Longtime MMA Lab head coach John Crouch has opened up on the coaching philosophy and influences that have shaped his work with top UFC talent in Glendale, Ariz.
Crouch, who has coached multiple fighters to UFC and other major titles, including Benson Henderson’s WEC and UFC lightweight runs and Jamie Varner’s WEC title, said his life revolves around studying great coaches. "I love coaches and coaching. It's my life, so I study coaches," Crouch said.
He also addressed how he handles the growing recognition that comes with his reputation. "… It means a lot (getting praise), but you can't get too carried away with criticism and you can't get carried away with the praise. You just have to keep doing the right work," he said, adding, "Otherwise, you start believing what everybody else says, it's not good for you."
Crouch pointed to a wide range of coaching influences from MMA and beyond. "Greg Jackson is everybody's role model, I think, in MMA, and that's the one that motivated me the most. But (I look up to) all coaches," he said, while also name-checking Phil Jackson, Red Auerbach, Jimmy Johnson and Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla.
The MMA Lab currently features UFC names such as Mario Bautista, Jared Cannonier, Arnold Allen and Alex Caceres, and Crouch said he’s constantly pulling ideas from other sports. "I really am a fan of coaches in all genres… But yes, I try to take the things that I think will work and apply them to my sport, as well."
