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The backbreakers and Bites Podcast
Episode Twenty-One – Dustin Lamrpos
In this Episode Of The Podcast:
Contents
Show Notes and Highlights
About the Guest
About the Restaurant
Episode Extras
Featured Links
Show Notes and Highlights
Roots (8:55)
Dustin grew up in Freeburg, Illinois, a small farm town with little access to MMA training. He was first introduced to the sport after seeing The Ultimate Fighter and thinking it looked exciting. His real introduction came when a neighborhood kid, sporting a black eye, told him he was training in MMA. This piqued Lampros’ interest, leading him to take occasional jiu-jitsu classes.
On his 15th birthday, while his father was purchasing tickets for a local fight event, the promoter asked if Lampros wanted to fight. His father asked him, and he enthusiastically agreed, leading to his first kickboxing match that same night. This experience launched his journey into martial arts.
During high school, Lampros participated in multiple sports, including football and baseball, but trained in MMA only casually. He briefly tried wrestling in fourth grade but disliked it and quit after three days. Looking back, he now sees wrestling as something that could have benefited his career, but at the time, he had no interest. Despite his late start, his natural scrappiness and love for fighting eventually led him to pursue MMA seriously.
Transition from ATT to Kill Cliff (17:33)
In 2017-2018, Dustin returned home to Illinois to help his mother and younger brother, who was in middle school. After spending about six to seven months back home, he attempted to return to American Top Team (ATT), where he had trained for years. However, head coach Conan Silveira told him the gym was no longer the right place for him.
Despite having trained at ATT for three years, first as an amateur and later as a 2-0 professional fighter, he was unexpectedly denied reentry. Lampros reached out to Din Thomas, who initially supported his return but later informed him that Richie had an issue with him. Lampros never received a clear explanation for why he was unwelcome.
Though disappointed, he saw the situation as a blessing in disguise. A mutual friend introduced him to Henry Hooft, and after meeting, Lampros joined Kill Cliff FC. He has now been training there for six years.
COVID and The Ultimate Fighter Returns (24:25)
At the end of 2019, Dustin Lampros was 5-0, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut down many promotions, sidelining him for 18 months. He spoke with his manager, Charles McCarthy, about his next steps and expressed interest in The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). A few weeks later, McCarthy informed him that the show was returning with weight classes including 135 lbs, which was a perfect fit for Lampros. Out of 1,000 applicants, he was one of the eight selected.
Due to COVID delays, filming was pushed from January to April, further extending his time without a fight. Despite the layoff, he didn’t believe it affected his performance. He was confident going into his fight against Vince Murdock, seeing it as an ideal matchup due to his perceived advantages in reach and grappling. Under coach Alexander Volkanovski, he prepared for Murdock’s strengths, but during the fight, he got overly confident, dropped his hands, and was caught with a knee, leading to a loss.
Despite the setback, Lampros views the experience as a crucial learning moment. Looking back, he acknowledges that winning could have led to bigger opportunities, but he remains focused on his growth and future in the sport.
Changes in Motivation (40:22)
Dustin reflects on how his motivation for fighting has evolved. Initially, he fought to be the best, to be recognized, and to prove himself, but after winning his seventh pro fight, he felt empty and unfulfilled. Despite achieving financial stability, sponsorships, and a desirable lifestyle in South Florida, he realized none of it brought him true satisfaction.
During this time, he began praying and seeking purpose, especially as he got involved in his work with predator awareness. This shift changed his perspective—he now fights not just for personal love of the sport but also to use his platform to inspire and reach others. His reasons for continuing have become more meaningful, rooted in passion and a desire to make an impact beyond himself.
Craziest Predator Catching Experiences (47:49)
Dustin shares one of his craziest experiences while confronting a predator. A man he exposed warned him not to follow him to his car, which raised suspicion. As Lampros kept his distance, the man pulled out a gun and walked toward a Walmart entrance, causing everyone to rush inside and lock the doors. Fortunately, he didn’t fire the weapon, but it was a tense moment.
He also describes the frustration of dealing with predators who blatantly deny their actions, even when presented with undeniable evidence, like explicit photos with their own faces in them. While he wishes he could physically confront them, he remains restrained and focuses on his work. He clarifies that he doesn’t officially work with Delray PD but has built a rapport with them due to frequent calls regarding his investigations.
About Dustin Lampros
Dustin “Scrappy” Lampros was born on April 17, 1994, in Freeburg, Illinois. He is a professional MMA fighter competing in the bantamweight division. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, he fights out of Delray Beach, Florida. He represents Kill Cliff FC in his professional career.
Lampros started his professional MMA journey with a strong 5-0 record. All his victories came by knockout or submission finishes. This early success earned him a spot on “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 29. He joined coach Alexander Volkanovski’s team on the show.
On TUF, Lampros faced Vince Murdock in an exhibition fight. He lost the fight by first-round knockout. After leaving TUF, he resumed his professional career with an undefeated 9-0 record. His wins include six knockouts, one submission, and one decision.
A major highlight was his first-round TKO victory against Scott Ettling. The fight took place at Shamrock FC 349 in September 2023.
Outside MMA, Lampros is active in child safety advocacy. He co-founded 561 Predator Catcher to expose online predators. His group uses decoys and documented confrontations to catch offenders. They work with law enforcement to help bring justice.
Lampros remains committed to both MMA and community activism. His dedication defines him as both a fighter and protector.
About Souvlaki Time
Souvlaki Time in Boca Raton, Florida, is a popular Greek restaurant known for authentic and flavorful dishes. It’s a favorite spot for locals due to its fresh ingredients and excellent customer service. Patrons often rave about the food’s quality and the welcoming atmosphere.
The menu features classic Greek dishes like gyros, souvlaki, and baklava. The gyros are especially praised for their tenderness. Customers also recommend the crispy fries, hummus, and signature tzatziki sauce. The baklava is a fan favorite, offering a perfect balance of sweetness.
Souvlaki Time is known for its commitment to fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. The dishes are consistently delicious and well-prepared. The restaurant caters to various dietary preferences, offering options for vegetarians and gluten-free customers.
The restaurant holds a 4.2-star rating on Yelp, with numerous five-star reviews praising the food and service. On Facebook, it enjoys a 94% recommendation rate. Reviewers often mention the restaurant’s consistency and quality.
Overall, Souvlaki Time provides great food, service, and value, making it a must-visit spot in Boca Raton.