Brendan Schaub
A former heavyweight fighter leaning into broad act-outs with aggressive confidence.
2 specials · 2019–2022
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Brendan Schaub works a stage like he is holding court in a crowded locker room. He uses his size and volume to muscle through premises, pacing with a heavy strut and routinely slapping the microphone against his thigh to signal that a punchline has arrived. His vocabulary comes straight from the podcast studio. Women are “dime pieces” and he frequently refers to himself as “daddy”. He leans into big physical act-outs, dropping his imposing frame into rigid postures to imitate the people in his stories.
Specials
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Showtime · 60 min
On stage
He occupies a strange space in the comedy world. Because he already had a built-in audience from The Fighter and the Kid, he bypassed the traditional years of playing to empty basements and went straight to theaters. This abrupt arrival spawned an entire internet subculture that watches his every move. He has a community of anti-fans who study his specials frame by frame, creating a dynamic where his most dedicated viewers are the ones tracking his missteps.
The material leans on broad sitcom setups. He builds long stories around culture clashes with his Mexican wife, his kids, and the daily annoyances of a keto diet. He does not sweat the structural details of a joke, preferring to just power through. He is immune to embarrassment on stage, plowing ahead with the exact same aggressive bravado whether a bit gets a roar or hits a wall of silence.
Before standup, he fought as a heavyweight in the UFC. That athletic background explains how he handles a quiet room: he just keeps moving forward, trying to win the crowd over through sheer physical endurance.
Turning points
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2014–2015
Podcast Intervention and MMA Retirement Announcement
Following a knockout loss at UFC 181, Joe Rogan and Bryan Callen conducted an on-air podcast intervention encouraging Schaub to step away from professional fighting and pursue comedy, leading to his official retirement from MMA in October 2015.
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Release of Debut Special You'd Be Surprised
Schaub released his first stand-up comedy special You'd Be Surprised, solidifying his transition from a joint stage act with Bryan Callen to a solo comedy performer.
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Independent Premiere of The Gringo Papi
Schaub self-released his second stand-up special The Gringo Papi on his Thiccc Boy YouTube channel, drawing widespread online discussion and criticism across the stand-up comedy community.
At a glance
- Born
- , Aurora, Colorado
- On stage
- since 2015
- Style
- observational, storytelling
- Breakout
- You'd Be Surprised
- Topics
- Elsewhere
- Wikipedia
Fans also like
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Bryan CallenSchaub's longtime co-host on The Fighter and the Kid and initial comedy touring partner who shares his foundational fanbase.
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Chris D'EliaCo-host alongside Schaub on The Golden Hour, sharing an overlapping audience within the West Coast comedy podcast scene.
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Erik Griffin
Serves as a co-host on The Golden Hour, creating direct creative chemistry and regular crossover exposure for Schaub's audience.
Podcasts
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The Fighter and the Kid · co-host
Long-running podcast co-hosted by Schaub and Bryan Callen covering sports, comedy, and personal anecdotes.
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Below the Belt with Brendan Schaub · host
Combat sports, lifestyle, and entertainment podcast and show hosted solo by Brendan Schaub.
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The Golden Hour · co-host
Comedy podcast co-hosted by Brendan Schaub alongside fellow stand-up comedians Chris D'Elia and Erik Griffin.
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King and the Sting · co-host
Comedy podcast originally launched in 2018 featuring roasts, fan interactions, and topical banter.
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The Schaub Show · host
Solo podcast hosted by Schaub focusing on combat sports analysis and pop culture.
Also on screen
- The Fighter & the Kid 3D
- Range 15
- Film Fest
- The Tax Collector
- Normal World
A clip to start with
Brendan Schaub: The Gringo Papi | STAND UP COMEDY SPECIAL