12-Feb-23
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3WTJODADj0xCwF609nhKmd
This podcast dives into the UFC Fight Night event in Perth, Australia, with Joe Rogan joined by Eddie Bravo, Bryan Callen, and Brendan Schaub to discuss the fights and provide their expert commentary. The conversation is filled with provocative insights, humorous banter, and passionate arguments about the sport, including its impact on fighters’ lives, the ethics of the business, and the future of MMA.
Here are some major topics explored during the podcast:
- Yair Rodríguez’s Striking Style:
* A deep dive into the unique and dynamic striking style of Yair Rodríguez, emphasizing his Taekwondo background and his ability to land “telling blows.”
* Discussion about whether Yair’s style makes him the most dynamic striker in UFC history, leading to debate about the meaning of “dynamic” in MMA.
* Comparison of Yair’s techniques with other top strikers like Max Holloway and Wonderboy Thompson.
* Speculation about Yair’s potential in future fights, especially at a higher weight class. - Islam Makhachev vs. Alex Volkanovski:
* An intense prediction debate about the main event fight between Islam Makhachev and Alex Volkanovski, with strong opinions about each fighter’s strengths and weaknesses.
* Analysis of the key factors in the fight, including size, strength, wrestling, striking, and the psychological impact of Makhachev’s dominance.
* Exploration of the possibility of Volkanovski defying the odds and showcasing his striking ability despite Makhachev’s grappling prowess.
* Discussion about the historical significance of the fight and the potential for Volkanovski to cement his place among the greatest fighters of all time if he wins. - The Power and Impact of “The Squeeze”:
* A focus on Islam Makhachev’s “squeeze” as a key aspect of his grappling style.
* Exploration of the psychological and physical effects of Makhachev’s “squeeze” on his opponents, particularly its ability to force submissions.
* Discussion about the challenges of preparing for Makhachev’s “squeeze,” with anecdotes about its impact on fighters like Dan Hooker.
* Speculation about the potential for other fighters to overcome Makhachev’s “squeeze” and the impact of his strength on the future of the lightweight division. - The Impact of Weight Cutting on Fighters:
* A discussion about the dangerous practices of weight cutting in MMA, especially the “dehydration day” endured by fighters like Makhachev.
* Analysis of the risks associated with weight cutting and its potential effect on fighters’ performance, health, and longevity.
* Examination of the ethical implications of weight cutting, with discussions about the pressures and incentives that motivate fighters to undergo such extreme measures.
* Speculation about the potential for changes in weight cutting practices in the future of MMA. - The Role of Referees in MMA:
* A discussion about the importance of refereeing in MMA and the impact of good refereeing on fighter safety and the integrity of the sport.
* Examination of the qualities that make a great referee, including the ability to recognize when to stop fights, ensure fair play, and keep the fighters safe.
* Debate about the various refereeing styles and the specific cases where referees have been praised or criticized for their actions.
* Discussion about the potential for changes in refereeing practices in the future, particularly in terms of stopping fights earlier to protect fighters. - The Future of Boxing vs. MMA:
* Exploration of the growing trend of MMA fighters transitioning to boxing, with examples like Jose Aldo and Luke Rockhold.
* Discussion about the potential for cross-promotional boxing matches between MMA fighters and YouTubers like Logan Paul.
* Analysis of the factors that contribute to the appeal of boxing for MMA fighters, including the potential for large paydays and the opportunity to showcase their striking skills.
* Speculation about the future of boxing vs. MMA and the potential for more crossover events. - The Rise of Jack Della Maddalena:
* A spotlight on Jack Della Maddalena, a rising welterweight prospect in the UFC, with a focus on his knockout power and potential.
* Discussion about Della Maddalena’s striking style, especially his ability to land devastating right hands and his strategic use of body shots.
* Speculation about Della Maddalena’s potential future fights and his place among the top welterweights in the UFC.
* Recognition of his popularity with fans in Australia and the potential for him to become a headlining fighter. - The UFC’s Fight Companion Podcasts:
* A commentary on the format of the UFC Fight Companion podcasts and the value they provide to fans.
* Appreciation for the UFC’s efforts to give former fighters opportunities for commentary roles.
* Discussion about the unique dynamic of the Fight Companion podcasts, with a focus on the camaraderie and insights shared among the hosts.
* Speculation about the potential for future Fight Companion podcasts and their impact on the UFC’s fan engagement. - The Allure of Superheroes and Violence in Media:
* A discussion about the pervasive presence of superheroes in modern media and the impact of superhero franchises on the film industry.
* Analysis of the underlying reasons for the enduring appeal of superheroes, particularly the themes of power, heroism, and violence.
* Discussion about the potential for burnout from superhero films and the need for new and compelling stories in the genre.
* Comparison of superhero films with other genres like historical dramas, with a focus on the appeal of violence and human conflict. - The “Northman” and Viking Culture:
* A deep dive into the “Northman” film, with a focus on its historical accuracy and its portrayal of Viking culture.
* Appreciation for the film’s brutality, realism, and the performances of the actors, especially Alexander Skarsgård.
* Discussion about the film’s potential impact on popular culture and its role in shaping perceptions of Viking history.
* Recognition of the film’s ability to transport viewers to a different time and place through its immersive storytelling. - The Impact of “The Last of Us” on TV:
* A discussion about the “Last of Us” TV series, with a focus on its faithfulness to the video game source material.
* Appreciation for the series’ emotional impact, its exploration of complex themes like love, loss, and survival, and its performances, especially Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.
* Speculation about the potential for future seasons and the series’ impact on the television landscape.
* Recognition of the series’ ability to capture the imagination of audiences and its potential to appeal to both fans of the video game and newcomers. - The Controversial World of “The Twitter Files”:
* A discussion about the “Twitter Files,” a series of revelations about Twitter’s internal practices and its relationship with government entities.
* Analysis of the implications of the “Twitter Files” for free speech, censorship, and the role of social media in shaping public opinion.
* Debate about the motives behind the release of the “Twitter Files” and the potential for further revelations.
* Speculation about the potential for legal action stemming from the “Twitter Files” and their lasting impact on social media platforms. - The Role of the FBI in Social Media Censorship:
* A discussion about the role of the FBI in shaping social media content, particularly in relation to the Hunter Biden laptop story.
* Exploration of the implications of the FBI’s involvement in social media censorship for free speech, political discourse, and the integrity of online platforms.
* Debate about the motivations behind the FBI’s actions and the potential for further government involvement in social media content moderation.
* Speculation about the potential for changes in the relationship between government agencies and social media platforms. - The Allure and Dangers of “The Dark Web”:
* A discussion about the “dark web,” a clandestine section of the internet, with a focus on its use for illegal activities.
* Exploration of the dangers associated with the “dark web,” including the sale of illegal goods and services, the spread of misinformation, and the potential for cybercrime.
* Discussion about the use of the “dark web” by intelligence agencies and the potential for it to be exploited by hostile actors.
* Speculation about the future of the “dark web” and its impact on online security and privacy. - The Ethical Implications of AI and Technology:
* A discussion about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, with a focus on their potential impact on jobs and society.
* Exploration of the possibilities and challenges posed by AI, including the development of autonomous vehicles, the automation of labor, and the potential for AI-generated content.
* Debate about the potential for AI to be misused for malicious purposes and the need for ethical guidelines and regulations.
* Speculation about the future of AI and its impact on the human experience. - The Impact of Drugs on Performance and Perception:
* An exploration of the use of drugs in MMA, with a focus on the use of performance-enhancing drugs and the ethical considerations.
* Discussion about the dangers of prescription drugs like Adderall and the potential for abuse and addiction.
* Sharing personal experiences with drugs and their impact on performance and perception.
* Speculation about the future of drug testing in MMA and the potential for more widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs. - The Business of MMA and the Influence of Money:
* A discussion about the financial realities of MMA and the influence of money on the sport.
* Examination of the role of sponsorships, pay-per-view events, and the UFC’s business model in shaping the sport.
* Debate about the fairness of compensation for fighters and the potential for changes in the UFC’s pay structure.
* Speculation about the future of MMA as a business and its potential for growth and profitability. - The Power of Belief Systems and Indoctrination:
* A discussion about the power of belief systems and the dangers of indoctrination, with examples from the world of religion and cults.
* Exploration of the psychological factors that contribute to the allure of belief systems, including the need for certainty, belonging, and meaning.
* Debate about the ethical implications of indoctrination and the potential for manipulation.
* Speculation about the potential for individuals to break free from harmful belief systems. - The Complexities of the Modern World:
* A broader discussion about the complexities of the modern world, with a focus on the interplay of technology, politics, and human behavior.
* Exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by a rapidly changing world.
* Speculation about the future of humanity and the potential for both progress and disaster.
* Recognition of the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of community in navigating a complex and often uncertain world.
Here are 5 memorable quotes from the podcast:
- “Yair Rodríguez is one of my favorite guys to watch. Killer. Because he does like Taekwondo shit, but he does it with a guy who knows everything else.” – Joe Rogan, emphasizing Yair’s unique and unpredictable style.
- “You gotta mind your peers, your accused, or he throws up triangles and arm bars.” – Joe Rogan, highlighting the danger of Charles Oliveira’s submission game.
- “He’s straight business. Straight business. Straight business. Straight business.” – Bryan Callen, describing Alex Volkanovski’s focused and professional approach to fighting.
- “That’s what happens when you get to that level, that level of the ability to hit the gas for five fucking rounds. Five rounds. Like Izzy and Pejida. Five rounds.” – Joe Rogan, discussing the remarkable stamina of elite MMA fighters.
- “It’s harder than any other sport. And I think what happens when you do that is that it’s hard to gain. Like you your your popularity will fall off as you lose.” – Joe Rogan, discussing the challenges of staying at the top of MMA, a sport where losses can significantly impact a fighter’s career.