As a longtime MMA fan, I was delighted when the opportunity arose to interview former two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion TJ Dillashaw about his post-fight career as the founder and owner of Wild Society Nutrition. I’ve sat in many a bar watching TJ Dillashaw fight, so I was interested to hear about how he navigated the transition from bantamweight to the boardroom, which are two very different jobs! As a fighter, TJ is know for his incredible speed, which can only be achieved by relentless training and an incredible fitness level; so I was excited to pick his brain for wellness advice! I specifically wanted to ask for tips that could help everyday people as well as elite athletes. I found his approach to fitness refreshing, because he’s expanded his focus from training for fights to maintaining health overall, and TJ demonstrated an awareness that everyone has different situations and ability levels. I used to train in martial arts doing full-contact sparring, but chronic illness has tabled that for now; I asked TJ specifically about pursuing wellness with a disability, and found his answer very affirming. So whether you’re preparing for a cagefight or the morning carpool, you can get something out of TJ Dillashaw’s wellness advice!

TJ Dillashaw Interview

Q: As a former UFC champion, you’re an elite athlete who knows how to compete at the top level, which requires extreme dedication to diet and nutrition. What inspired you to start Wild Society? What needs do these products fill that you wish you had when you were competing?

TJ:
Honestly, Wild Society was born out of a need I had during my fight career. I was constantly searching for clean, effective supplements with no fillers, just fuel that worked. I couldn’t find products that matched what I wanted. So I created what I wish I had back then: transparent, high-performance supplements that support real athletes, weekend warriors, and everyday people.

Q: What is your training routine like now?

TJ:
It’s definitely evolved. I’m not prepping for five-round wars anymore, but training is still a huge part of my life, mentally and physically. I usually train five days a week, a mix of strength training, mobility work, and conditioning. I’ll throw in jiu-jitsu or pad work here and there to stay sharp. A lot of it now is about longevity. I work hard to stay injury-free, move well, and keep my energy up for my family and the business. I train to live well now.

Q: The Wild Society Clear Whey Isolate Protein with Electrolytes is a really interesting product. Why were these ingredients important to you, and what is your process for developing a product like this?

TJ:
Clear Whey Isolate with Electrolytes came straight from experience. After intense workouts, especially during fight camps, I didn’t always want a heavy shake. I wanted something light, refreshing, and fast-digesting that still hit my protein goals. Adding electrolytes made it even more useful for hydration and recovery. This product checks both boxes: clean protein and essential hydration.

Q: The day-to-day workload of running a company is so different than training for a fight. What has the transition been like? And what advice do you have for people with sedentary jobs who still want to stay active?

TJ:
The transition was humbling. In the cage, you have one focus: train, perform, recover, repeat. In business, it’s a whole different fight. I’m constant problem-solving, managing people, and building strategy. But I love it. I have to apply the same discipline and structure to a new arena.

For people at desks all day, my biggest tip is: create non-negotiable movement habits. Ten-minute walks after meals. A few bodyweight exercises between Zoom calls. A standing desk if you can. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just consistent. Motion is medicine, especially when your job is sedentary.

Q: For people who live with chronic illness and can’t move as much as they want to, what tips do you have for prioritizing wellness?

TJ:
Wellness is also about mindset, nutrition, and doing what you can do. Focus on small wins: staying hydrated, eating nutrient-dense foods, getting sunlight, prioritizing sleep, and managing stress. If movement is limited, even breathwork can make a difference.

You don’t have to train like a pro to be well. You just have to show up for yourself in the ways that are available to you. That consistency adds up.

Q: In your founder’s statement, you said that in your 30s you realized you needed to make big changes to your nutrition. How are you supporting your health now, and what advice do you have for people 40+ who want to stay strong and active?

TJ:
In my 30s, I realized I couldn’t outwork a bad diet anymore. My recovery slowed down, inflammation kicked up, and the same old habits stopped working. Now, I focus on clean fuel, consistent training, and smarter recovery. I also pay more attention to gut health and quality sleep.

For anyone 40 and up: strength training is your best friend. It keeps your metabolism up and helps prevent injuries. Pair that with a high-protein diet, walk daily, and cut the processed stuff. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

Q: You mentioned that becoming a husband and father gave you a new perspective on wellness. What advice do you have for busy dads who want to get more active?

TJ:
Fatherhood changed everything for me. It’s not just about staying fit for me anymore — it’s about being there, present and healthy, for my family. For busy dads, my advice is: integrate movement into your life, not around it. Play outside with your kids. Go on hikes. Bike rides. Build obstacle courses in the backyard. Fitness doesn’t have to mean gym time. It can be fun, family time.

And remember, the best thing you can give your kids is a healthy example. Show them what it looks like to take care of yourself and they’ll follow your lead.

We recently featured Wild Society Clear Whey Isolate Protein with Electrolytes in our 2025 Mother’s & Father’s Day Gift Guide, and Jai and I have been loving these protein shakes – the electrolytes are especially crucial in the summer months! To learn more about Wild Society Nutrition and order online, visit WildSocietyNutrition.com, where you can also read the story behind Wild Society’s origin. and be sure to follow them @wildsocietynutrition on Instagram and Facebook and @wild_society_nutrition on TikTok. And you can follow the champ, TJ Dillashaw himself on Instagram @TJDillashaw!

What was your favorite piece of advice from TJ Dillashaw?