5-Mar-21
This podcast delves deep into the world of professional mixed martial arts, featuring insights from UFC Bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen. Topics discussed range from Sandhagen’s recent success to his mental approach and training philosophy, culminating in a lively discussion about the UFC and broader MMA landscape.
Provocative topics include Sandhagen’s realization of the importance of intensity in the cage, his journey with mental coaches, and the impact of the “complacency demon” on fighters. Underlying themes explore the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in a brutal sport, the intersection of mental and physical preparedness, and the ever-evolving nature of MMA.
Here are some of the major topics discussed in the podcast:
1. Cory Sandhagen’s Recent Success and Evolution as a Fighter:
- Sandhagen discusses his recent knockout victories over Marlon Moraes and Frankie Edgar, attributing his success to a newfound focus on intensity and a commitment to pushing his limits.
- He reflects on his previous fight against Aljamain Sterling, where he felt too relaxed and comfortable, acknowledging that he underestimated Sterling’s experience and intensity.
- Sandhagen emphasizes the importance of “kicking down the door” mentality and being fully committed to hurting his opponent from the moment the bell rings.
- He shares his journey with mental coaches and the lessons learned from Sterling’s intensity, transforming his approach to fighting.
2. The Importance of Mental Preparation in MMA:
- Sandhagen emphasizes the role of mental visualization, practicing techniques from a third-person perspective to improve performance.
- He discusses his weekly sessions with a sports psychologist, Joey Fritz, focusing on overcoming fears and anxieties and building mental resilience.
- Sandhagen contrasts his own need for intense mental preparation with the approach of other fighters like Dustin Poirier, highlighting the unique mental strategies required for different fighters.
- He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confronting the “complacency demon” that can hinder a fighter’s progress, acknowledging that he has faced this challenge himself.
3. The UFC and the Evolution of MMA:
- Sandhagen discusses the rapid evolution of MMA, highlighting the significant differences between the sport in 1993 and today. He attributes this evolution to improved training methods, a wider pool of talent, and greater emphasis on specialized techniques.
- He mentions the UFC’s Performance Institute and its role in enhancing fighter performance through advanced training and recovery methods.
- Sandhagen and Rogan discuss the impact of the UFC’s ESPN deal on the sport’s popularity and accessibility, noting the increased number of fights available to fans.
- The podcast dives into the current UFC weight classes, exploring the talent density in some divisions (like Bantamweight) and the lack of depth in others (like Flyweight).
4. The Impact of Weight Cutting in MMA:
- Sandhagen describes his own weight-cutting process, which involves water loading and a gradual reduction in calories leading up to the weigh-in.
- He discusses the UFC’s protocol for rehydration after the weigh-in, emphasizing the importance of replenishing electrolytes and providing the muscles with essential nutrients.
- Sandhagen and Rogan debate the potential for eliminating weight cutting in MMA, acknowledging the risks involved and the need for more accessible weight classes.
- They discuss the ethics of weight cutting, specifically highlighting the case of TJ Dillashaw’s failed drug test for EPO, which was allegedly connected to the challenges of making weight.
5. Fighters’ Mental Approach to Violence and Competition:
- Sandhagen describes his mental transformation following his loss to Aljamain Sterling, where he adopted a more aggressive mindset, fully embracing the need to inflict harm on his opponents.
- He discusses the importance of being prepared to inflict serious damage in the cage, acknowledging that holding back can be detrimental to performance.
- The conversation delves into the psychology of fighting, exploring how fighters like Mike Tyson and Conor McGregor utilize intense mental strategies to dominate their opponents.
- Sandhagen reveals his personal approach to mental preparation, which involves reading war strategy books, visualizing success, and shutting out distractions during the week leading up to a fight.
6. The Broader MMA Landscape and Future of the Sport:
- Sandhagen and Rogan discuss the upcoming UFC events, highlighting the highly anticipated rematch between Israel Adesanya and Jan Błachowicz, and the return of Cody Garbrandt.
- They dissect the UFC Heavyweight division, exploring the potential implications of the upcoming rematch between Francis Ngannou and Stipe Miočić.
- The conversation touches on the growing popularity of kickboxing and Muay Thai, exploring the reasons why these sports haven’t yet achieved mainstream success.
- Sandhagen and Rogan delve into the world of cryptocurrency, discussing the value of Bitcoin and Dogecoin, and the potential impact of this technology on MMA.
5 Memorable Quotes from the Podcast:
- “It might be a bit of a long-winded answer, but yeah, there’s a lot of steps that I think you know had to take place, but I think the first thing is is I had to realize that you can’t just walk into a cage and be flat as fuck and expect to compete with the best guys in the world.” – Cory Sandhagen on the importance of intensity.
- “It’s either me or it’s that person when I kick down that door.” – Cory Sandhagen on his mental approach to fighting.
- “It’s not easy to be comfortable there, especially when you’re wearing little gloves right, which he’s you know very very comfortable being there which I think helps him.” – Joe Rogan on Jan Błachowicz’s fighting style.
- “I’m walking into the cage now feeling 100% untouchable.” – Cory Sandhagen on his newfound confidence.
- “I don’t want to sound like a fucking nutball, man.” – Cory Sandhagen on the potential for his mental strategies to be misconstrued.