JRE #898 – Bas Rutten & Mauro Ranallo

Joe Rogan Podcast #898 – Bas Rutten & Mauro Ranallo – Topics

This Joe Rogan podcast featuring former Pride FC announcing team Bas Rutten and Mauro Ranallo dives deep into the wild world of mixed martial arts (MMA), specifically focusing on the legendary Pride Fighting Championships. The episode explores a wide range of topics, offering insights into the history of MMA, the unique culture of Pride, controversial moments, and the evolution of the sport.

Major Topics

1. Pride Fighting Championships: A Wild West Era of MMA
   1. The combination of pro wrestling theatrics and brutal MMA action created a unique and captivating spectacle.
   2. Pride featured larger-than-life storylines, “freak fights,” and over-the-top entrances that drew huge crowds and captivated audiences.
   3. The organization showcased some of the greatest fighters of all time, including Fedor Emelianenko, Wanderlei Silva, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
   4. Pride’s popularity in Japan and its global reach helped shape the sport of MMA, contributing to its growth and mainstream acceptance.
2. The Yakuza and MMA in Japan
   1. The Yakuza’s involvement in MMA was a known fact, and its presence added an element of intrigue and danger to the sport in Japan.
   2. The episode reveals anecdotes about encounters with Yakuza members, including a visit to a basement training facility filled with human skulls.
   3. The Yakuza’s influence on Pride’s operations and the fighters’ lives was a constant presence.
   4. The episode provides a glimpse into the shadowy underbelly of the sport and the cultural context within which Pride existed.
3. Controversial Moments in Pride
   1. The podcast revisits a number of controversial moments from Pride, including questionable refereeing decisions and the use of fixed fights to enhance storylines.
   2. The discussion highlights the pressure for spectacle and entertainment that sometimes overshadowed fairness and integrity.
   3. The episode explores the ethical considerations of staged fights and the potential damage they could inflict on the sport’s credibility.
   4. The controversial moments serve as a reminder of the sport’s evolution and the ongoing debate surrounding its legitimacy.
4. The Evolution of MMA
   1. The podcast acknowledges the significant changes in MMA since the Pride era, particularly the emergence of a more refined and technical style of fighting.
   2. The episode discusses the impact of advancements in training methods, striking techniques, and grappling techniques.
   3. The conversation highlights the growing importance of conditioning and the athleticism of modern fighters.
   4. The episode showcases how MMA has progressed from its early days of wild brawls to a more sophisticated and strategic sport.
5. The Importance of Cardio in MMA
   1. The podcast emphasizes the critical role of cardio in MMA, particularly in the later rounds of a fight.
   2. The episode details the rigorous training regimens employed by fighters, including grueling endurance workouts and the pursuit of maximum aerobic threshold.
   3. The conversation highlights how cardio not only impacts a fighter’s physical performance but also affects their mental fortitude and ability to perform under pressure.
   4. The episode underscores the significance of conditioning as a crucial factor in determining the outcome of a fight.
6. The Future of MMA
   1. The episode explores the potential future of MMA, discussing the need for the sport to evolve and adapt to changing audiences and trends.
   2. The podcast contemplates the role of social media in shaping the sport’s popularity and promoting fighters’ careers.
   3. The discussion touches upon the ongoing debate about the UFC’s dominance and the potential for other organizations to challenge its reign.
   4. The episode provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the potential directions the sport may take in the years to come.
7. The Impact of Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs)
   1. The podcast delves into the history of PED use in MMA, acknowledging its prevalence in the sport’s early days.
   2. The episode discusses the ethical considerations and health risks associated with PED use and the efforts by organizations like the UFC to implement stricter testing and enforcement.
   3. The conversation examines the ongoing debate about the potential for PED use to create an uneven playing field and undermine the integrity of competition.
   4. The episode highlights the complexities of PED use in combat sports and the challenges of achieving a truly level playing field.
8. The Role of the Media in MMA
   1. The podcast addresses the influence of the media in shaping the narratives surrounding fighters and fights.
   2. The episode discusses the potential for biased reporting and the pressure on fighters to engage in promotional activities, sometimes at the expense of their personal well-being.
   3. The conversation highlights the importance of responsible media coverage and the need for fighters to navigate the complex landscape of public perception.
   4. The episode explores the power of the media and its potential to both build and destroy careers in MMA.
9. The Mental Fortitude of Fighters
   1. The podcast emphasizes the importance of mental resilience in combat sports, acknowledging the psychological toll that fighting takes on athletes.
   2. The episode discusses the challenges of dealing with pressure, setbacks, and the constant threat of injury.
   3. The conversation highlights the mental strategies employed by fighters to overcome adversity and perform at their best.
   4. The episode underscores the significance of mental toughness as a crucial component of success in MMA.
10. The Business of MMA
    1. The podcast explores the business side of MMA, discussing the financial incentives that drive fighters’ decisions and the dynamics between organizations and athletes.
    2. The episode touches upon the challenges of contract negotiations, the pursuit of lucrative fights, and the pressures of marketing and branding.
    3. The conversation highlights the complex interplay between athletic performance, entertainment value, and commercial interests in the sport.
    4. The episode provides insights into the financial realities of MMA and the business decisions that shape the sport’s landscape.
11. The Legacy of Pride Fighting Championships
    1. The podcast reflects on the lasting impact of Pride FC on the sport of MMA, acknowledging its role in popularizing the sport and showcasing a unique brand of fighting.
    2. The episode discusses the organization’s influence on future generations of fighters and its contribution to the evolution of the sport.
    3. The conversation highlights the cultural significance of Pride in Japan and its global reach.
    4. The episode celebrates the legacy of Pride FC as a pivotal chapter in the history of MMA.
12. The Evolution of Kickboxing
    1. The episode touches upon the current state of kickboxing, acknowledging its continued popularity in Europe and its growing presence on platforms like Fight Pass.
    2. The discussion explores the evolution of kickboxing techniques and the emergence of new stars like Rico Verhoeven.
    3. The podcast emphasizes the unique excitement and spectacle offered by kickboxing and its appeal to hardcore combat sports fans.
    4. The episode provides a glimpse into the future of kickboxing and its potential to gain greater traction in the United States.
13. The Importance of Supporting Combat Sports
    1. The podcast advocates for the continued support of combat sports, highlighting the dedication and skill of athletes who dedicate their lives to these challenging disciplines.
    2. The episode encourages fans to appreciate the technical aspects of the sport and the evolution of fighting styles.
    3. The discussion emphasizes the importance of supporting organizations and events that showcase world-class talent and promote the growth of combat sports.
    4. The episode expresses a passion for the sport and a belief in its enduring appeal to dedicated fans.

Memorable Quotes

1. “You guys represented like this Wild West. You know, it was just it was everything was crazy. You know?” – Joe Rogan captures the essence of Pride FC as a chaotic and unpredictable world of combat sports.
2. “He holds his fist still, and from here, it goes forward. You can’t tell when he shuts. It’s accurate.” – Mauro Ranallo describes the striking prowess of Fedor Emelianenko, highlighting his seemingly effortless power and precision.
3. “He hit Randy with some hard kicks. Oh, man. That was that. But was another boy. My boy, Frank Shamrock, defensive in any way, unless and it was almost resulted in the the just the the rampage win his brother of Watson’s brothers, Naegan Naegan. I mean, it was, like, a police fighting. Oh, god. They were they were police fighting. They lost They lost They almost became the police because of what Frank did.” – Bas Rutten details the intensity of a fight between Frank Shamrock and a fellow fighter, emphasizing the level of violence and aggression involved.
4. “It’s artistic. You can’t tell me when Anderson Silva landed that front kick to Vitor Belfort’s face. And he sees Vitor’s legs given. That’s art. That’s art.” – Joe Rogan highlights the artistic element of MMA, acknowledging the beauty and precision of Anderson Silva’s famous knockout kick.
5. “The the the UFC used to have the ramp and the the elaborate entrances, and I know they wanted to separate from my other line of employment, WWE, and the wrestling aspect. But I know Bellatore does a a pretty decent job with their entrances and stuff. Do you think that that is something that could help UFC now, or is it or is it you you like the boxing entrance? It’s pure you know, the sport ass effect of it.” – Mauro Ranallo discusses the different approaches to fighter entrances in various combat sports, noting the UFC’s attempt to distance itself from the theatrics of pro wrestling.