JRE MMA Show #125 with Aljamain Sterling

2-Jun-22

JRE MMA Show #125 with Aljamain Sterling

This podcast dives into the world of UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, offering a captivating blend of combat sports analysis, personal stories, and insightful discussions. Provocative topics include Sterling’s neck surgery, the controversial ending of his first fight with Petr Yan, and the unique challenges of navigating the UFC landscape. Underlying themes explore the importance of resilience, the constant evolution of MMA, and the complexities of building a successful fighting career.

1. Aljamain Sterling’s Neck Surgery:

   • Sterling’s neck injury stemmed from a wrestling slam during his freshman year of college, progressively worsening over time. He underwent numerous MRIs and treatments, but the pain persisted.
   • The severity of the injury led Sterling to contemplate pulling out of his first fight with Yan, but ultimately a cortisol shot provided temporary relief.
   • Despite the shot, Sterling re-injured his neck during training, ultimately requiring a disc replacement surgery, where an artificial disc was inserted.
   • Sterling’s recovery process involved addressing both physical and neurological issues, highlighting the complexity of such procedures and the importance of patience in recovery.

2. The Controversial Yan Fight and Concussion:

   • Sterling suffered a concussion from an illegal knee to the head during his first fight with Yan, leading him to be hospitalized.
   • Despite the concussion, Sterling was eager to fight Yan again, but his recovery took time, with push-ups and pull-ups proving to be particularly difficult.
   • The controversy surrounding the fight’s outcome, with Yan being disqualified for the illegal knee, sparked debate about judging criteria and the nature of concussions in combat sports.
   • Sterling’s perspective on the controversy, emphasizing his desire to fight Yan again in a fair match, highlights the complexities of handling such situations in the world of professional combat sports.

3. Aljamain Sterling’s Fighting Style and Back Control:

   • Sterling’s mastery of back control is highlighted as a key aspect of his fighting style, making him a threat in this position. His smooth transitions and effective submissions demonstrate his technical prowess.
   • The podcast compares Sterling’s back control to other specialists in particular positions, like Paul Sass’s infamous triangle choke, showcasing the power of dedicating oneself to a specific technique.
   • Sterling’s back control is deemed as his ultimate position in MMA, offering both safety and a multitude of submission options. His ability to maintain control is considered a testament to his strength and skill.
   • Sterling’s confident grin when securing back control highlights the emotional satisfaction he derives from mastering this technique and dominating opponents.

4. The Impact of Fights on Fighters:

   • The podcast explores the long-term effects of high-impact combat sports on fighters’ bodies, discussing the potential for injuries, CTE, and the mental toll of repeated blows.
   • Sterling’s personal experience with neck injury and concussion serves as a reminder of the risks associated with MMA, particularly the potential for long-term health consequences.
   • The conversation about Melrick Taylor’s decline following his brutal fight with Julio Caesar Chavez underscores the potential for fighters to be irreversibly impacted by certain fights, particularly in their prime.
   • The podcast highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of potential long-term damage and prioritizing the health and well-being of fighters, potentially necessitating difficult conversations about the future of their careers.

5. The Nature of Judging in MMA:

   • The 10-point must system used in MMA is criticized as not being comprehensive enough to reflect the nuances of the sport, particularly in grappling-heavy fights.
   • Sterling’s victory over Yan, which was scored as a split decision despite his dominant back control, sparks debate about the subjective nature of judging and the importance of considering both control and damage in scoring.
   • The conversation explores alternative scoring methods that may better capture the nuances of MMA, such as assigning points based on moments of significant damage or control.
   • Sterling’s perspective on the judging system, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach, reflects the frustration shared by many fighters who feel that the current system doesn’t always accurately reflect the fight’s outcome.

6. Aljamain Sterling’s Future Goals:

   • Sterling expresses his desire to move up to the bantamweight division, citing his size and the potential for lucrative fights against top contenders like Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski.
   • Sterling’s ambition to launch his own rum brand, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to diversify beyond his fighting career, illustrates the multifaceted nature of fighters’ aspirations.
   • Sterling’s willingness to share his knowledge and expertise through instructional videos and his podcast, “The Weekly Scraps,” emphasizes his commitment to giving back to the sport and supporting aspiring fighters.
   • Sterling’s desire to leave a lasting legacy in MMA, both through his fighting career and through his ventures beyond the Octagon, reflects the evolving landscape of combat sports and the growing importance of building a strong brand.

7. Fighter Pay and the UFC:

   • Sterling openly discusses the financial realities of fighting, revealing the high expenses associated with training, coaching, and management fees, highlighting the disparity in pay between UFC champions and lower-level fighters.
   • Sterling’s perspective on fighter pay, emphasizing the need for improvement and advocating for fair compensation for athletes, reflects the growing concerns within the MMA community regarding the balance of power between fighters and the UFC.
   • Sterling’s observations about the UFC’s focus on promoting the organization rather than individual fighters suggest a potential disconnect between the UFC’s business interests and the aspirations of its athletes.
   • Sterling’s argument for a more collaborative approach between fighters and the UFC, aiming for a mutually beneficial relationship that fosters long-term sustainability, reflects the desire for a fairer and more equitable system within the world of professional combat sports.

8. The Evolution of MMA:

   • Sterling highlights the remarkable evolution of MMA since its early days, emphasizing the significant advancements in technique, training methods, and overall skill level across all weight classes.
   • Sterling’s perspective on the changing landscape of MMA, noting the rising talent pool even at the regional level, underscores the increasing competition and the higher level of skill required to reach the top.
   • Sterling’s observations about the differences in fighting styles and approaches, comparing current fighters to those from the past, illustrate the dynamic nature of MMA and the constant adaptation of strategies.
   • The podcast’s exploration of MMA’s evolution serves as a testament to the sport’s enduring popularity and its ability to evolve and adapt to the changing times.

9. The Role of Mental Coaching:

   • Sterling discusses the use of mental coaches in MMA, exploring the potential benefits and drawbacks of utilizing such resources.
   • Sterling’s perspective on mental coaching, acknowledging both its potential to enhance performance and its potential to be perceived as a sign of weakness, highlights the complexities of mental training in a high-pressure environment.
   • The conversation delves into the importance of finding the right mental coach, emphasizing the need for a strong rapport and a shared understanding of the fighter’s needs and goals.
   • Sterling’s honest assessment of mental coaching, acknowledging both its potential for benefit and its potential for exploitation, showcases the critical thinking and self-awareness required for navigating such resources effectively.

10. The Importance of Time and Self-Reflection:

    • Sterling reflects on the preciousness of time and the importance of prioritizing self-care and reflection amidst the demanding schedule of a professional fighter.
    • Sterling’s struggles with balancing personal commitments and training responsibilities highlight the challenges of managing time effectively and setting boundaries to protect personal well-being.
    • The conversation explores the importance of avoiding distractions and finding time for reflection, acknowledging that such practices can contribute to both mental and physical performance.
    • Sterling’s insights into the need for self-awareness and setting boundaries to protect personal time and energy underscores the importance of a holistic approach to a fighting career.

11. The Power of Honesty:

    • Sterling emphasizes the value of honesty in both personal and professional life, particularly in the context of combat sports.
    • Sterling’s commitment to being transparent about his experiences, both in fighting and in his personal life, fosters trust and authenticity, resonating with listeners who value honesty and genuine conversation.
    • The podcast highlights the importance of honest self-reflection, recognizing one’s strengths and weaknesses, and embracing vulnerability as a path to growth.
    • Sterling’s belief in the power of honest conversations, particularly in the context of a podcast, encourages listeners to engage in meaningful dialogue and explore diverse perspectives.

12. The Legacy of MMA Pioneers:

    • Sterling expresses his admiration for the early pioneers of MMA, acknowledging their contributions to shaping the sport and paving the way for future generations of fighters.
    • Sterling’s perspective on the sacrifices made by early fighters, who often competed in a less regulated and less financially rewarding environment, underscores the historical significance of their contributions.
    • Sterling’s goal to build a long-term career, ensuring his post-fighting life is fulfilling and healthy, reflects the desire to learn from the past and create a more sustainable path for future fighters.
    • The podcast’s exploration of MMA’s history serves as a reminder of the sport’s constant evolution and the enduring legacy of those who shaped its early years.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “I’m not a fighter man. You work hard. You gotta think about the average person is not nearly as exhausted as physically as you are after a day of training.”
• “It’s a Gentlemen’s beverage. I like a good whiskey. Yeah. I really do. Scotch, whiskey, bourbon.”
• “That shit just seems intense. Well, you should do any kind of psychedelics. I say you should do it, but I haven’t done it. That’s only done g f DMT. Have you done how many grams?”
• “I always thought about doing that. You should do it. That shit just seems intense. Well, you should do any kind of psychedelics. I say you should do it, but I haven’t done it. That’s only done g f DMT. Have you done how many grams?”
• “That’s why I think this this is why I love the sport because it’s just There’s nothing else like this. Nothing like it. Like, I do this all the time and it doesn’t get old. Like, I get nervous that when I do because don’t wanna be fighting till I’m like 40 plus years. I don’t wanna do that.”