Who we are

The Hurt Handbook began in 2021 as an Instagram blog where journalism student and MMA fan Robert Cardillo would give his thoughts on MMA news and events.

In 2022, Cardillo’s friend Evan Ortiz joined him to create a podcast which has ultimately led to a steadily growing YouTube channel where the longtime friends break down UFC events, as well as other promotions in combat sports.

The pair have also done numerous interviews with fighters, pundits, and promoters. Cardillo and Ortiz have also traveled to cover fight cards in the past which has led to numerous entertaining vlogs and fascinating interviews on YouTube.

  • Robert Cardillo

    FOUNDER/PODCAST HOST

    Robert Cardillo is a combat sports journalist for The Hurt Handbook who graduated from William Paterson University in 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a focus in Broadcast Journalism. At William Paterson’s 2024 Maltese Awards, Cardillo won the Outstanding Emerging Journalist Award. He’s interviewed multiple UFC champions including Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling, as well as MMA pundits like Ariel Helwani.

  • Evan Ortiz

    PODCAST HOST

    Evan Ortiz covers combat sports for The Hurt Handbook serving as a co-host on weekly podcasts. Ortiz has been training martial arts for a year and a half with The Cash Money team at the Frankie Edgar UFC Gym in Riverdale New Jersey and has trained with multiple former UFC fighters. He’s interviewed respected fighters such as UFC welterweight Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, Karate Combat Heavyweight Champion Sam Alvey, and former UFC featherweight/lightweight Dennis Bermudez. Ortiz hopes to compete in some capacity in the near future and document each step of the way through The Hurt Handbook.

  • James Pellegrino

    TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

    James Pellegrino is a technical director for The Hurt Handbook who graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2024 with Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a focus in TV/Film, while also minoring Design & Creative Technology. Pellegrino has experience in video/audio production, having produced The Hurt Handbook Live, as well as Lion’s Television at The College New Jersey.