From the Cage to the Stage.
We represent fighters who don’t just inspire — they ignite.
What We Deliver.
Unforgettable voices. Seamless execution. Maximum impact.
We don’t just book speakers — we craft experiences that resonate.
Stage-Ready Talent — Every speaker is media-trained, professionally supported, and carefully selected for both presence and substance.
Planner-First Support — From first inquiry to standing ovation, we handle the details: contracts, logistics, speaker prep, travel, and run-of-show alignment.
Tailored Packages — Whether it’s a keynote, fireside chat, or multi-speaker lineup, we’ll build the right fit for your format, budget, and goals.
At Fighting Words Agency, we believe the best lessons in leadership, grit, and resilience don’t come from textbooks — they come from those who’ve been tested under fire. Our roster of elite UFC talent brings real-world intensity, emotional intelligence, and stage-ready charisma to audiences that demand more than clichés.
Whether they’re unpacking the mindset of a champion, overcoming impossible odds, or leading under pressure, these fighters don’t just speak — they connect. And your audience will never forget it.
WHY IT HITS DIFFERENT.
Authentic. Electrifying. Unmatched.
Our speakers don’t need scripts. Their stories are the strategy — raw, real, and razor-sharp. What sets us apart:
Hard-earned wisdom, not rehearsed soundbites
Stories from the front lines of discipline, failure, and triumph
High-performance storytelling that cuts through the noise
We’re not interested in "motivational fluff." We deliver energy, edge, and emotional depth that moves people to act.
Our Origin Story.
Built in the trenches. Designed for the spotlight.
Fighting Words was founded by RJ Clifford, a former professional MMA fighter turned sports broadcaster, producer, and storyteller. With nearly two decades in the fight game — from the cage to live television — RJ knows firsthand what it takes to command attention, deliver under pressure, and tell a story that sticks.
As a SiriusXM host and longtime UFC production veteran, RJ worked with some of the biggest names in the sport — on camera, on stage, and behind the scenes. He saw the power these fighters held not just in their physical abilities, but in their lived experiences and ability to inspire.
That’s when the idea hit: What if these stories could be shared beyond the Octagon? What if fight-tested insight could reshape how people think about leadership, grit, and human potential?
Fighting Words Agency was born from that vision — and built to serve the people who bring it to life.
FAQs
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Our speakers are available for a wide range of events — including corporate conferences, leadership retreats, team-building summits, brand activations, fundraisers, panels, workshops, and private events. Whether you're hosting 50 executives or 5,000 attendees, we can tailor the experience to your audience and goals.
In addition to live events, our speakers are also available for non-event functions such as webinars, virtual town halls, policy rollouts, and internal training sessions.
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We get this one a lot — and the short answer is: not at all.
Yes, our speakers are trained fighters, but they’re also some of the most grounded, charismatic, and professional people you’ll ever work with. They're used to being in the spotlight, and they know how to connect with audiences of all backgrounds — with warmth, humor, and authenticity.
Their presence is powerful, but their delivery is approachable. No aggression, no ego — just real people with incredible stories and stage-ready presence.
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Not at all. While our speakers come from elite combat sports backgrounds, their talks go far beyond the Octagon. Topics include leadership under pressure, resilience, mindset, performance, accountability, handling adversity, and building a champion’s mentality. These are not fight stories — they’re human stories with impact.
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Not even a little. Our speakers use their background in fighting as a launching point — not the whole story. Talks are crafted around universal themes like resilience, leadership, performance under pressure, and bouncing back from setbacks.
Even if you’ve never watched a single UFC fight, your audience will walk away moved, motivated, and completely engaged.
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We offer flexible, tiered pricing based on speaker, event size, location, and format. Whether you're working with a boutique budget or planning a major main-stage event, we'll help you find the right fit. Reach out with a few details and we’ll provide a custom quote.
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Yes. Every speaker we represent is media-trained, professionally prepped, and has real stage presence. We select talent based not just on name recognition, but on their ability to connect with and move an audience. Additionally, every speaker has a minimum of five year’s broadcasting experience at the national level.
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We handle everything — from talent selection to contracts, travel, prep calls, and post-event follow-up. We’re a full-service agency designed to make your job easier and your event smoother.
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Absolutely. If you have someone in mind from our roster, let us know. If you're unsure, we’re happy to recommend options based on your goals, audience, and budget. Additionally, if you are interested in a UFC fighter not currently represented by FWA, let us know. We have relationships with nearly every fighter in the industry.
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We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance to allow time for planning and coordination. That said, if your event is coming up sooner, don’t hesitate to reach out — we move fast and may be able to accommodate.
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Yes. Our speakers are available for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. They’re comfortable in studio settings, live streams, and major digital platforms — and can adapt their message to suit the medium.
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Definitely. In addition to keynotes and workshops, our speakers can take part in panel discussions, fireside chats, audience Q&As, breakout sessions, or VIP experiences. Just let us know what you’re envisioning.
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Our speakers are based across the U.S. and are available to travel domestically and internationally. We manage all logistics so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Let’s Build Your Main Event.
Want a speaker who brings the wow and the why? You’re in the right corner.
let’s talk.
Tell us a bit about your event, and we’ll handle the rest. We’ll match you with the right fighter, manage the logistics, and make sure your audience leaves fired up, not checked out.