MMA fighter Jimmy Drago joins The Zac Clark Show just weeks before stepping into the cage for the biggest fight of his life — a shot at a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series.

But before the cage came chaos: By 19, Jimmy had survived eight overdoses, been revived by Narcan four times, fought in underground clubs in Hunts Point, and lost his father –  a decorated 9/11 hero – to addiction after 21 years sober. Through it all, his mother never gave up on him.

In this raw and powerful conversation, Jimmy shares his journey from shooting dope in a Bronx trap house to fighting in front of 50 Cent… from despair to discipline… from near-death to chasing a dream few would believe possible.

Jimmy Drago lives the word fighter. But beyond the cage, beyond the shot at a UFC contract, his life begins and ends with sobriety – a commitment to staying sober and helping others do the same. If you’ve ever doubted the possibility of radical transformation, this one will change your mind.

Episode highlights:

• Growing up in Yonkers as the oldest of three, son of a firefighter and a mother battling her own recovery

• Losing his father to addiction — and the last time he ever saw him

• From promising high school football player to full-blown heroin addiction

• Underground fights in the Bronx during active addiction

• Surviving 8 overdoses and finding recovery

• Discovering MMA and the purpose it gave him

• Why helping others is his greatest victory

Watch Jimmy fight for his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series August 12 on ESPN+. For more information on how to stream, click below:

https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/3b9a50f1-caad-4250-918f-b15d884b6608

Today's episode is sponsored by NewForm: the first app for recovery and mental wellbeing. Find thousands of live events, powerful tools to track your growth, and a community that truly understands your journey.

To find NewForm, click here or download the App: https://www.newform.org/

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If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release Recovery:

(914) 588-6564

releaserecovery.com

@releaserecovery