22-Jun-24
This episode of Joe Rogan’s “Fight Companion” podcast dives deep into the world of mixed martial arts, exploring upcoming fights, fighter personalities, and the intricacies of the sport. Rogan is joined by his friend and co-host, Brian Simpson, for a spirited conversation that delves into a diverse range of topics, from phone preferences to the controversial world of performance-enhancing drugs. Underlying themes of the podcast explore the psychology of fighters, the allure and dangers of pushing physical limits, and the complex relationship between athletic performance and individual identity.
1. The Phone Debate:
Joe expresses his preference for Android phones, highlighting the advanced features of his Samsung phone, like the improved camera, anti-glare screen, and voice-to-text capabilities. Brian advocates for the iPhone, emphasizing its simplicity and user-friendliness. This seemingly trivial debate reveals a deeper theme of individual preferences in a world of evolving technology and the importance of finding the right tools for personal needs.
2. The Benefits of a Fixed Deviated Septum:
Joe recounts his experience getting his deviated septum fixed, detailing how the surgery significantly improved his breathing and overall physical performance, especially in jiu-jitsu. This discussion sheds light on the often overlooked impact of physical ailments on athletic performance and the potential for seemingly minor surgeries to dramatically change the lives of athletes.
3. The Controversial World of “Fresh Heat”:
Joe and Brian engage in a hilarious and somewhat reckless exploration of nasal snuff, a tobacco product known as “fresh heat.” This segment highlights the diverse interests and sometimes unconventional hobbies of Joe Rogan, demonstrating his willingness to explore new experiences and push boundaries, even if it means sacrificing personal comfort.
4. Nicotine as a Nootropic:
Joe and Brian delve into the potential cognitive benefits of nicotine, challenging the negative stigma often associated with the substance. They discuss its role in boosting cognitive performance and cite Stephen King’s experiences with smoking as a writer. This segment explores the complex relationship between substances and human creativity, raising questions about the potential for substances to enhance or hinder artistic expression.
5. The “Fuck Around and Find Out” Moment:
Joe shares a captivating story about a friend, Joe Schilling, a world champion kickboxer, who effortlessly handles a drunk, belligerent man at a bar. The man tries to pick a fight with Schilling, only to be quickly and decisively knocked out with a three-piece combo. This story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of underestimating the power of skilled fighters, showcasing the immediate consequences of challenging those who possess a dangerous level of combat expertise.
6. The Rise of Michael Vanham Page:
Joe and Brian dissect the fighting style of Michael Vanham Page, a rising star in the UFC. They highlight his elite point fighting techniques, unorthodox striking, and ability to close distance quickly. They compare him to other elite strikers, like Wonderboy, and discuss the difficulties of finding training partners who can effectively challenge his unique fighting style. This conversation examines the strategic aspects of MMA, demonstrating how different fighting styles present unique challenges to opponents, requiring different approaches and training methods.
7. The “Bogeyman” of the Heavyweight Division:
Joe discusses the enigma that is Hamzat Chimaev, a fighter known for his incredible physical abilities and relentless aggression. He discusses Chimaev’s frequent injuries and the fact that he hasn’t yet had a definitive win over a top-ranked opponent in the welterweight division. This discussion explores the unpredictable nature of MMA, showcasing the challenges of predicting future success and the importance of continued development and consistency in the sport.
8. The One-Eyed Assassin:
Joe and Brian discuss the remarkable story of Char-Bullet Magamadov, a UFC fighter who has overcome a significant eye injury to become a formidable striker. They discuss the challenges he faces with depth perception and the perseverance he displays in continuing to compete at a high level. This segment examines the impact of physical limitations on athletic performance, highlighting the resilience and determination required to succeed despite adversity.
9. The UFC’s Strategy with Izzy:
Joe discusses the UFC’s decision to give Israel Adesanya a title shot despite his recent loss. He argues that this move is strategic and reflects the UFC’s commitment to creating exciting matchups, even if it means defying traditional expectations. This segment delves into the business side of MMA, exploring the UFC’s balancing act between promoting top talent and attracting viewers, emphasizing the dynamic between entertainment and competitive integrity.
10. The “Champagne of Beers” Marketing Strategy:
Joe and Brian discuss the marketing strategies of various companies, including Miller Lite’s attempt to appeal to women by calling their beer the “champagne of beers” and the tobacco industry’s use of the term “freedom torches” to make cigarettes more appealing to women during the suffragette movement. This segment explores the evolution of marketing strategies and how companies manipulate public perceptions to sell products, highlighting the power of language and branding.
11. The Saturated Fat Debate:
Joe challenges the commonly held belief that saturated fat is bad for you, arguing that it plays a crucial role in the human body, contributing to myelin production and hormone production. He advocates for a ketogenic diet, which emphasizes saturated fats, and criticizes the “sugar movement” that has demonized fats in favor of carbohydrates. This segment explores the complex relationship between diet and health, challenging conventional wisdom and promoting a more nuanced understanding of nutrition.
12. The “LeBron James of MMA”:
Joe compares Bo Nickal, a rising MMA star, to LeBron James, highlighting his incredible wrestling skills and the high expectations that surround him. He argues that Nickal is a true blue-chip prospect with the potential to dominate the sport, but warns that he should avoid entering the UFC too soon to avoid the pressure and potential for burnout. This segment explores the pressure and challenges faced by young, highly-touted athletes, comparing the experiences of MMA stars to those in other professional sports.
13. The “TRT Era” of MMA:
Joe and Brian discuss the use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in MMA and its impact on the sport. They recall the controversy surrounding fighters like Nate Marquardt and Johnny Hendricks, who were flagged for high testosterone levels, and discuss the ethical and practical concerns surrounding TRT. This segment dives into the complex issue of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, exploring the ethical boundaries of using substances to enhance athletic performance.
14. The Future of Transgender Identity:
Joe speculates about the future of transgender identity and the potential for medical advancements to allow for the complete biological transition from male to female and vice versa. He discusses the implications of such technology on our understanding of gender and the potential for societal shifts. This segment touches on the evolving landscape of gender identity and the ethical considerations surrounding future medical advancements.
15. The Neanderthal Theory:
Joe discusses a theory about Neanderthals, suggesting that they may have looked more like gorillas than humans, with large eyes that allowed them to see at night. He also explores the idea that they may have hunted humans, based on various documentaries and scientific findings. This segment explores the fascination with human evolution and the enduring mysteries surrounding our past, inviting listeners to contemplate the relationship between our species and our extinct ancestors.
16. The Importance of Music:
Joe and Brian discuss the importance of music in their lives, expressing their appreciation for various genres, including country and hip-hop. They talk about the use of AI in music creation and its potential to revolutionize the industry. This segment explores the personal impact of music and its role in shaping culture and entertainment.
17. The Conor McGregor Injury and Mindset:
Joe discusses Conor McGregor’s recent injury and his decision to pull out of his fight with Michael Chandler. He praises McGregor’s decision, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health and avoiding potential further damage. This segment explores the psychology of fighters and the delicate balance between pushing boundaries and protecting one’s body.
18. The “So Bad It’s Good” Movie:
Joe and Brian discuss Dan Hardy’s recent foray into filmmaking, specifically his film “The 10th Planet.” Despite its negative reviews, Joe argues that the film is entertaining because it’s so bad, highlighting the cultural phenomenon of “so bad it’s good” movies. This segment explores the subjective nature of entertainment and the potential for even critically-panned films to find an audience.
19. The “It Factor” in MMA:
Joe discusses the intangible “it factor” that some fighters possess, attributing it to charisma, personality, and a certain star power. He highlights fighters like Paddy Pimblett, who have gained popularity beyond their current skill level. This segment explores the marketing and cultural aspects of MMA, showcasing how factors beyond pure athletic prowess can contribute to a fighter’s success.
20. The Future of the UFC:
Joe outlines his vision for the future of the UFC, suggesting changes to the rules, such as eliminating weight cutting and introducing a point system for fighters based on performance and wins. He discusses the UFC’s financial strategy and its potential for further expansion. This segment provides a glimpse into Joe Rogan’s thoughts on the evolution of the sport and his vision for its future, showcasing his passion for MMA and his desire to see the sport improve.
5 Memorable Quotes:
- “You can’t fight full pace for five rounds. No one can do it.” – Joe Rogan, acknowledging the incredible physical demands of MMA.
- “If you want to get mentally tough, go outside and run, man. It’s fucking tough.” – Joe Rogan, emphasizing the mental strength required to endure challenging workouts.
- “This is where you see how good the UFC is when you’re at the higher echelon. Because this is super crap everybody, this uppercut.” – Joe Rogan, praising the UFC’s ability to create exciting and high-stakes matchups.
- “You gotta be that dude, whether you have to call his name, you do it.” – Joe Rogan, discussing the mental toughness required to be a top fighter.
- “I think right now is the best time [for MMA]. I don’t think there’s ever been better fighters. I’ve never been more excited about weight classes and matchups.” – Joe Rogan, expressing his enthusiasm for the current state of MMA.