JRE MMA Show #138 with Cory Sandhagen

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7-Apr-23

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JRE MMA Show #138 with Cory Sandhagen – Topic Analysis

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience delves into the mind of Cory Sandhagen, a rising star in the UFC’s Bantamweight division, as he discusses his approach to fighting, the mental game, and his unique training methods. Provocative topics include Sandhagen’s “out-of-body” experience during his fight with Marlon Vera, his shift away from an “angry” mentality, and his views on the current state of the UFC Bantamweight division. Underlying themes explore the power of mindfulness and presence, the importance of self-learning and strategic thinking in combat sports, and the need for a more comprehensive scoring system in MMA.

Major Topics:

  1. Sandhagen’s “Out-of-Body” Experience:
    1. Cory describes a unique mental state during his fight with Marlon Vera, where he felt detached from his physical body and observing the fight from a higher perspective.
    2. He attributes this experience to a shift in mindset and a focus on presence and mindfulness rather than aggression.
    3. He emphasizes the importance of being able to ignore distractions and react instinctively, becoming a “better version” of himself in the fight.
    4. This experience highlights the intricate connection between mental and physical performance in MMA, and how a heightened sense of awareness can lead to superior results.
  2. The Evolution of Sandhagen’s Mindset:
    1. Sandhagen candidly discusses his transition from a war-like mentality to a more mindful approach, recognizing the limitations of solely relying on anger and aggression.
    2. He acknowledges that his previous approach, fueled by a “vicious killer” persona, became distracting and ultimately detrimental to his performance.
    3. He highlights the importance of finding a balance, recognizing that a warrior mentality can be useful in certain situations but ultimately needs to be controlled and channeled.
    4. This evolution underscores the personal growth and maturity required to become a top-level fighter, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and adaptation.
  3. Sandhagen’s Unique Training Philosophy:
    1. Cory emphasizes self-learning and independent thinking as crucial to his development, rejecting a purely coach-driven approach.
    2. He focuses on building a reliable, adaptable style based on fundamental principles, prioritizing techniques that work consistently rather than relying on tricks.
    3. He details his rigorous conditioning regimen, pushing himself to exhaustion in sparring to build mental focus and resilience.
    4. This unconventional approach highlights the power of individual initiative and the importance of tailoring training to one’s specific strengths and weaknesses.
  4. The UFC Bantamweight Division:
    1. Sandhagen acknowledges the incredible depth and talent within the UFC Bantamweight division, making it one of the most competitive in the entire organization.
    2. He highlights the incredible level of skill and athleticism required to compete at the top of this division, emphasizing the need for constant improvement and relentless pursuit of excellence.
    3. He discusses the intense pressure cooker environment that pushes fighters to their limits, fostering a constant drive to elevate their game.
    4. Sandhagen’s enthusiasm and respect for this division demonstrate the unique energy and excitement that exists within this weight class.
  5. The Need for MMA Scoring System Reform:
    1. Sandhagen passionately critiques the current MMA scoring system, arguing for a more comprehensive and objective approach to judge fights.
    2. He suggests a universal commission to standardize rules and eliminate inconsistencies in judging, emphasizing the importance of fairness and consistency.
    3. He proposes a point system that more accurately reflects the various aspects of MMA, including takedowns, submissions, and ground control.
    4. Sandhagen’s arguments underscore the need for a more nuanced understanding of MMA and the potential for a more accurate and equitable scoring system.
  6. Sandhagen’s Views on Striking:
    1. Sandhagen elaborates on his unique approach to striking, focusing on principles of space, position, and angles rather than relying on pre-determined combinations.
    2. He highlights the importance of stance switching and manipulating space to gain a tactical advantage and overwhelm opponents.
    3. He argues that many fighters lack a deep understanding of striking’s underlying principles, leading to reliance on tricks that become predictable.
    4. Sandhagen’s insights provide a deeper look at the strategic nuances of striking in MMA, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and spatial awareness.
  7. The Importance of Mental Toughness:
    1. Sandhagen emphasizes the mental battle within a fight, highlighting the need to manage fear, anxiety, and self-doubt during the final hour before a bout.
    2. He emphasizes the importance of finding mental peace and presence in the face of pressure, allowing for clear decision-making and optimal performance.
    3. He discusses the grueling nature of MMA training, pushing both body and mind to their limits, highlighting the mental resilience required to become a top fighter.
    4. This theme underscores the importance of mental discipline and the constant battle against internal demons in achieving success in MMA.
  8. Sandhagen’s Approach to Self-Hypnosis:
    1. Sandhagen openly discusses his use of self-hypnosis as a tool for relaxation, visualization, and accessing deeper levels of consciousness.
    2. He uses guided meditations and visualization techniques to achieve a heightened state of focus and prepare mentally for fights.
    3. He emphasizes the importance of tapping into one’s inner self and utilizing mental tools to enhance performance.
    4. This aspect of Sandhagen’s training highlights the evolving landscape of MMA preparation, incorporating mental techniques beyond traditional physical conditioning.
  9. Sandhagen’s Perspective on MMA as an Art Form:
    1. Sandhagen views MMA as an art form, emphasizing the creativity, strategic thinking, and athleticism that go into a successful performance.
    2. He sees his fight against Marlon Vera as a testament to the beauty of MMA, showcasing a high level of skill, strategy, and execution.
    3. He compares MMA to other art forms, recognizing the value and beauty found in various creative endeavors.
    4. This perspective challenges the notion of MMA solely as a brutal sport, highlighting its artistic and intellectual aspects.
  10. Sandhagen’s Reflections on Identity:
    1. Sandhagen grapples with the complexities of identity, acknowledging how being a fighter has shaped his self-perception.
    2. He highlights the dangers of relying solely on a fighter identity, recognizing the potential for a shattering experience when faced with setbacks or losses.
    3. He emphasizes the importance of embracing a broader sense of self, recognizing the multifaceted nature of the human experience beyond a singular identity.
    4. Sandhagen’s honest reflections on identity provide a glimpse into the psychological journey of a fighter, exploring the challenges of personal growth and finding meaning beyond a defined role.
  11. Sandhagen’s Views on the Future of MMA:
    1. Sandhagen acknowledges the ongoing evolution of MMA, recognizing its potential to continue to break new ground in terms of skill, athleticism, and strategy.
    2. He expresses excitement about the emergence of new talents and the potential for fighters to develop innovative techniques and approaches.
    3. He envisions MMA as a sport that continues to push boundaries and challenge conventional norms.
    4. Sandhagen’s optimistic outlook reflects the dynamic and exciting nature of MMA, highlighting its potential for continued growth and innovation.
  12. Sandhagen’s Thoughts on Kickboxing:
    1. Sandhagen argues for the inclusion of kickboxing in the UFC, highlighting its potential as a popular and entertaining addition to the organization’s offerings.
    2. He praises the exciting nature of kickboxing, specifically with smaller gloves, which he believes would add to the visual and tactical elements of the sport.
    3. He recognizes the popularity of kickboxing in other parts of the world, highlighting its potential to attract new audiences to the UFC.
    4. Sandhagen’s advocacy for kickboxing reflects a desire for the UFC to explore and embrace different martial arts styles and showcase their unique aspects.
  13. Sandhagen’s Personal Hobbies:
    1. Sandhagen reveals his passion for spikeball, a relatively new sport that he plans to pursue in the future.
    2. He discusses his interest in bow hunting, highlighting the thrill and challenges of this activity.
    3. Sandhagen’s interests beyond MMA demonstrate a diverse personality and a desire to engage in different activities.
    4. This aspect of his life showcases the importance of balance and finding joy outside of professional combat sports.
  14. Sandhagen’s Thoughts on the Future of Technology:
    1. Sandhagen expresses concern about the potential dangers of AI, speculating about its potential to surpass human intelligence and create unpredictable consequences.
    2. He acknowledges the potential for advancements in technology to solve complex issues like cancer and extend lifespans.
    3. He highlights the possibility of incorporating AI into human biology, creating a new type of cyborg existence.
    4. Sandhagen’s reflections on technology and its potential impact on humanity offer a thought-provoking perspective on the future.
  15. The Younger Dryas Impact Theory:
    1. Sandhagen discusses the Younger Dryas impact theory, a controversial idea that suggests a catastrophic asteroid impact event occurred around 11,800 years ago.
    2. He highlights the evidence of nanodiamonds and Iridium deposits that support this theory, suggesting a major event that coincides with the end of the Ice Age.
    3. He discusses the potential for this impact to have wiped out a sophisticated civilization that existed prior to the event, leaving behind a fragmented and brutal human society.
    4. Sandhagen’s exploration of this theory offers a glimpse into alternative perspectives on human history and the possibility of a lost civilization.
  16. The Mysteries of Ancient Egypt:
    1. Sandhagen delves into the mysteries surrounding ancient Egypt, questioning the sophistication of the civilization and the methods used to construct its monumental structures.
    2. He highlights the lack of evidence for the technology used to move and carve massive stones, suggesting a level of knowledge beyond our current understanding.
    3. He speculates on the potential for a lost civilization with advanced technologies that have yet to be fully understood.
    4. Sandhagen’s reflections on ancient Egypt provide a reminder of humanity’s limited knowledge and the potential for uncovering hidden historical truths.
  17. Sandhagen’s Thoughts on the “Realness” of MMA:
    1. Sandhagen emphasizes the raw and visceral nature of MMA, contrasting it with the entertainment aspects that often overshadow the sport’s inherent brutality.
    2. He emphasizes the intensity and risk involved in the fight, where fighters push their bodies and minds to their absolute limits.
    3. He highlights the importance of respecting the realness of the fight and acknowledging the dangers and sacrifices involved.
    4. Sandhagen’s perspective challenges the romanticized view of MMA, recognizing its brutal reality while also acknowledging its appeal and allure.
  18. Sandhagen’s Perspective on the “Barbarian” Nature of Humanity:
    1. Sandhagen explores the cyclical nature of human civilization, suggesting a tendency to revert to barbarism in times of societal collapse or hardship.
    2. He acknowledges the primal instincts that exist within all humans, and the potential for these instincts to manifest in destructive ways when faced with survival challenges.
    3. He highlights the dark side of human nature, as depicted in apocalyptic movies and stories, emphasizing the potential for cruelty and violence.
    4. Sandhagen’s reflections offer a sobering perspective on human nature and the potential for civilization to be fragile and susceptible to regression.
  19. MMA as a Proxy for War:
    1. Sandhagen suggests that MMA serves as a proxy for war, allowing individuals to channel primal instincts and aggressive tendencies in a controlled environment.
    2. He recognizes the appeal of MMA as a way to express and explore violence without engaging in actual warfare.
    3. He highlights the cathartic nature of the sport, providing a safe outlet for individuals to experience and release aggressive energies.
    4. This perspective suggests that MMA offers a way to transcend humanity’s violent past while still embracing its innate instincts.
  20. Sandhagen’s Future Goals:
    1. Sandhagen discusses his upcoming wedding and his desire to compete before the event, highlighting his commitment to both his personal and professional life.
    2. He expresses his interest in fighting top contenders in the Bantamweight division, including Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili.
    3. He acknowledges the potential for a title shot in the future, depending on the outcome of the upcoming Henry Cejudo vs. Aljamain Sterling fight.
    4. Sandhagen’s ambition and desire to continue pushing himself in the sport highlight his dedication and competitive spirit.

5 Memorable Quotes

  1. “It’s almost like I was watching the thing happen while I was in the fight.”
  2. “I had to figure out what it was like for me to be like, a vicious killer, you know, because in society, that’s, like, not cool.”
  3. “I really think that having the concentration to focus for those 40 minutes makes it way easier for me to focus in the 25 minutes.”
  4. “I’m very thoughtful. I don’t think I’m a smart guy. Like, I think that I read a lot of books, so I speak kinda okay. And then but I’m not smart.”
  5. “I think it’s almost too good where I feel like the world’s gonna end pretty soon.”



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