Blending raw power with technical skill, Joe "The Hitman" Elmore gives us an unfiltered look into the world of bare-knuckle fighting—a combat sport that strips away the padding and protective gear to reveal what he calls "real fighting." With a knockout victory against Will Chope in just 52 seconds, Joe has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).

From his country roots in Tennessee to becoming a martial arts veteran with approximately 40 professional MMA fights, Joe's journey is as fascinating as the sport he now dominates. What makes his story particularly compelling is his transition from traditional combat sports to the no-gloves arena, where he feels most at home. "It got to a point where so many guys became so talented at grappling, we almost neutralize each other," he explains about MMA, contrasting it with the undeniable action and decisiveness of bare-knuckle contests.

The preparation for such brutal competition is equally intense—Joe conditions his hands by punching brick walls, receives electromagnetic therapy treatments used for astronauts, and maintains a rigorous training schedule with world-class coaches. Beyond the physical preparation, he speaks about the mental aspects of fighting, describing himself as "a creature that was supposed to be born to protect my village and my family." This primal connection to combat resonates throughout our conversation, highlighting the distinction he makes between trained martial artists and born fighters.

As BKFC continues its explosive growth, attracting celebrities like Shaquille O'Neal and signing UFC veterans like Paige VanZant, Joe stands at the forefront of what he believes is the future of combat sports. Whether you're a seasoned fight fan or just curious about this rapidly growing phenomenon, Joe's insights offer a compelling glimpse into what happens when the gloves come off. Catch his next fight on September 11th at the Daytona Beach Convention Center or stream it live on the BKTV app.

Leon Robinson takes us on an intimate journey through his extraordinary career path, revealing how a pivotal moment—choosing a theater performance over a basketball game—changed the trajectory of his life forever.

From his early days as an "all-everything" basketball star with multiple scholarship offers to becoming one of Hollywood's most versatile actors, Leon shares candid insights about the unexpected turns that shaped his multifaceted career. His refreshing honesty about working with legends like Dennis Hopper, John Candy, and Tupac Shakur offers a rare glimpse into the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

The conversation explores Leon's iconic roles across films that have touched different audiences—"Cool Runnings" internationally, "The Five Heartbeats" in African American communities, "The Temptations" broadly, and "Waiting to Exhale" among female viewers. He reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes details, including the truth about the singing performances in biographical films: "No one can sing like David Ruffin," he explains, describing how productions use remastered recordings to maintain authenticity.

Beyond acting, Leon discusses his passion for music with his reggae-soul band Leon and the Peoples, his deep commitment to theater (which he calls "the mother of all acting"), and his current work as a producer-director through Motion Mob Films. His upcoming project "The Pope of Avenue B" showcases his continued dedication to unique storytelling.

Throughout our conversation, Leon's philosophy emerges clearly: he considers himself first and foremost a storyteller, finding different mediums to express this core passion. Whether on screen, stage, or through music, his artistic versatility and commitment to authentic representation shine through. Follow Leon's journey as he continues creating compelling stories across multiple entertainment platforms.

Remember the chubby kid from Hardball? Julian Griffith has come a long way from his breakout role alongside Keanu Reeves, crafting a multifaceted career that weaves together his passions for acting, baseball, education, and community service.

Growing up in Bellwood, a suburb outside West Chicago, Julian was raised by a single mother who worked as a schoolteacher. At just three years old, he began his acting journey with print modeling before landing his first significant role in Hardball at age ten. After this early success, Julian took a 13-year hiatus from acting at his mother's insistence to focus on education and experience a more normal childhood—a decision he initially resisted but now deeply appreciates.

During this break, Julian flourished as a baseball player, earning all-conference honors as a high school catcher before playing college ball on scholarship. His promising career faced a significant setback when he tore his UCL during his junior year, requiring Tommy John surgery. With remarkable determination, Julian completed his recovery months ahead of schedule, eventually signing professional contracts with several teams including one in Puerto Rico where he maintained an impressive .488 batting average.

Julian's achievements extend beyond sports and entertainment—he made history as the first African-American male to graduate from his college's education program. Today, he runs Juiced Up Athletics, providing affordable baseball and softball training to kids from all economic backgrounds across the Chicago area. His non-profit organization, Juiced Up World Changers, supports Chicago's homeless population with essential supplies and resources aimed at helping them transition out of homelessness.

Throughout our conversation, Julian shares candid behind-the-scenes stories from Hardball (including the revelation that they actually filmed at the old Detroit Tigers stadium rather than Wrigley Field), discusses his return to acting with roles on shows like Chicago Fire and Amazon's Utopia, and reveals his future aspirations as a writer and producer.

Want to support Julian's mission to help the homeless in Chicago? Visit the Juiced Up World Changers Facebook page or contact him directly at ju.athletics.life@gmail.com.