Campbell McLaren Is Still Breaking the Rules
Some people build a legacy and spend the rest of their careers talking about it.
Campbell McLaren isn’t one of those people.
While many fans know him as one of the visionaries who helped launch the UFC and introduce mixed martial arts to the mainstream, Campbell’s focus today is firmly on the future. As the founder and CEO of Combate Global, he continues to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and find new ways to connect sports and entertainment with audiences around the world.
That same mindset is what inspired his newest venture: the launch of his podcast, There Are No Rules with Campbell McLaren, which debuts this week.
Campbell joined me on The Travel Wins podcast to discuss the new show, his entrepreneurial journey, and why some of the biggest opportunities in life come from refusing to accept the limitations others place on you.
Why “There Are No Rules”?
The title of Campbell’s new podcast isn’t just a catchy phrase. It’s a philosophy that has guided much of his career.
Throughout our conversation, Campbell shared stories of challenging accepted wisdom, taking calculated risks, and pursuing ideas that many people initially dismissed. Whether it was helping build a new combat sports industry decades ago or creating innovative programming through Combate Global today, he has consistently found success by questioning assumptions and looking for opportunities where others see obstacles.
His new podcast promises to bring that same perspective to listeners through conversations with innovators, entrepreneurs, athletes, entertainers, and individuals who have achieved success by creating their own path.
In a world where many people are looking for permission, Campbell’s message is simple: sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you stop waiting for someone to hand you a roadmap.
Building Combate Global
One of the highlights of our discussion was Campbell’s passion for Combate Global.
Far from being a retirement project or a victory lap, Combate Global represents another chapter in Campbell’s mission to innovate within combat sports. The organization has built a loyal audience by delivering world-class mixed martial arts while embracing a unique cultural identity that resonates with fans throughout the United States and Latin America.
Campbell discussed how media consumption continues to evolve and how organizations like Combate Global must constantly adapt to meet audiences where they are. It’s a challenge he embraces, viewing change not as a threat but as an opportunity.
That willingness to evolve has been a recurring theme throughout his career and is one of the reasons he remains one of the most influential minds in combat sports.
Reinvention Never Stops
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was that reinvention doesn’t have an expiration date.
Many people eventually become defined by their past accomplishments. Campbell continues looking ahead. Whether it’s growing Combate Global, launching a new podcast, or exploring emerging opportunities in sports and media, he remains focused on what’s next.
His energy, curiosity, and willingness to embrace new challenges serve as a reminder that success isn’t about protecting what you’ve built—it’s about continuing to build.
Lessons for Travelers, Entrepreneurs, and Dreamers
Campbell’s story aligns perfectly with the spirit of The Travel Wins.
Business travelers, entrepreneurs, athletes, and professionals often find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory. Success requires adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.
Campbell’s career is proof that some of the most rewarding opportunities come when you’re willing to take a different road than everyone else.
His new podcast, There Are No Rules with Campbell McLaren, promises to explore exactly that mindset through conversations with people who have forged their own paths and achieved extraordinary results.
Listen to the Full Episode
If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, sports business, personal growth, or simply hearing from someone who has spent a lifetime challenging the status quo, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.
Campbell McLaren has never been interested in following the rules.
And judging by his latest projects, he’s just getting started.
🎙️ Listen to the episode — and get inspired by what happens when passion meets persistence.
Connect with Campbell and Combate Global on his social media pages:
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The Travel Wins intro song by Allison Johnson and Steve Stevens
