JRE MMA Show #96 with Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman

This podcast features UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje and his coach Trevor Wittman, diving into the world of MMA with Joe Rogan. The conversation explores the nuances of coaching, training, and the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level. Provocative topics include Gaethje’s unorthodox training style, the dangers of overtraining, the impact of crowd energy, the gray area of TRT, and the unique challenges of fighting at the top. Underlying themes highlight the significance of athlete-coach relationships, the importance of mental preparedness, the evolving landscape of MMA, and the need for safety and transparency in the sport.

Justin Gaethje’s Unique Training Style:

• Gaethje had zero striking experience when he began training with Wittman, relying solely on his wrestling background.
• Wittman’s coaching style emphasizes one-on-one attention and tailored training plans for each athlete.
• Gaethje’s “car crash” mentality – a desire to overwhelm opponents with force and aggression – is both his strength and weakness.
• Wittman’s coaching helped Gaethje refine his striking technique and develop more tactical awareness, allowing him to be a more calculated aggressor.

The Importance of Athlete-Coach Relationships:

• Wittman and Gaethje have a deep, trusting relationship that has been essential to Gaethje’s success.
• The ability for athletes to be coachable is crucial, as a good coach can guide them through tough decisions and help them see what they cannot.
• One-on-one time is invaluable, especially at the highest levels of fighting, allowing coaches to build a strong understanding of their athletes and their mental processes.
• Super camps can offer valuable experience, but the lack of individual attention can lead to athletes feeling lost and undervalued.

The Mental Game in MMA:

• Gaethje’s mental toughness is arguably his biggest asset.
• He has a unique ability to manage his nerves and remain calm even in the face of adversity.
• The mental aspect is just as crucial as the physical, especially when fighting at the championship level.
• Gaethje’s commitment to staying grounded and being a good person helps him maintain focus and perspective, contributing to his resilience.

The Dangers of Overtraining:

• Overtraining is a major concern in MMA, leading to exhaustion, injuries, and burnout.
• Wittman emphasizes the importance of allowing athletes to recover and recharge, especially in the weeks leading up to a fight.
• Gaethje’s decision to not take a short-notice fight, even though he was in shape, demonstrates his understanding of the need for proper preparation.
• Proper training plans are essential to peaking at the right time and avoiding injuries, often happening in the intense training environment.

The Impact of Crowd Energy:

• Gaethje acknowledges that crowd energy can affect his emotions, sometimes causing him to engage in risky behavior.
• Fighting with no crowd during the pandemic allowed him to gain a new level of control over his emotions and focus.
• He believes this improved control will benefit him in the long run, regardless of whether there is a crowd present.
• His ability to maintain focus during his intense fight with Tony Ferguson, even with the energy of a potential crowd, demonstrates his growth in this area.

The Gray Area of TRT:

• The use of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) in MMA is a controversial topic.
• The inconsistency in testing and the lack of transparency in determining appropriate levels create a gray area that can be exploited.
• The case of Nate Marquardt highlights the potential for abuse, as he was found to have high levels of testosterone despite being allowed to take TRT.
• Wittman’s vocal opposition to TRT demonstrates his commitment to fairness and a level playing field for all athletes.

The Challenges of Fighting at the Top:

• Gaethje’s style, while exciting, led to him getting knocked out in two consecutive fights.
• This forced him to adapt his approach and adopt a more tactical strategy focused on control and finding openings.
• He now emphasizes the importance of striking in the right spots and using his range and balance to outmaneuver opponents.
• His improved performance against Tony Ferguson, with calculated aggression and a more technical approach, demonstrates the success of this shift.

The Future of MMA:

• Wittman believes that the future of MMA lies in a greater emphasis on safety, transparency, and technological advancements.
• His passion for creating innovative equipment for MMA fighters reflects his dedication to improving the sport and protecting athletes.
• He has developed a line of high-quality gear, including gloves, shin guards, headgear, and heavy bags, designed to enhance performance and reduce injury risk.
• Wittman’s advocacy for better equipment highlights the need for the UFC to adopt safer and more performance-enhancing gear, setting a new standard for the sport.

Gaethje’s Upcoming Fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov:

• Gaethje’s fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the most anticipated in MMA history.
• The clash of styles – Gaethje’s striking power and Khabib’s dominant grappling – promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable battle.
• Gaethje’s footwork and ability to control distance will be crucial against Khabib’s relentless pressure and takedown attempts.
• The fight is expected to take place in September, with the location and format still to be determined, but regardless of the venue, the fight is sure to be a spectacle.

The Importance of Consistency in MMA:

• The conversation addresses the importance of consistency in fighting, both in terms of performance and weight class.
• Gaethje emphasizes the need for fighters to stick to their word and maintain a commitment to their goals.
• The example of Conor McGregor is brought up, with Gaethje expressing his belief that McGregor has lost some clout by constantly switching between boxing and MMA.
• Gaethje’s commitment to his weight class, despite the challenges, reflects his dedication to consistency and his desire to be taken seriously as a contender.

The Future of MMA Equipment:

• Wittman criticizes the current state of MMA equipment, pointing out the lack of innovation and quality control.
• He believes that the use of technology foam and custom-fit gear can significantly improve performance and reduce injuries.
• His personal experience with hand injuries, caused by the UFC’s standard gloves, led him to develop his own line of gloves, designed to improve comfort and prevent injuries.
• Wittman’s advocacy for better equipment underscores the need for the UFC to prioritize athlete safety and invest in advanced technologies to enhance the sport.

The Impact of COVID-19 on MMA:

• The podcast explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MMA, with Gaethje’s fight with Ferguson taking place in a stadium with no crowd.
• The fight, despite the lack of fan energy, turned out to be a classic, highlighting the intense nature of MMA.
• The podcast touches on the challenges of navigating the pandemic, including travel restrictions, testing procedures, and public perception.
• The conversation highlights the resilience of the sport and the determination of fighters and coaches to continue competing even under challenging circumstances.

Memorable Quotes:

• “I love that part. Like that’s why I love working with Rose because the mental part, but one on one is key. That is key to be un-obbled to be with your athletes.”
• “I love it too much, you know? And not having the crowd there, I think, so I think it helped me so much.”
• “I’m there for the athlete. I train every athlete differently.”
• “The best fighters are the best actors.”
• “I’ve had so many athletes just become something different, you know, they get the shell on and they just become different.”