JRE #768 – Ian McCall, Brendan Schaub & Bryan Callen

This podcast is a raucous, opinion-filled discussion about the upcoming UFC 196 fight card. Joe Rogan is joined by a trio of MMA experts, Ian McCall, Brendan Schaub, and Bryan Callen, for a wild, free-flowing conversation that covers everything from fight analysis to steroid use in sports. Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of jokes, hot takes, and deep dives into the fascinating world of combat sports.

Major Topics

• Connor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz

  1. McGregor’s counterpunching style and reliance on reach advantage: While effective against shorter opponents, this strategy could be challenged by Diaz’s height and longer reach.
  2. Diaz’s durability and experience in the “Mexican boxing” style: His ability to withstand punishment and engage in brawls could disrupt McGregor’s rhythm.
  3. McGregor’s need to adapt his boxing: The fight requires McGregor to be more mobile and potentially utilize kicks, something he hasn’t relied on heavily in the past.
  4. The importance of this fight for UFC 200: A victory for McGregor sets up a potentially massive showdown with Dos Anjos at UFC 200, further fueling the hype surrounding him.

• The Changing Landscape of MMA

  1. The rise of multi-faceted athletes: Fighters like McGregor and Rockhold showcase a blend of striking, wrestling, and grappling, leaving opponents less able to predict their attacks.
  2. The decline of the “wrestle-box” style: Fighters who solely rely on wrestling and boxing are finding it increasingly difficult to succeed against the well-rounded fighters emerging in the sport.
  3. The need for diversity in skillset: MMA has evolved to a point where one-dimensional fighters struggle to compete at the top level.
  4. The impact of Olympic athletes in MMA: The mental toughness and discipline developed through Olympic training have translated into success in the UFC, with fighters like DC, Ronda Rousey, and Kahooto proving their prowess.

• The Controversy Surrounding Steroids in MMA

  1. Vandelei Silva’s suspension and the hypocrisy of testing: Silva was banned for life by Belator for a past steroid violation, despite never testing positive during his career. This highlights the inconsistency and double standards surrounding drug testing in the sport.
  2. The lax testing practices in Japan: The lack of strict testing in Japan allowed fighters like Silva to use steroids without fear of repercussions, contributing to the culture of steroid use in the sport.
  3. The impact of steroid use on athlete performance: Steroids can dramatically enhance muscle mass, strength, and endurance, giving fighters an unfair advantage.
  4. The potential dangers of steroid use: Long-term use of steroids can lead to serious health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and increased risk of cancer.

• The Impact of Head Trauma in Combat Sports

  1. The growing awareness of CTE: CTE, a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head trauma, is increasingly being recognized in athletes, particularly those in contact sports.
  2. The debate surrounding the safety of combat sports: The potential for brain damage in combat sports is a serious concern, prompting discussions about the ethical implications of exposing athletes, especially young ones, to such risks.
  3. The importance of safety precautions and regulation: The need for stricter rules, better protective gear, and more stringent concussion protocols is being debated as the sport continues to grow.
  4. The responsibility of athletes and coaches: Athletes and coaches must be aware of the potential dangers of head trauma and take necessary steps to minimize their risk.

• The Phenomenon of Connor McGregor

  1. McGregor’s unique blend of skills and charisma: His striking power, trash-talking ability, and captivating personality have made him a global icon.
  2. The Irish connection and the power of nationalism: McGregor represents hope and pride for the Irish people, unifying them behind his success.
  3. The high stakes and the impact of McGregor’s trash-talking: McGregor’s bravado elevates the stakes of his fights, generating immense interest and potentially putting him at greater risk if he loses.
  4. The potential for McGregor to transcend MMA: His crossover appeal and global recognition could lead him to achieve stardom beyond combat sports, becoming a household name similar to a rock star or movie star.

• The Importance of Matchups in MMA

  1. Holly Holm’s counter-striking style and its effectiveness against pressure fighters: Her ability to neutralize opponents who rush in with aggressive tactics made her a perfect foil for Ronda Rousey.
  2. Misha Tate’s more conservative fighting style: Tate’s approach to fighting is expected to be more cautious, potentially leading to a more strategic and closely contested battle with Holm.
  3. The challenges of fighting a technician: To beat a fighter like Holm, who relies on precision and technique, opponents must be prepared for a gritty and potentially chaotic fight, often involving clinches and grappling.
  4. Holm’s strengths and weaknesses: Holm’s incredible striking makes her a formidable opponent, but her ability to withstand relentless pressure and a potential takedown could be tested against Tate.

• The Importance of Mental Fortitude in MMA

  1. The difference between breaking and being broken: Some fighters have an innate ability to withstand adversity and persevere in the face of pain, while others crumble under pressure.
  2. The impact of past experiences on mental toughness: Fighters who have endured difficult life experiences, such as being bullied or facing poverty, often develop a resilience that allows them to push through pain.
  3. The role of mental coaching: Sports psychologists can play a vital role in helping fighters develop mental toughness, building their confidence and ability to cope with stress.
  4. The importance of mindset: A fighter’s mental approach can be as important as their physical abilities, as a positive and focused mindset can fuel performance and overcome obstacles.

• The UFC’s Dominance and the Potential for Competition

  1. The UFC’s position as the leading MMA organization: Its extensive reach, popular events, and high-profile fighters have made it the dominant force in the sport.
  2. Belator’s potential as a competitor: Belator has made significant moves to attract top fighters, including Benson Henderson and Josh Thompson, and its Viacom backing provides financial stability.
  3. The need for the UFC to maintain its position: The UFC must continue to produce exciting fights and attract top talent to stay ahead of the competition.
  4. The future of MMA: The sport’s continued growth and development will likely lead to even more competition, pushing the UFC to innovate and evolve.

• The Importance of Physical Conditioning in MMA

  1. The dangers of weight cutting: MMA fighters often engage in extreme weight-cutting measures to make weight, leading to dehydration and potentially affecting their performance and safety.
  2. The need for a more reasonable weight-cutting system: The conversation explores the possibility of fighters competing at more natural weight classes, reducing the risk of dehydration and improving their overall performance.
  3. The role of strength and conditioning: High-level training programs focusing on strength, endurance, and injury prevention are crucial for fighters to compete at their peak.
  4. The impact of diet and nutrition: Proper nutrition plays a vital role in athlete performance and recovery, as a healthy diet provides the fuel and energy needed for intense training.

• The Social and Cultural Impact of MMA

  1. The role of race and culture in the sport: The discussion touches on the representation of different ethnicities and cultures within MMA, exploring the potential for biases and inequities.
  2. The importance of fostering diversity and inclusion: The need to create opportunities for athletes from all backgrounds is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of fair and equitable treatment.
  3. The influence of social media on the sport: The impact of social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter on the promotion of fighters, the spread of news, and the generation of fan interest is discussed.
  4. The potential for MMA to become a more inclusive and diverse sport: The conversation highlights the desire to create a more equitable environment for athletes of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

• The Importance of Diet and Health

  1. The impact of sugar on health: The dangers of excessive sugar consumption, including its role in inflammation and weight gain, are discussed.
  2. The benefits of a low-inflammatory diet: The conversation explores the benefits of a diet that emphasizes whole foods, lean protein, and healthy fats, reducing inflammation and improving overall health.
  3. The importance of gut health: The role of gut bacteria in digestion, immunity, and overall well-being is discussed.
  4. The potential for dietary changes to improve health and performance: The podcast highlights the possibility of making significant health improvements through dietary adjustments, reducing inflammation, and boosting energy levels.

• The Debate Surrounding Plus-Sized Models

  1. The controversy surrounding the use of plus-sized models in the fashion industry: The discussion touches on the debate about whether promoting larger body types is healthy or sends the wrong message.
  2. The importance of body diversity and inclusivity: The conversation explores the need to represent a wider range of body types in media and advertising, promoting positive body image and self-acceptance.
  3. The pressure on models to conform to unrealistic beauty standards: The discussion highlights the pressure models face to maintain specific body types and the potential for this pressure to be harmful to their mental and physical health.
  4. The evolution of beauty standards: The conversation explores the changing perceptions of beauty over time and the potential for a shift towards greater acceptance of diverse body types.

• The Importance of Physical Health for Leaders

  1. The debate about whether physical health is a valid criteria for judging a leader: The discussion explores whether a leader’s physical condition should be a factor in determining their fitness for office.
  2. The importance of role modeling: The conversation touches on the responsibility of leaders to set a positive example for their constituents, especially when it comes to health and well-being.
  3. The dangers of unhealthy lifestyle choices: The conversation highlights the potential risks of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as excessive food consumption, and their impact on both physical and mental health.
  4. The importance of prioritizing health: The podcast emphasizes the need for individuals in positions of power to prioritize their own health and well-being as a means of setting a positive example.

• The Future of Artificial Intelligence

  1. The rapid advancements in AI technology: The discussion explores the potential for AI to revolutionize various aspects of life, from government to healthcare.
  2. The potential impact of AI on society: The conversation touches on both the benefits and risks of AI, including the possibility of it creating new jobs, automating tasks, and potentially changing the way we live.
  3. The ethical considerations surrounding AI: The podcast highlights the need for ethical frameworks and regulations to ensure that AI development is beneficial for humanity and does not lead to unintended consequences.
  4. The potential for AI to shape the future: The conversation explores the belief that AI could become a major force in shaping the world in the years to come, influencing everything from politics to economics.

• The 2016 Presidential Election

  1. The unlikely candidacy of Donald Trump: The conversation explores the phenomenon of Trump’s rise to prominence and the implications of his populist message.
  2. The challenges facing Hillary Clinton: The discussion touches on Clinton’s potential liabilities, including the ongoing email investigation and the potential for it to damage her campaign.
  3. The importance of voter turnout: The podcast highlights the role of voter participation in determining the outcome of the election, emphasizing the need for people to engage in the political process.
  4. The future of American politics: The conversation explores the potential for the 2016 election to be a turning point in American politics, shifting the country’s political landscape.

• The Importance of Self-Discipline

  1. The challenges of maintaining discipline: The discussion explores the common struggles with self-control, particularly when it comes to dietary habits and other lifestyle choices.
  2. The role of mindset and motivation: The podcast highlights the importance of having a clear goal and a strong belief system to maintain discipline.
  3. The benefits of self-discipline: The conversation touches on the numerous advantages of self-control, including improved health, increased productivity, and greater sense of accomplishment.
  4. The importance of accountability: The podcast emphasizes the power of having a support system and being accountable to others to maintain discipline.

• The Importance of Being Present

  1. The dangers of being consumed by thoughts of the future or the past: The conversation explores the importance of living in the moment and avoiding excessive worry about the future or dwelling on past regrets.
  2. The power of mindfulness: The podcast highlights the benefits of focusing on the present moment, cultivating a greater sense of peace and well-being.
  3. The importance of appreciating the present: The discussion emphasizes the need to savor life’s simple pleasures and appreciate the beauty of the moment.
  4. The role of self-awareness: The podcast highlights the importance of being aware of one’s thoughts and feelings and making conscious choices to be present in the moment.

Memorable Quotes

• “With life. Ladies and gentlemen, This podcast will be a mess. Just to prepare yourself.” – Joe Rogan sets the tone for the podcast, promising a chaotic and entertaining discussion.
• “If you don’t have it all, good luck. And they’re and they’re tossing these guys up, who are phenomenal fighters. They have these huge, you know, fan base and stuff like that, and they’re they’re giving it to these young athletic guys. And good luck. You know?” – Rogan emphasizes the new generation of MMA fighters and their ability to challenge the old guard.
• “We’re in a sport that’s, like, if you, you know, if you if your body moves better, you don’t get brain damage. But that’s not important.” – Rogan sarcastically points out the potential dangers of head trauma in combat sports.
• “It’s a different fight. It’s a tougher fight for Holly. It’s a different puzzle to figure out. It’s all about matchups.” – McCall highlights the unique challenges presented by different opponents and the importance of strategy in MMA.
• “They’re they’re getting real close to reengineering the entire human frame. They’re getting so close. Every day, they move one step closer within 20, 30 years. They’re gonna have some cures for all kinds of shit.” – Schaub shares his belief in the potential of future medical advancements to improve human health.