JRE #845 – TJ Dillashaw, Duane Ludwig & Bas Rutten

Joe Rogan Experience #845 – TJ Dillashaw, Duane Ludwig & Bas Rutten

This Joe Rogan podcast features a fascinating discussion on the world of MMA with TJ Dillashaw, a former bantamweight champion, Duane Ludwig, a renowned MMA coach, and Bas Rutten, a retired UFC Heavyweight Champion. The conversation delves into various aspects of fighting, including training philosophies, the mental game, physical conditioning, and controversial topics like eye pokes and rule changes. Underlying themes explore the dedication required for success in MMA, the importance of finding the right coaches, and the constant evolution of the sport.

Major Topics:

1. Training Philosophies and Approaches:
   • TJ Dillashaw’s intense, high-energy training style, focused on speed and power, differs from fighters who prioritize endurance.
   • Duane Ludwig emphasizes the importance of mental overload and confusing opponents’ brains with unconventional techniques.
   • The discussion explores the balance between structured training and allowing fighters to express their unique styles.
   • The impact of coaching and the importance of building trust between fighter and trainer is highlighted.
2. The Mental Game in MMA:
   • TJ Dillashaw’s emotional intensity and desire to finish opponents is explored, contrasting with his calmness in earlier fights.
   • The role of trash talk and mental warfare in MMA is examined.
   • The importance of mental toughness and resilience is emphasized, particularly in the face of adversity.
   • The impact of psychological training and the self-coaching techniques used by Dillashaw are discussed.
3. Physical Conditioning in MMA:
   • The debate around the necessity of roadwork and endurance training is explored, with Dillashaw arguing for a more focused, explosive approach.
   • The role of altitude training is discussed, highlighting its benefits and challenges, including sleep disruption and recovery.
   • The podcast explores the importance of proper nutrition for MMA fighters, particularly the role of healthy fats in boosting hormone production.
   • The challenging weight cuts required in MMA are discussed, with Dillashaw advocating for a more balanced approach to weight management.
4. Controversial Topics and Rule Changes:
   • The issue of eye pokes is discussed, with the panel advocating for rule changes to prevent injuries.
   • The recent change to the rules regarding downed fighters is examined, with the panel expressing mixed opinions.
   • The use of pride style gloves is championed as a potential solution to eye pokes.
   • The discussion explores the need for consistent rules and protocols across MMA organizations.
5. The Evolution of MMA:
   • The podcast highlights the increasing athleticism and sophistication of fighters, pushing the boundaries of the sport.
   • The emergence of unique styles and unconventional techniques is explored, leading to a greater depth and complexity in the sport.
   • The panel discusses the significance of elite MMA camps and the importance of finding the right training environment.
   • The evolution of MMA training methods is discussed, including the use of sparring drills and the integration of different disciplines.
6. MMA Legends and Their Impact:
   • The podcast features anecdotes about legendary fighters like Damian Maia, Wonderboy Thompson, and Damian Meyer.
   • The panel discusses the unique strengths and fighting styles of these iconic fighters.
   • The lasting impact of these legends on the sport is explored, emphasizing their contributions to technique and strategy.
   • The importance of recognizing and appreciating the diversity of fighting styles in MMA is highlighted.
7. The Role of Coaches and Training Systems:
   • The podcast delves into the coaching philosophies and techniques of Duane Ludwig and Trevor Whitman.
   • The importance of communication and understanding between coach and fighter is emphasized.
   • The use of code words and combination systems in MMA training is discussed.
   • The panel explores the different approaches to coaching, highlighting the need for personalized methods.
8. The Future of MMA:
   • The podcast concludes with a discussion on the exciting future of MMA, highlighting the ongoing evolution of the sport.
   • The panel emphasizes the importance of embracing new techniques and strategies.
   • The potential for further rule changes and innovations is discussed.
   • The podcast concludes with a hopeful outlook for the continued growth and popularity of MMA.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Orange is my thing. I mean, it’s like… I absolutely love orange. I see some orange at a store, crowded people, I see an orange shirt… Right. So if there’s a fruit bowl, there’s an orange right next to a banana… Orange.” – TJ Dillashaw expresses his love for the color orange.
• “Cameron Haynes just ran 200 miles and we’re like, that shit is not good for you. No way. No way. It’s not good. Your body’s not supposed to do that. It it might be good for his brain though because he’s so fucking crazy. Like, he needs to know that he can do something like that.” – Joe Rogan and Duane Ludwig discuss the extreme endurance feats of their friend.
• “I feel like there’s nothing better than that. It’s so primal to hunt with a bow out in the middle of nowhere, especially, I mean, by yourself, that’s crazy.” – Joe Rogan expresses his appreciation for the primal experience of hunting.
• “There’s so much depth to this sport. There’s so many options and there’s so many possibilities that to the outside or people look at it. It looks brutal. You see that eye poke and you’re like, oh my god, the sport should be illegal, the sport’s correct. But to a person who really understands and watches it and appreciates it, it’s like there’s so it’s like this crazy language — Mhmm. — that you have to learn.” – Duane Ludwig compares MMA to a complex language.
• “I think right now, we’re seeing, like, there’s a there’s a pack. Right? There’s like the standard pack of of athletes that are doing things in a certain way. And then there’s a few that are moving away from the pack, and they’re expanding the potential of MMA. I think you’re 1 of those people.” – Duane Ludwig praises TJ Dillashaw for pushing the boundaries of MMA.