator, he gives people words of advice and wisdom, everything he has learned in his life.
Barnatt dismisses New Year Resolutions
These days, Barnatt has swapped the intensity of the octagon for the microphone, carving out a new chapter as a commentator for Oktagon MMA and a host for The Marbella Podcast. While still deeply connected to the sport, Barnatt now uses his platform to share insights and spark conversations that extend beyond fighting.
On an episode of his podcast, Barnatt weighed in on the popular tradition of New Year’s resolutions, offering a refreshingly blunt take,
“The whole ideology of trying to change yourself because it’s a New Year, because it’s a different calendar, is a problem. I don’t wait for the New Year to change things in my life. I think that’s a very bad way to look at your life and look at the world.”
View this post on Instagram
True to his pragmatic approach, Barnatt continues to inspire not only fighters but anyone looking for a grounded perspective on life’s challenges and opportunities. Whether calling the action in the cage or hosting thought-provoking discussions, he remains a voice of authenticity in a world that often thrives on hype.
