JRE #315 – Jimmy Smith

This podcast features Joe Rogan and Jimmy Smith, a former MMA fighter and current commentator for Bellator Fighting Championship. They delve into a wide range of topics related to MMA, its history, the evolution of the sport, and the unique challenges and realities faced by fighters. Provocative topics include steroid use, the Heart Myth, and the cultural differences in martial arts training. Underlying themes explore the athleticism and mental fortitude required for MMA, the dangers of overtraining and injuries, and the importance of technique and intelligence.

Major Topics:

1. Super AIDS: A humorous and somewhat provocative conversation about STDs caught in Vegas and their potential effects on Brian, Joe Rogan’s co-host. It highlights the lighthearted and often absurd nature of Joe Rogan’s humor.
2. MMA Commentary: Joe and Jimmy discuss the challenges of MMA commentary, particularly the criticism leveled at fighters by commentators who lack firsthand experience. They emphasize the importance of understanding the physical demands and technical intricacies of the sport.
3. Evolution of MMA: Joe and Jimmy trace the evolution of MMA from its early days of bare-knuckle brawls to the highly sophisticated and athletic sport it is today. They discuss the rise of athletic training programs, the impact of different martial arts styles, and the emergence of specialized techniques.
4. The Importance of Conditioning: Joe and Jimmy highlight the critical role of conditioning in MMA. They explain that while technical skill is important, fighters must also be able to withstand punishment, maintain energy levels, and outlast their opponents.
5. The Heart Myth: Joe and Jimmy debunk the notion that “heart” alone can overcome superior technical skill and athleticism. They argue that while heart is essential, fighters must prioritize mastering their technique and conditioning.
6. The Cultural Differences in Martial Arts: Joe and Jimmy discuss the unique training methods and philosophies of Muay Thai fighters, comparing it to the American approach to MMA. They emphasize the importance of understanding the cultural context of different martial arts styles.
7. The Dangers of Overtraining: Joe and Jimmy warn against the dangers of overtraining, emphasizing the importance of listening to one’s body and avoiding excessive training sessions.
8. Injuries in Combat Sports: Joe and Jimmy discuss the prevalence and severity of injuries in combat sports, particularly in judo and powerlifting. They highlight the risks associated with specific moves and the importance of proper training and injury prevention.
9. The Mental Fortitude of Fighters: Joe and Jimmy explore the mental toughness required for MMA. They discuss the ability to overcome adversity, push through pain, and maintain composure under pressure.
10. Steroid Use and Performance Enhancement: Joe and Jimmy touch upon the controversial topic of steroid use in MMA. They acknowledge the prevalence of performance enhancement, but also discuss the potential downsides and ethical considerations.
11. The UFC Brand and its Dominance: Joe and Jimmy discuss the marketing prowess of the UFC and its dominance in the MMA world. They acknowledge the UFC’s influence and its impact on the growth of the sport.
12. The Future of MMA: Joe and Jimmy speculate on the future of MMA, discussing the potential for increased competition from other promotions and the importance of cross-promotional events.
13. The Importance of Technical Skill: Joe and Jimmy reiterate the importance of technical skill in MMA, emphasizing that it can be a deciding factor in a fight.
14. The Role of Entertainment in MMA: Joe and Jimmy discuss the role of entertainment in MMA, acknowledging that exciting fights and charismatic fighters are crucial for the sport’s success.
15. The Reality of Animal Encounters: Joe and Jimmy discuss their personal encounters with dangerous animals, including alligators, tigers, and chimpanzees. They emphasize the importance of understanding the real dangers of the natural world and the importance of respecting animals.
16. The Cruelty of the Natural World: Joe and Jimmy delve into the harsh realities of the animal kingdom, discussing the brutality of predators and the constant threat of death in the wild. They challenge the romanticized view of nature often portrayed in media.
17. The Hypocrisy of Animal Rights: Joe and Jimmy discuss the hypocrisy of animal rights activists, arguing that humans are naturally predatory and that many animals are more cruel than humans.
18. The Importance of Maxing Out Your Potential: Joe and Jimmy emphasize the importance of maximizing one’s potential, regardless of whether or not someone becomes an MMA champion. They encourage listeners to apply the discipline and determination learned in martial arts to other areas of life.
19. The Importance of Objectivity and Analysis: Joe and Jimmy stress the importance of objectivity and analysis in MMA, arguing that fighters need to be able to assess their strengths and weaknesses, adapt their strategies, and evolve their game.
20. The Future of Kickboxing: Joe and Jimmy discuss the potential for kickboxing to gain popularity in the United States. They believe that MMA may have paved the way for kickboxing to become more mainstream, but acknowledge the challenges of competing with MMA’s established popularity.

4 Point Summary of Each Topic:

Super AIDS:

• Joe Rogan and his co-host Brian discuss Brian’s recent trip to Vegas and his possible STD.
• Joe provides humorous advice about treating STDs using unconventional methods, including coconut oil.
• The conversation highlights the absurd and lighthearted nature of Joe Rogan’s humor.
• The “Super AIDS” reference adds a touch of provocative humor to the podcast.

MMA Commentary:

• Joe and Jimmy discuss the challenges of MMA commentary, emphasizing the importance of experience.
• They criticize commentators who lack firsthand knowledge of fighting and often question a fighter’s heart.
• They argue that true understanding of the sport comes from training and sparring.
• The conversation highlights the importance of expertise and knowledge in commentary.

Evolution of MMA:

• Joe and Jimmy trace the evolution of MMA from its early days of bare-knuckle brawls to the highly athletic sport it is today.
• They discuss the shift towards more specialized training programs and the development of new techniques.
• They discuss the impact of different martial arts styles on the sport.
• The conversation highlights the remarkable evolution of the sport and its increasing complexity.

The Importance of Conditioning:

• Joe and Jimmy emphasize the crucial role of conditioning in MMA, noting its importance alongside technical skill.
• They discuss the grueling training programs that fighters endure to build stamina, strength, and resilience.
• They argue that conditioning can be a decisive factor in fights, particularly in later rounds.
• The conversation highlights the importance of a well-rounded approach to MMA training.

The Heart Myth:

• Joe and Jimmy debunk the idea that “heart” alone can overcome superior technical skill and athleticism.
• They emphasize the importance of mastering technique, conditioning, and strategic thinking.
• They argue that fighters who rely solely on heart are often unprepared for the realities of high-level competition.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to MMA success.

The Cultural Differences in Martial Arts:

• Joe and Jimmy discuss the unique training methods and philosophies of Muay Thai fighters, comparing them to the American approach.
• They emphasize the importance of understanding the cultural context of different martial arts styles.
• They highlight the effectiveness of Muay Thai techniques, particularly leg kicks.
• The conversation explores the diversity of martial arts and the benefits of cross-cultural learning.

The Dangers of Overtraining:

• Joe and Jimmy warn against the dangers of overtraining, emphasizing the importance of listening to one’s body.
• They highlight the potential for injuries and burnout, emphasizing the importance of rest and recovery.
• They discuss the wrestling mentality of pushing oneself to the limit, but caution against the risks involved.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of a balanced training regimen and responsible self-care.

Injuries in Combat Sports:

• Joe and Jimmy discuss the prevalence of injuries in combat sports, highlighting the dangers of specific moves.
• They discuss the high risk of injuries in judo, particularly from throws and slams.
• They discuss the severity of injuries in powerlifting, emphasizing the dangers of lifting heavy weights.
• The conversation underscores the importance of safety precautions and proper training practices.

The Mental Fortitude of Fighters:

• Joe and Jimmy explore the mental toughness required for MMA, emphasizing the ability to overcome adversity.
• They discuss the importance of maintaining composure under pressure and pushing through pain.
• They highlight the mental challenges of facing a tough opponent and the importance of belief in oneself.
• The conversation explores the psychological aspects of fighting and the mental strategies fighters use.

Steroid Use and Performance Enhancement:

• Joe and Jimmy discuss the controversial topic of steroid use in MMA, acknowledging its prevalence.
• They discuss the potential downsides of steroid use, including long-term health consequences and ethical concerns.
• They also discuss the difficulty of regulating performance enhancement in sports.
• The conversation explores the complex issue of steroid use and its implications for sports.

The UFC Brand and its Dominance:

• Joe and Jimmy discuss the UFC’s marketing success and its dominance in the MMA world.
• They acknowledge the UFC’s influence and its impact on the growth of the sport.
• They also discuss the UFC’s financial investments in building its brand and securing its position in the market.
• The conversation highlights the business side of MMA and the importance of brand building.

The Future of MMA:

• Joe and Jimmy speculate on the future of MMA, discussing the potential for increased competition from other promotions.
• They discuss the importance of cross-promotional events and the possibility of a more unified MMA landscape.
• They also discuss the potential for MMA to become even more popular in the United States.
• The conversation explores the potential future direction of MMA and its evolving landscape.

The Importance of Technical Skill:

• Joe and Jimmy reiterate the importance of technical skill in MMA, emphasizing that it can be a deciding factor in a fight.
• They discuss the development of specialized techniques and the importance of mastering specific martial arts styles.
• They argue that technical proficiency can be as important as physical strength and conditioning.
• The conversation highlights the importance of a well-rounded approach to MMA, combining technical skill with physical prowess.

The Role of Entertainment in MMA:

• Joe and Jimmy discuss the role of entertainment in MMA, acknowledging that exciting fights and charismatic fighters are crucial for the sport’s success.
• They highlight the importance of showcasing exciting fights and engaging personalities to attract viewers.
• They discuss the importance of balancing technical skill with entertainment value.
• The conversation explores the intersection of sport and entertainment in MMA.

The Reality of Animal Encounters:

• Joe and Jimmy discuss their personal encounters with dangerous animals, including alligators, tigers, and chimpanzees.
• They highlight the importance of understanding the real dangers of the natural world and respecting animals.
• They share stories of close calls and dangerous encounters, emphasizing the importance of caution and awareness.
• The conversation explores the intersection of human and animal interactions.

The Cruelty of the Natural World:

• Joe and Jimmy delve into the harsh realities of the animal kingdom, discussing the brutality of predators and the constant threat of death in the wild.
• They challenge the romanticized view of nature often portrayed in media, emphasizing the viciousness of predators.
• They discuss the importance of understanding the natural order of things and accepting the realities of the ecosystem.
• The conversation explores the true nature of the animal world, dispelling common misconceptions about it.

The Hypocrisy of Animal Rights:

• Joe and Jimmy discuss the hypocrisy of animal rights activists, arguing that humans are naturally predatory and that many animals are more cruel than humans.
• They challenge the idea that humans are inherently cruel to animals, arguing that the natural world is full of violence and death.
• They discuss the importance of understanding the context of human-animal relationships and the realities of the food chain.
• The conversation explores the complex issue of animal rights and human responsibility towards the natural world.

The Importance of Maxing Out Your Potential:

• Joe and Jimmy emphasize the importance of maximizing one’s potential, regardless of whether or not someone becomes an MMA champion.
• They encourage listeners to apply the discipline and determination learned in martial arts to other areas of life.
• They discuss the importance of personal growth and self-improvement, regardless of external success.
• The conversation highlights the transferable skills and mental fortitude that martial arts training can instill.

The Importance of Objectivity and Analysis:

• Joe and Jimmy stress the importance of objectivity and analysis in MMA, arguing that fighters need to be able to assess their strengths and weaknesses.
• They discuss the importance of adapting strategies and evolving one’s game to remain competitive.
• They highlight the importance of critical thinking and self-reflection in achieving success in MMA.
• The conversation emphasizes the intellectual side of MMA and the importance of strategic thinking.

The Future of Kickboxing:

• Joe and Jimmy discuss the potential for kickboxing to gain popularity in the United States.
• They believe that MMA may have paved the way for kickboxing to become more mainstream, but acknowledge the challenges of competing with MMA’s established popularity.
• They discuss the importance of creating a compelling and exciting kickboxing promotion to attract viewers.
• The conversation explores the potential future of kickboxing in the United States and its potential for growth.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “The only thing the only time that isn’t wasted in training is cardio training.” – Joe Rogan, emphasizing the importance of conditioning in MMA.
• “People kinda don’t understand, like, the level of conditioning that’s acquired to compete in MMA. It’s it’s so taken for granted.” – Jimmy Smith, highlighting the often overlooked importance of conditioning.
• “If I have one piece of advice to give you based on what you’re saying right now, never ever set a pace you can’t keep.” – Joe Rogan, offering advice to aspiring fighters about pacing themselves.
• “You’re telling everybody that they can’t do it. You’re telling everybody why. Oh, are you being paid by the culinary union? Yeah. You are. Well, what the fuck.” – Joe Rogan, expressing frustration at the corruption surrounding the ban on MMA in New York.
• “The most disturbing one was There was a video of of the monkey in the tree. and the chimp has the monkey up in the tree, and he’s tearing apart while he’s up there. And it’s like, woah.” – Joe Rogan, discussing the disturbing reality of chimpanzees eating monkeys, emphasizing the brutality of the natural world.