JRE #83 – Bas Rutten

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and Bas Rutten, a renowned Mixed Martial Arts legend and former UFC heavyweight champion. The episode delves into Rutten’s experiences as a fighter, bouncer, and commentator, offering a glimpse into the world of combat sports and its associated culture. The conversation explores themes of fighting style, self-defense techniques, the impact of bullying on fighters, the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs, and the transition from fighting to broadcasting.

Podcast Topics

Here are 15 to 20 major topics covered in the podcast, including provocative, controversial, and viral ones:

1. Bas Rutten’s Unique Fighting Style:
   • Rutten’s emphasis on palm strikes and body kicks, particularly in Pancrase where face punches were prohibited.
   • His strategic approach to analyzing opponents and developing specific attack strategies.
   • His background as a bouncer in Holland influenced his fighting style, emphasizing practicality and effectiveness.
   • He developed his palm strike technique to maximize power and reach, a unique strategy that set him apart from other fighters.
2. Self-Defense Techniques and Bar Fights:
   • Rutten’s experience as a bouncer in Holland, a notoriously wild environment, shaped his self-defense skills.
   • His infamous bar fight in Sweden, a viral internet sensation, demonstrated his fighting prowess and ability to handle multiple opponents.
   • He discusses the common occurrence of bar fights involving MMA and kickboxing fighters, often fueled by their confidence and reputation.
   • Rutten emphasizes the importance of avoiding confrontations and utilizing de-escalation techniques in real-life situations.
3. The Impact of Bullying on Fighters:
   • Rutten’s own experiences being bullied as a child contributed to his desire to train in martial arts and develop self-confidence.
   • He believes that many MMA fighters have a history of being bullied, highlighting the correlation between childhood trauma and aggression.
   • He advocates for teaching kids self-defense in schools as a means to empower them and reduce bullying incidents.
   • The discussion delves into the potential link between childhood bullying and the tendency for fighters to bully others later in life, especially in gym settings.
4. Performance-Enhancing Drugs and Their Dangers:
   • Rutten openly condemns the use of EPO (Erythropoietin) and other performance-enhancing drugs in combat sports, highlighting its health risks.
   • He shares anecdotes of fighters who have used EPO, emphasizing its potential for causing strokes, heart attacks, and other serious complications.
   • The discussion extends to other performance-enhancing substances, including Viagra, highlighting their potential for unexpected and sometimes dangerous side effects.
   • Rutten advocates for transparency and caution regarding drug use in combat sports, encouraging fighters to inform their trainers and doctors about any substances they are taking.
5. Transitioning from Fighting to Broadcasting:
   • Rutten’s successful transition from a fighting career to a broadcasting career in Japan and later the UFC.
   • He credits his strategic decision to step away from fighting at the peak of his career, avoiding long-term injuries.
   • His analytical skills and understanding of combat sports proved to be valuable assets in his broadcasting career.
   • He discusses the challenges of staying objective and avoiding bias while providing commentary on fights, especially when friends or students are competing.
6. The Mental Aspect of Fighting:
   • Rutten emphasizes the importance of mental toughness in fighting, noting that many fighters fold under pressure.
   • He shares insights into the mental breaks that fighters experience when they are hit hard or fail to execute a planned move.
   • The fear of losing and the pressure of performing in front of an audience can significantly impact a fighter’s performance.
   • Rutten suggests that fighters should train themselves to block out external distractions and focus solely on their own performance.
7. The “Boss System” Training Device:
   • Rutten’s creation of the “Boss System,” a training device designed to minimize impact and reduce the risk of injuries.
   • The device aims to provide a safe and effective alternative to traditional heavy bags, allowing fighters to train without the risk of tendonitis.
   • Rutten’s meticulous development process involved numerous prototypes and testing to ensure optimal performance and safety.
   • He believes the “Boss System” is a valuable tool for all fighters, particularly during the weeks leading up to a fight.
8. The Importance of Stamina and Conditioning:
   • Rutten emphasizes the significance of stamina and conditioning, particularly in MMA where fights can go the distance.
   • He stresses the importance of proper stretching and flexibility, particularly for the abdominal muscles, to improve stamina and prevent injuries.
   • He highlights his own training regimen, which involved intense sprints, power training, and a focus on core strength.
   • He discusses the challenges of maintaining stamina while dealing with injuries, particularly tendonitis and nerve compression issues.
9. The Evolution of Jujitsu in MMA:
   • Rutten’s unique journey of self-teaching Jujitsu, highlighting his dedication and determination to master the art.
   • He describes the transformative impact of Jujitsu on his fighting style, leading to eight consecutive submission victories.
   • The discussion explores the rapid evolution of Jujitsu techniques in MMA, from basic groundwork to advanced submissions and transitions.
   • Rutten acknowledges the contributions of pioneers like Rickson Gracie and the emergence of new masters like Marcelo Garcia, shaping the modern landscape of Jujitsu.
10. Fixed Fights and the Yakuza:
    • Rutten’s experience in Pancrase, a Japanese organization where fixed fights were allegedly prevalent.
    • He discusses the rumors surrounding fixed fights in Pancrase, highlighting the alleged involvement of the Yakuza, a powerful Japanese criminal organization.
    • The discussion delves into the impact of fixed fights on the integrity of combat sports and the challenges of identifying them.
    • Rutten emphasizes his own commitment to genuine competition and his disdain for fighters who engage in fixed fights.
11. The Rise and Fall of Pride FC:
    • Rutten’s first-hand experience with Pride FC, a prominent Japanese organization, during its peak of popularity.
    • He highlights the organization’s unique rules, including longer rounds, allowed soccer kicks, and the absence of elbows.
    • The discussion examines the alleged involvement of the Yakuza in Pride FC and its role in the organization’s demise.
    • Rutten analyzes the importance of having Japanese stars to drive audience interest and the challenges of maintaining popularity in the absence of such stars.
12. The Future of Kickboxing in America:
    • Rutten’s perspective on the potential for Kickboxing to gain mainstream popularity in America, despite its current niche status.
    • He attributes the negative stigma associated with Kickboxing to the outdated and less exciting PKA rules.
    • The discussion contrasts the traditional PKA rules with the more modern and exciting K-1 format, highlighting the potential for increased interest.
    • Rutten suggests that the emergence of an American K-1 champion could significantly boost the sport’s popularity in the United States.
13. The Impact of Brain Trauma on Fighters:
    • Rutten’s concern about the long-term effects of brain trauma on fighters, especially those who have experienced multiple knockouts.
    • He shares his observations of fighters who have suffered cognitive decline after sustained brain injuries.
    • The discussion highlights the importance of early identification and prevention of brain trauma, especially in a sport as physically demanding as MMA.
    • Rutten advocates for a more cautious approach to fighter safety, suggesting that fighters should take breaks after severe injuries to allow their bodies to heal properly.
14. The 02 Trainer:
    • Rutten’s invention of the 02 Trainer, a device designed to improve lung capacity and endurance.
    • His inspiration for the device stems from his personal experiences with asthma and his observations of lung function during exercise.
    • The device works by controlling airflow, forcing the lungs to work harder and improving overall lung volume.
    • Rutten believes the 02 Trainer has the potential to be a game-changer for athletes in various sports, particularly those who require high levels of cardio and endurance.
15. The Importance of Finding Your Path:
    • Rutten’s philosophy on pursuing your goals relentlessly, drawing inspiration from Paulo Coelho’s book “The Alchemist.”
    • He emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals and remaining focused, even when faced with challenges and setbacks.
    • The discussion encourages listeners to identify their passions and pursue them with unwavering dedication, regardless of external obstacles.
    • Rutten shares his own experiences as an example of how determination and resilience can lead to success even in the face of adversity.

5 Memorable Quotes

1. “I worked I I used that already. Palm strikes when I was a bouncer. doesn’t even like to mess up my fist.” – Rutten highlights the practical application of his fighting techniques, stemming from his experiences as a bouncer.
2. “You know, I’m I’m I’m falling against the wall, and there’s a hole in the wall, you know, with a little like bar in front of it, and there’s broomsticks. broomsticks. but no brooms on broomsticks. Just So I’m grabbing 1, but right away when I grab 1, I think to my service, if I grab 1, they’re gonna grab 1. Should I leave it? I don’t know.” – Rutten vividly recounts his chaotic bar fight in Sweden, even referencing his use of broomsticks as weapons.
3. “I always said it. I I I I never care about it. And never care if somebody said, oh, he’s on Royce. He said, you know, I to me, it it is that you’re insecure already. You know, there’s something wrong with you because you’re not happy with yourself.” – Rutten critiques the tendency for fighters to accuse others of using performance-enhancing drugs, highlighting its connection to insecurity and lack of self-confidence.
4. “I’ve seen it a few times with checked legs. Only in person wants Corey Hill and god. We fight. I forgot we fought. Branson. No. What the hell is his name? Anyway, whoever he fought, he he checks his kick and Corey Hill’s leg snaps where it’s a referee didn’t even see it.” – Rutten vividly describes a horrifying leg injury sustained by Corey Hill during a fight, showcasing the inherent dangers of combat sports.
5. “I’m I’m a very happy person. Let me tell you that. I have a lot of pain when I walk, you know, everything hurts, but it’s been worth it.” – Despite enduring significant injuries and pain, Rutten expresses gratitude for his experiences and the success he has achieved in fighting and broadcasting.