Meet Bogdan Grad

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bogdan Grad. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bogdan below.

Hi Bogdan , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from my father, who taught me from a young age what hard work truly means. Growing up, I spent countless hours by his side—whether it was using machinery like chainsaws, doing construction work, or learning the art of negotiation. He always shared his mindset with me, showing me what it takes to reach your goals.

As a teenager, I met my coaches, Robert Hartinger, Gerhard and Michael Ettl, and that’s when my journey in MMA began. They didn’t just teach me how to fight; they taught me how to live with honor and strive for success. At Champion’s Sports. Center in Graz, the Ettlbros help students become high-level fighters and better versions of themselves, guiding us not only in the ring but in life.

These experiences shaped who I am today, driving me to always push my limits and become the best I can be.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a UFC fighter and a Blackbelt in Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu, MMA and Kickboxing with a passion for martial arts that began at a young age. I started training at home when I was just 13, and my journey took off from there. At 15, I began studying karate, followed by kickboxing at 16, and finally, I embraced MMA at 17. Over the years, I fought 24 amateur bouts around the world, honing my skills and gaining invaluable experience.

In 2019, I turned professional, marking a significant milestone in my career. In 2023, I had the opportunity to fight for a UFC contract, but it was a challenging experience—I lost in the most devastating way, getting knocked out in the first minute. However, I didn’t let that setback define me. In 2024, after securing two victories, I returned to the Dana White Contender Series in Las Vegas. This time, I came out on top, winning the fight and earning my UFC contract. Grateful to my team for supporting me mentally and helping me get back on the winning side. Their belief in me, even during the toughest times, has made all the difference. My journey has been filled with ups and downs, but each step has brought me closer to my dreams.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Resilience, Discipline and Adaptability

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The Ettl Bros Team has been the most pivotal part of my development as a fighter and as a person. Gerhard Ettl, Michael Ettl, and Robert Hartinger have provided me with invaluable guidance and support throughout my journey. They helped me overcome numerous challenges, teaching me not only the technical skills necessary for success in MMA but also the mental resilience required to face adversity.

Their knowledge and expertise have been instrumental in shaping my approach to training and competition. They instilled in me the importance of discipline, hard work, and dedication, which have been essential in my growth. Thanks to their mentorship, I have built a solid foundation that has allowed me to become the successful fighter I am today. I am deeply grateful for their support and the positive impact they’ve had on my life.

They also have Champions Sports Center Graz which is as professional as a MMA Gym could be. Here is where i learned the skills to be able to compete in the UFC.
And also one of the best MMA Events in Europe in Cooperation with the UFC Fightpass. Named Cage Fight Series in Graz.

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