JRE Fight Companion – January 26, 2019

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26-Jan-19

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This podcast features Joe Rogan, Eddie Bravo, Bryan Callen, and Brendan Schaub as they watch Bellator fights and engage in a lively discussion about MMA, personal anecdotes, and controversial topics. The conversations weave together themes of fighting styles, athleticism, legacy, conspiracy theories, and the world of professional wrestling.

Topics and Discussions

  1. Early Stoppages and Legacy Fights:
    1. The group discusses the controversial early stoppage of the Henry Cejudo vs. TJ Dillashaw fight, debating whether a fighter’s weight cut and legacy should influence the referee’s decision.
    2. They argue that fans pay for exciting finishes and that the stoppage deprived them of the potential for a knockout or submission.
    3. The topic delves into the history of controversial referee decisions and how the UFC has evolved its relationship with commissions.
    4. They compare the dynamic of refereeing in MMA to that of boxing and how the UFC has been more accommodating to commissions due to its newer status.
  2. The Rise of Bellator:
    1. The group acknowledges Bellator’s growing popularity and the high-quality fights it now features, including the upcoming Ryan Bader vs. Fedor Emelianenko heavyweight finals.
    2. They discuss Bellator’s strategy of attracting big-name fighters from other organizations, such as Fedor Emelianenko, and their efforts to create a competitive environment for fighters who are not yet in the UFC.
    3. The discussion focuses on Bellator’s ability to attract top prospects, highlighting the potential of Aaron Pico, who is considered one of the most promising fighters in the sport.
    4. They also note that Bellator’s pay-per-view ventures have not been as successful as they hoped, but the overall ratings for their events have been positive.
  3. The Power of Wrestling in MMA:
    1. The discussion emphasizes the importance of wrestling in MMA, with Joe Rogan arguing that it’s the most crucial skill a fighter can possess.
    2. They highlight the dominance of wrestlers like Ryan Bader and Ricky Bandejas, and how their wrestling skills allow them to control the fight and dictate where it takes place.
    3. The group analyzes the strategies of fighters who rely on wrestling, noting how a wrestler can exploit an opponent’s weaknesses by taking them down and using ground and pound techniques.
    4. They also discuss how a wrestler can leverage their strength and power to overwhelm their opponent and create opportunities for submissions.
  4. The Future of Aaron Pico:
    1. Joe Rogan reveals that Freddie Roach believes Aaron Pico could be a world champion boxer if he transitioned to the sport, highlighting Pico’s incredible potential.
    2. They discuss Pico’s impressive wrestling background and his ferocious fighting style, emphasizing his potential to dominate both MMA and boxing.
    3. The conversation explores the dynamics of boxing and MMA and how Pico’s skills could translate effectively across both sports.
    4. Despite Pico’s potential, there is a debate about why he hasn’t pursued a career in boxing, with Joe Rogan suggesting that the financial rewards in boxing might not be as high as they are in MMA.
  5. The Use of Propitias in MMA:
    1. Joe Rogan shares his personal experience with propitias, a medication used to combat hair loss, and its side effects on his energy levels and libido.
    2. They discuss the potential impact of propitias on athletic performance, including energy levels, stamina, and even sexual function.
    3. The conversation touches on the controversial use of propitias in MMA, with some fighters using it as a way to maintain their appearance while others may experience unintended side effects.
    4. Joe Rogan argues that propitias, while effective for hair loss, can have a detrimental impact on overall health and performance.
  6. The Impact of a Fighter’s Mindset:
    1. The group analyzes the importance of a fighter’s mindset, highlighting how a fighter’s confidence and determination can influence their performance.
    2. They discuss how a fighter’s approach to a fight can impact their strategy and decision-making process, particularly in situations where they are injured or facing a difficult opponent.
    3. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, noting how fighters like Aaron Pico and Fedor Emelianenko can overcome adversity and continue to fight even when they are hurt.
    4. Joe Rogan emphasizes that a fighter’s mental toughness can make the difference between winning and losing.
  7. Conspiracy Theories and the UFC:
    1. The conversation delves into conspiracy theories surrounding Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, with Joe Rogan expressing his skepticism about the official narrative.
    2. They discuss the potential motives behind the assassination, exploring the complexities of power structures and how the death of a powerful figure could disrupt the status quo.
    3. The conversation touches on the UFC’s history of being more accommodating to commissions than boxing and how this dynamic has influenced the way the organization operates.
    4. Joe Rogan suggests that the UFC’s approach to commissions might be due to the organization’s newer status and the need to gain acceptance and legitimacy in the early days of the sport.
  8. The Legacy of Fedor Emelianenko:
    1. The discussion centers around Fedor Emelianenko’s incredible fighting career and his status as one of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time.
    2. They highlight Emelianenko’s unique fighting style, his resilience, and his ability to overcome adversity.
    3. Joe Rogan suggests that Emelianenko’s legacy is further enhanced by his willingness to fight even when he is hurt or facing a difficult opponent.
    4. The conversation acknowledges the challenges Emelianenko has faced due to his age and the injuries he has sustained over the course of his career.
  9. The UFC’s Steroid Testing Policy:
    1. The group delves into the UFC’s steroid testing policy and its controversial implementation.
    2. They debate the effectiveness of different testing methods, discussing the challenges of detecting and punishing fighters who use performance-enhancing drugs.
    3. The conversation highlights the complexities of steroid use in MMA, considering the potential impact on athletes’ health and the ethical implications of allowing certain substances.
    4. Joe Rogan suggests that the UFC’s testing policies should be more transparent and consistent, and that the organization should strive to create a level playing field for all fighters.
  10. The Future of MMA:
    1. The group discusses the future of MMA, exploring the potential for cross-promotion between organizations, the rise of new fighters, and the ongoing evolution of the sport.
    2. They speculate about the potential for future superfights, such as a matchup between Ryan Bader and Jon Jones, and how these fights could shape the future of the heavyweight division.
    3. The conversation touches on the evolving role of social media and how fighters are using it to promote themselves and interact with fans.
    4. Joe Rogan expresses his optimism about the future of MMA, believing that the sport will continue to grow and evolve in exciting ways.
  11. The Role of Fashion in MMA:
    1. The discussion touches on the importance of fashion and style in MMA, with Joe Rogan and Brendan Schaub sharing their perspectives on what makes a fighter’s look memorable.
    2. They discuss the impact of walkout attire and how fighters can use their fashion choices to project a certain image and create a memorable entrance.
    3. Joe Rogan shares his personal experience with fashion and how his style has evolved over time, highlighting the importance of finding what works for each individual.
    4. The conversation acknowledges the role of fashion in promoting fighters and generating excitement for their fights.
  12. The Importance of Respect in MMA:
    1. The group emphasizes the importance of respect in MMA, highlighting the need for fighters to acknowledge their opponents’ skills and the risks involved in the sport.
    2. They discuss the dangers of overconfidence and how a fighter’s ego can lead to mistakes that can cost them the fight.
    3. The conversation touches on the etiquette of fighting and how fighters should conduct themselves both inside and outside the octagon.
    4. Joe Rogan suggests that respect for one’s opponent is essential for the health and safety of both fighters, and for the overall integrity of the sport.
  13. The Influence of Stand-up Comedy:
    1. The podcast delves into Joe Rogan’s experience with stand-up comedy and how it has influenced his career in MMA and his podcasting success.
    2. Joe Rogan shares his personal journey with stand-up, highlighting the importance of finding your voice, developing your material, and overcoming stage fright.
    3. They discuss the similarities between MMA and stand-up comedy, including the need for confidence, resilience, and a willingness to take risks.
    4. Joe Rogan acknowledges the challenges of stand-up comedy and the importance of finding a supportive community and mentors to help you grow as a performer.
  14. The Power of a Fighter’s Personality:
    1. The group examines the role of a fighter’s personality in their success, highlighting how charisma, confidence, and a strong brand can help attract fans.
    2. They discuss how fighters can use their personalities to create a memorable image and build a following that can translate into lucrative opportunities outside the octagon.
    3. The conversation acknowledges the power of social media and how fighters can use it to connect with fans, promote their fights, and build a brand.
    4. Joe Rogan emphasizes that a strong personality can be as important as fighting skills in today’s MMA landscape.
  15. The State of Boxing:
    1. The discussion touches on the state of boxing and its declining popularity in comparison to MMA.
    2. Joe Rogan expresses his concern that boxing might not be able to survive another generation, citing the lack of young, exciting fighters and the dominance of a few big-name stars.
    3. They debate the reasons for boxing’s decline, including the lack of promotion and marketing, the prevalence of corruption, and the limited opportunities for young fighters to break into the sport.
    4. Joe Rogan suggests that boxing needs to find ways to attract new fans and make the sport more accessible to a wider audience if it wants to remain relevant.
  16. The Importance of a Fighter’s Support System:
    1. Joe Rogan emphasizes the importance of a fighter’s support system, highlighting the role of coaches, trainers, and managers in helping fighters achieve success.
    2. They discuss how a fighter’s team can provide valuable guidance and support, helping them develop their skills, overcome challenges, and navigate the complexities of the sport.
    3. The conversation acknowledges the importance of having a strong network of support, particularly for young fighters who are just starting their careers.
    4. Joe Rogan suggests that a fighter’s support system is crucial for their mental and physical well-being, and for their overall success in the sport.
  17. The Future of Submission Grappling:
    1. The group discusses the future of submission grappling, with Joe Rogan expressing his excitement about the potential of Gordon Ryan and other top-level grapplers.
    2. They analyze Ryan’s skill set and his dominance in the sport, suggesting that he could become a major force in MMA if he decides to transition to the sport.
    3. The conversation touches on the growing popularity of submission grappling events and how these events are providing a platform for new talent to emerge.
    4. Joe Rogan believes that submission grappling will continue to grow and evolve, providing a pipeline of skilled fighters for MMA and other combat sports.

Memorable Quotes

  1. “Don’t get caught up in wars because every one of those will eventually come back to bite you in the ass.” – Joe Rogan emphasizes the dangers of fighting recklessly and the importance of calculated decision-making in MMA.
  2. “It’s all about mitigating variables. You close all the variables down when you take a guy down, mount him, and start dropping elbows on his head.” – Joe Rogan highlights the importance of a fighter’s strategy and how it can impact the outcome of a fight.
  3. “The most important thing you can do is that the other guy has to not know what you’re doing.” – Joe Rogan discusses the importance of a fighter’s unpredictability and how it can give them an advantage over their opponents.
  4. “He’s so special. He does everything so well. Everything from his defense to his striking… He looks like a world champion boxer when he’s got his hands up.” – Joe Rogan praises Aaron Pico’s skills and potential, comparing him to a world-class boxer.
  5. “You can’t let yourself get sucked into this path for glory where you’re wild and reckless and you’re not keeping your hands up.” – Joe Rogan offers valuable advice to young fighters, warning them against the dangers of overconfidence and reckless fighting.

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