JRE #675 – Kirik Jenness & Chris Palmquist

This podcast dives into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with Kirik Jenness and Chris Palmquist, the brains behind the leading MMA website, mixedmartialarts.com. Their insights span the evolution of the sport, the impact of the internet, the controversial world of performance-enhancing drugs, and the intriguing complexities of fighting techniques and training.

Key Podcast Topics

1. The Evolution of Mixedmartialarts.com:

   • The website’s journey from submissionfighting.com to mixedmartialarts.com, driven by user feedback and even maternal complaints.
   • The missed opportunity of purchasing MMA.com for a mere $200 due to the sport’s nascent stage.
   • The website’s remarkable growth, boasting over 1,300,000 visitors monthly.
   • The challenges of moderating a massive forum and ensuring a positive environment for fighters and fans.

2. The Internet’s Role in MMA’s Rise:

   • MMA’s initial obscurity and how the internet became its lifeline, providing access to information and connecting fans globally.
   • The importance of online forums and websites in fostering a passionate community and fueling the sport’s growth.
   • The impact of websites like mixedmartialarts.com in providing a platform for discussion, news, and fan engagement.
   • The comparison of MMA’s meteoric rise to other sports, highlighting its unique trajectory fueled by online communities.

3. Performance Enhancing Drugs in MMA:

   • The pervasive use of performance-enhancing drugs in MMA, with estimates suggesting a significant percentage of athletes have used them at some point.
   • The intense training demands of MMA and the pressure on athletes to maximize their performance, leading to a culture of drug use.
   • The UFC’s rigorous testing regimen, including random drug tests five times a year and the controversial practice of surprise home visits.
   • The ongoing debate about what should be considered legal and ethical in terms of supplements and performance enhancements in MMA.

4. The Evolution of MMA Techniques:

   • The constant evolution of fighting techniques, with new moves and strategies emerging regularly, keeping the sport unpredictable.
   • The emergence of leg locks as a dominant force in grappling, showcasing the adaptability and innovation within the sport.
   • The resurgence of traditional martial arts techniques, like front kicks to the body, demonstrating the ongoing integration of different disciplines.
   • The impact of innovative training methodologies, like Duane Ludwig’s approach, on the development of new fighting styles and strategic advantages.

5. The Mental Game in MMA:

   • The crucial role of mental toughness in MMA, highlighting the importance of confidence, resilience, and the ability to push through discomfort.
   • The impact of psychological factors, like intense training environments and sibling rivalries, on fighter development and performance.
   • The power of belief in one’s own invincibility, as exemplified by Conor McGregor’s mindset and its impact on his success.
   • The fragility of invincibility and how a single defeat can shatter a fighter’s confidence, as witnessed with Anderson Silva’s downfall.

6. The Physical Demands of MMA:

   • The grueling physical demands of MMA training, requiring fighters to excel in multiple disciplines, endure intense conditioning, and recover quickly.
   • The dangers of extreme weight cuts, highlighting the potential for health complications and performance impairments.
   • The impact of injuries on fighters’ careers, showcasing the fragility of their bodies and the financial struggles faced by those who cannot compete.
   • The importance of proper medical care, particularly for cuts and injuries, emphasizing the need for specialized professionals to prevent lasting damage.

7. The Business of MMA:

   • The evolving financial landscape of MMA, with the UFC’s rise to prominence and the increasing opportunities for fighters to secure lucrative contracts.
   • The importance of branding and marketing in MMA, as exemplified by the success of companies like Tap Out and Roots of Fight.
   • The challenges of navigating the low-level MMA scene, where promoters often exploit inexperienced fighters for financial gain.
   • The need for fighters to balance their athletic aspirations with the realities of making a living, with many forced to hold regular jobs alongside training.

8. The Future of MMA:

   • The continued evolution of MMA techniques, with the potential for new hybrid fighting styles and strategic innovations.
   • The role of technology, like 3D printing, in revolutionizing the design and production of athletic gear and equipment.
   • The advancement of medical technology and its potential to improve injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation in MMA.
   • The ongoing search for the perfect MMA fighter, a combination of unparalleled athleticism, technical prowess, and mental fortitude.

Memorable Quotes

• “The sport stayed alive because of the Internet. It was the first sport ever that stayed alive because of the Internet.”
• “The amount of productivity that’s lost today because the Internet is off the fucking charts. It is absolutely absurd.”
• “I think it’s also a good thing to try to figure out what is possible for the human body. Like, what kind of condition can you actually get in without help?”
• “It’s gonna come a day when you’re the nail, bitch. You know? You you better get ready for it or you better get out.”
• “I think at the very highest level what it is is problem solving. It’s intense consequence problem solving.”