JRE MMA Show #62 with Brendan Schaub

by

15-Apr-19




This podcast dives headfirst into the world of UFC 236, featuring Joe Rogan and Brendan Schaub as they dissect the thrilling fights that captivated MMA fans. From technical breakdowns to hilarious anecdotes, the duo unpacks the event’s biggest moments and sparks engaging discussions about the sport’s future. Controversial topics like weight cutting and PEDs surface, adding a layer of intrigue to the conversation. Underlying themes explore the enduring allure of the sport, the mental and physical resilience required for greatness, and the ever-evolving landscape of combat sports.

1. UFC 236 Fight Analysis:

  • Max Holloway’s transition to welterweight is scrutinized, with Rogan and Schaub dissecting the power differences between weight classes. The impact of Dustin Poirier’s size and strength is highlighted.
  • The Kelvin Gastelum vs. Israel Adesanya bout is hailed as one of the best title fights ever, showcasing the raw intensity and skill of both fighters.
  • Poirier’s impressive victory over Holloway is analyzed, focusing on his striking prowess and ability to overcome adversity. His championship history and character are praised.
  • Adesanya’s remarkable performance against Gastelum is explored, highlighting his unique fighting style and resilience in the face of heavy punches.

2. The Future of Combat Sports:

  • Rogan and Schaub discuss the potential for additional weight classes in UFC, particularly for fighters like Kelvin Gastelum who struggle to make weight in their current division.
  • The impact of streaming platforms like ESPN+ on pay-per-view model and fight accessibility is explored. The rise of illegal streams and their potential benefits to fighters are debated.
  • The significance of social media and “trash talking” in driving hype and relevance for fighters like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones is examined, highlighting the blurred lines between entertainment and psychological warfare.
  • The potential for future advancements like gene editing and its impact on athletic performance are discussed, raising ethical and scientific concerns about the boundaries of human enhancement.

3. The Allure and Challenges of MMA:

  • The unique mental and physical demands of MMA are discussed, emphasizing the need for resilience and overcoming adversity. The dedication and commitment required to reach the top are highlighted.
  • The impact of PEDs on the sport is examined, focusing on the controversy surrounding EPO and its ability to enhance performance and recovery. The ethical dilemmas of PED use and testing are explored.
  • The rise of fighters who transitioned from other combat sports, like wrestling and kickboxing, is discussed. The skills and techniques they bring to MMA and their potential to shake up the sport are examined.
  • The role of “trash talking” in building hype and promoting fights is discussed. The potential benefits and drawbacks of using psychological warfare as a strategy are analyzed.

4. The Evolution of MMA:

  • The changing landscape of MMA is explored, with the rise of streaming platforms and the decline of traditional cable television as distribution channels. The impact on fight accessibility and fan engagement is considered.
  • The emergence of new fighters and their unique styles is highlighted, emphasizing the constant evolution of the sport and the emergence of new champions and contenders. The current state of the heavyweight division is discussed.
  • The potential for fighters like Jon Jones and Israel Adesanya to become future legends of the sport is explored. The factors that contribute to their rise and the challenges they face are analyzed.
  • The influence of cultural shifts on the sport, such as the growing acceptance of “trash talking” and the blurring lines between entertainment and competition, are examined. The future of the sport in a rapidly changing world is debated.

5 Memorable Quotes:

  • “Those two fights were huge. I mean, first of all, something happened, I think within the last year or so for Max Holloway, or like when Max’s face goes up on the screen. People love it. They go nuts, because they know he throws down.” – Rogan speaks on the popularity of Max Holloway and his fighting style.
  • “It’s a huge problem for the first event. I don’t know, I don’t know how many people downloaded it and did it, but I bet they probably didn’t see the number coming. It was a big fight.” – Rogan emphasizes the massive audience for UFC 236 and the problems viewers faced accessing the event.
  • “That’s where I was just shocked, and me being like a super fan, I had to figure it out, but you know how I had to figure it out because it didn’t work on any platform.” – Schaub explains the frustration fans experienced with ESPN+ streaming.
  • “Those guys that go, ‘That’s where your one-punchers don’t win.’ Watch this.” – Rogan highlights the unpredictable nature of MMA, where a single punch can change everything.
  • “If you have certain fighters, 20 million dollars, like you want me to do what now? And they don’t fight right? So if you’re Dana, like, listen, we get Conor, look at Nate Diaz, when they get this boatload of money, we can’t give them to fight. They have power. This sport is too hard, they won’t do it.” – Rogan explores the complex financial dynamics and power struggles in UFC, suggesting that higher paychecks can sometimes make fighters less likely to compete.


 

Leave a Comment