13-Apr-22
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This podcast features Joe Rogan in conversation with Bobby Green, a mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC’s Lightweight division. The conversation dives deep into Bobby’s experiences in the MMA world, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and unconventional paths that have shaped his career. Provocative topics include drug use within MMA, controversial weight-cutting practices, and the complex dynamics of prison life. Underlying themes explore the importance of loyalty and mentorship, the complexities of navigating the MMA industry, and the resilience required to overcome adversity.
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Bobby Green’s Early MMA Journey:
- Bobby Green’s journey to MMA began with a wrestling background and a lack of formal striking experience. He fought frequently in Mexico, taking fights with very short notice.
- He started fighting to make money to support his newborn son, and he emphasizes the financial struggles that early MMA fighters faced.
- Green’s journey involved several coaches, including a controversial one who used to throw his fighters into dangerous fights, believing he would make money off the outcome.
- Green’s early fighting career was influenced by his desire to provide for his family and his lack of formal training.
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Bobby Green’s Controversial Coach:
- Bobby Green trained with a coach who was a tough guy, a “tape out guy,” and the biggest thing for MMA at the time.
- The coach was also gay, which Bobby Green was fine with, but he left the gym after finding out the coach was having sex with other guys at the gym.
- Green found this unprofessional, and it led to him leaving the gym and taking a break from MMA for a short while.
- This part of the story sheds light on the often-unconventional nature of early MMA gyms and the challenges that fighters face when trying to find a stable training environment.
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Bobby Green and the World of Pro Wrestling:
- Green combined professional wrestling moves into his real-life wrestling matches, making it more entertaining for audiences.
- He believes that his unique blend of styles could be brought into MMA and make the sport more exciting.
- Green thinks the reason WWE declined was because fans found out it was fake, which he feels is a similar problem to how fans may view MMA.
- He wonders if he could bring a more exciting, pro-wrestling-like element to MMA, highlighting the potential for entertaining storylines and characters within the sport.
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Bobby Green and His Father:
- Green’s father became his coach, providing him with stability and guidance after a turbulent period.
- Green’s father helped him develop his fighting skills and also provided him with important life lessons.
- This highlights the importance of mentorship and the lasting impact that a strong coach can have on a fighter’s career.
- Green’s father’s arrest for a car scam involving a missing Mercedes and the subsequent legal battle is a significant part of the podcast, revealing the lengths Green went to protect his father and the difficult circumstances they both faced.
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The Challenges of Prison Life:
- Green’s father was arrested and faced a potential 157-year sentence for a car scam. Green went into hiding, fearing he might be charged as an accomplice. This period highlights the immense pressure and fear associated with being caught up in a legal system.
- Green’s father spent a year in prison before being released after a private investigator uncovered evidence of a conflict of interest involving the judge and DA.
- This episode reveals the harsh realities of the justice system and the inherent biases that can impact people of color.
- Green describes his experience in prison, including the unwritten rules, gang politics, and the constant fear of violence. He emphasizes the need for self-preservation and the difficulty of navigating such an environment.
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Drug Use in MMA:
- Green openly discusses his history of marijuana use and how it impacted his fighting career. He believes marijuana is medicine, but he recognizes it’s detrimental to fighting.
- He argues that MMA’s weight-cutting practices, particularly in the Lightweight division, are harmful and impact fighters’ performance. He believes these practices are dangerous and should be reevaluated.
- Green talks about how fighters often use drugs to help them cope with the physical and mental strain of MMA.
- Green acknowledges the rampant use of PEDs within MMA, citing the prevalence of Thailand training camps, which are often seen as places where access to steroids and other substances is readily available. He expresses his concern about how fighters are getting away with using these substances and the potential risks involved.
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The Role of USADA and PEDs:
- Green believes that USADA is not always effective in catching fighters who use PEDs, citing the prevalence of training camps in Thailand and the ease of obtaining substances.
- He argues that the lifetime ban for testing positive for steroids is a fair consequence, but he also raises the issue of sabotage. He believes that it is possible for a fighter to have their test tampered with, highlighting the potential for malicious intent within the sport.
- Green openly discusses his knowledge of fighters using PEDs but refuses to name names, highlighting the complex ethical considerations involved in exposing those who break the rules.
- He criticizes the inconsistencies in USADA’s testing protocols, highlighting the potential for fighters to avoid testing if they are not perceived as high-risk.
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MMA’s Controversial Weight-Cutting Practices:
- Green discusses the weight-cutting practices in MMA, arguing that they are detrimental to fighters’ performance and health.
- He believes that weight-cutting puts fighters at a disadvantage because it affects their power and endurance.
- He thinks that MMA should implement more weight classes to minimize the need for such extreme weight cuts.
- Green’s perspective offers a valuable insight into the struggles that many fighters face, especially in the lower weight classes, and the potential for more equitable and safer practices within the sport.
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The UFC’s Role in Story-Telling:
- Green believes that the UFC has a system where they “write stories” for their fighters, determining who fights who and how their careers progress.
- He argues that fighters need to understand and play their role within this system to achieve success and notoriety.
- Green critiques the UFC for not allowing certain matchups, like Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, and for prioritizing certain fighters over others.
- He believes that the UFC’s control over matchmaking and storytelling can create opportunities for some fighters while limiting the potential of others. He feels it’s similar to the narrative-driven approach in boxing.
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The Importance of Acknowledgement:
- Green discusses the importance of fighters acknowledging their opponents, calling it a sign of respect and sportsmanship.
- He criticizes fighters who call him out but then refuse to acknowledge him when he’s ready to fight.
- He believes that this lack of acknowledgement is disrespectful and hinders the overall respect within the fighting community.
- This topic highlights the importance of sportsmanship and mutual respect between fighters, even when they are competing for a win.
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Fighting Styles and Point Fighting:
- Green discusses his unique fighting style, which he calls “portrait motion” and which he developed by incorporating elements from different fighters.
- He emphasizes the importance of adapting and evolving one’s style to create a unique approach that is hard to predict. He credits fighters like Sergio Martinez and Floyd Mayweather for influencing his style.
- He believes that point fighting is an elite skill and a valuable addition to MMA, citing fighters like Michael Venom Page and Raymond Daniels as examples of its effectiveness.
- Green advocates for the importance of incorporating different fighting styles, believing that a well-rounded fighter is more adaptable and challenging to predict.
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The Importance of Defense:
- Green believes that defense is a crucial aspect of fighting, allowing fighters to conserve energy and avoid taking unnecessary damage.
- He discusses the importance of striking effectively while minimizing damage, emphasizing the ability to stay in the fight for longer periods.
- He argues that fighters can achieve more success if they focus on both offense and defense, as opposed to just trying to be aggressive.
- Green’s insights offer a valuable perspective on how fighters can develop a more sustainable and effective approach to fighting, prioritizing both offense and defense for greater longevity in the sport.
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The UFC’s Use of Cryptocurrency:
- Green discusses the UFC’s adoption of cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, for fan bonuses. He believes it is a positive step toward embracing new technologies and rewarding fighters.
- He raises concerns about the fixed value of the Bitcoin bonus, suggesting that the value could fluctuate, potentially reducing the incentive for fighters.
- Green’s perspective highlights the growing influence of cryptocurrency in sports and its potential to reshape how athletes are compensated.
- He is curious about how the use of cryptocurrency will evolve in the UFC and what it means for the future of the sport.
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The GOAT Debate:
- Green dives into the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate, expressing his appreciation for fighters like Anderson Silva, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Dominic Cruz.
- He believes that style points should be considered when determining who is the GOAT, acknowledging the unique and exciting styles that certain fighters bring to the sport.
- Green’s perspective provides a thought-provoking take on how to define greatness in MMA, considering not just the wins and losses but also the impact and influence that a fighter has on the sport.
- He acknowledges the impressive achievements of fighters like Khabib, who retired undefeated, but questions whether his fighting style is as entertaining as other fighters.
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The Future of MMA:
- Green believes that MMA is in a period of unprecedented growth and evolution, with fighters continually pushing the boundaries of skill and technique.
- He praises fighters like Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev, who demonstrate a high level of excellence and innovation.
- He expresses excitement about the future of the sport, recognizing the potential for even more exciting and innovative fighters and styles to emerge.
- Green acknowledges the dangers of the sport but emphasizes the excitement and relatability that MMA brings to audiences.
5 Memorable Quotes:
- “I’m a wrestler, and I’m doing this. What’s up?” – This quote captures Bobby Green’s early days in MMA when he was just trying to figure things out and relied on his wrestling background to get by.
- “I don’t fight without some money, I don’t train. I won’t go into the gym unless there’s some money. If not, I’m at my warehouse job working 6 days a week.” – Green emphasizes the financial struggles that many fighters face, illustrating how MMA was often a secondary income source for him.
- “You gotta have some balls.” – Green’s candid assessment of what it takes to be successful in MMA, highlighting the courage and risk-taking involved.
- “I think it’s a beautiful combination because why? Listen, you talking about my defense, but I set the record for the most punches landed.” – Green’s explanation of his unique style, combining defense and offense to create a challenging and unpredictable approach.
- “The most fun fighters to watch are the the wildest dudes in real life.” – Green’s observation about the link between a fighter’s personality and their fighting style, suggesting that fighters who embrace their true selves are often the most entertaining to watch.
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