JRE Fight Companion – May 16, 2020

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16-May-20






Fight Companion – May 16, 2020

This podcast dives into the UFC world, with Joe Rogan joined by Eddie Bravo, Bryan Callen & Brendan Schaub, to discuss the fights and the unique circumstances surrounding them.

Provocative topics include discussions on weight cuts, the effects of weight cuts on fighters, and the potential risks involved in the sport.

Underlying themes explore the dedication and mental toughness of MMA fighters, the pressure they face, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sport.

Topics

  1. Raya Faber’s Surprise Appearance:

    1. Raya Faber stepped in for Song Kenan due to a potential visa issue.
    2. Faber weighed in at 153.5 pounds, while Vera weighed in at 145.5 pounds.
    3. The commission considered allowing Faber to fight Vera despite the weight difference.
    4. The conversation highlights the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the fight game.

  2. Tony Ferguson’s Fight Against Justin Gaethje:

    1. Tony Ferguson’s grueling fight with Justin Gaethje went the distance, showcasing his resilience and cardio.
    2. Eddie Bravo’s experience cornering Ferguson during the fight is examined, revealing his initial hesitation to intervene and the complexities of being a coach.
    3. The discussion focuses on the tactical decisions made during the fight and the challenges of adapting to a new opponent’s style.
    4. Ferguson’s post-fight comments highlight his champion mentality, even in defeat.

  3. The Future of Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje:

    1. Ferguson’s future potential is explored, with potential matchups against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor discussed.
    2. Gaethje’s win against Ferguson propels him into title contention, potentially leading to a clash with Nurmagomedov.
    3. The conversation highlights the exciting possibilities and dynamics within the lightweight division.
    4. The potential for a super-fight card featuring Ferguson vs. McGregor and Gaethje vs. Nurmagomedov is discussed.

  4. Justin Gaethje’s Coaching and Potential:

    1. Gaethje’s coachability is praised by his coach, Trevor Whitman, who highlights his dedication and willingness to learn.
    2. Gaethje’s development over nine years is highlighted, showcasing the long-term commitment required for success in MMA.
    3. Gaethje’s adaptability during the fight is discussed, particularly his ability to adjust his striking strategy based on his coach’s advice.
    4. Gaethje’s wrestling skills are analyzed, with potential matchups against wrestlers like Khabib Nurmagomedov discussed.

  5. Weight Cutting in MMA:

    1. The intense weight cuts MMA fighters endure are discussed, highlighting the potential risks and sacrifices involved.
    2. The conversation explores the physical and mental toll weight cuts take on fighters, potentially impacting their performance.
    3. The unusual weight miss by Jeremy Stevens is used as an example of the extreme measures some fighters take to make weight.
    4. The discussion delves into the different weight classes and the challenges fighters face in making weight for specific divisions.

  6. The COVID-19 Pandemic and UFC’s Response:

    1. The challenges faced by the UFC in staging events during the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed.
    2. The rigorous testing protocols implemented by the UFC are highlighted, emphasizing their commitment to safety.
    3. The impact of the pandemic on fight attendance and the financial implications for fighters are discussed.
    4. The controversy surrounding Joe Rogan shaking Justin Gaethje’s hand after the fight is addressed, highlighting the public’s mixed reactions to the pandemic and social distancing.

  7. The UFC’s Return to Fight Island:

    1. The UFC’s plans for hosting fights on “Fight Island” are discussed.
    2. The potential for a more controlled environment on Fight Island, allowing for more frequent fights, is explored.
    3. The financial implications of hosting fights on Fight Island for the UFC and fighters are analyzed.
    4. The conversation highlights the UFC’s commitment to pushing forward with the sport despite the pandemic.

  8. Politics and the Pandemic:

    1. The political climate surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is explored, with discussions on lockdowns, restrictions, and the role of government.
    2. The conversation highlights the different perspectives and ideologies regarding the pandemic, including those who support lockdowns and those who advocate for individual freedom.
    3. The potential for government overreach and the erosion of civil liberties are discussed.
    4. The role of the media and social media in shaping public opinion and influencing the narrative surrounding the pandemic are examined.

  9. The Role of the Media:

    1. The potential for media bias and manipulation of information is discussed, with the New York Times and CNN cited as examples.
    2. The conversation explores the disconnect between the media and everyday Americans who are impacted by the pandemic’s economic consequences.
    3. The potential for the media to influence political agendas and manipulate public perception is highlighted.
    4. The importance of critical thinking and media literacy in navigating the information landscape during a pandemic is emphasized.

  10. The Future of Stand-up Comedy:

    1. The impact of the pandemic on the stand-up comedy industry is discussed.
    2. The challenges faced by comedians in performing during lockdowns and the potential for a comeback are explored.
    3. The conversation highlights the importance of community and collaboration in rebuilding the comedy scene.
    4. The potential for stand-up comedy to address the pandemic and its aftermath is discussed.

  11. The Second Amendment and Gun Rights:

    1. The importance of gun rights and the right to self-defense are discussed.
    2. The conversation explores the potential for government overreach and the erosion of gun rights.
    3. The role of guns in personal safety and the need for responsible gun ownership are highlighted.
    4. The discussion touches on the potential for gun ownership to be influenced by personal experiences and perceptions of safety.

  12. Socialism and its Impacts:

    1. The potential negative consequences of socialism are explored, highlighting the concept of free handouts and the impact on individual work ethic.
    2. The discussion examines the perception of “free” services under socialist systems and the reality of paying for them through taxes.
    3. The conversation delves into the potential for socialism to undermine individual initiative and create dependency on government assistance.
    4. The conversation highlights the potential for socialism to create a culture of entitlement and disincentivize personal responsibility.

  13. The COVID-19 Death Count and its Implications:

    1. The accuracy and reliability of the COVID-19 death count are questioned.
    2. The conversation explores the potential for misreporting, forging of death certificates, and the influence of political agendas on the reporting of death statistics.
    3. The discussion compares COVID-19 deaths to flu deaths, highlighting the potential for selective empathy and media manipulation.
    4. The potential for the COVID-19 death count to be used as justification for extending lockdowns and restrictions is discussed.

  14. The Importance of Personal Responsibility:

    1. The conversation emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility for health and well-being.
    2. The discussion delves into the impact of lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and substance abuse on overall health and susceptibility to illness.
    3. The potential for individuals to take proactive steps to improve their health and reduce their risk of complications from illness is highlighted.
    4. The conversation emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to health and to avoid relying solely on government interventions.

  15. The “Woke” Movement:

    1. The “woke” movement is discussed, exploring its ideology and potential impact on society.
    2. The conversation examines the concept of cancel culture and the potential for silencing dissenting voices.
    3. The discussion delves into the complexities of social justice issues and the potential for oversimplification and division.
    4. The conversation highlights the importance of having open and respectful dialogue in addressing complex social issues.

  16. The Importance of Critical Thinking:

    1. The conversation emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in navigating a world filled with misinformation and propaganda.
    2. The need to question authority and to be skeptical of information presented as fact is highlighted.
    3. The discussion encourages individuals to seek out multiple perspectives and to be aware of potential biases in media and information sources.
    4. The importance of independent research and critical analysis in forming informed opinions is emphasized.

  17. The Power of the Internet:

    1. The power of the internet and social media in shaping public opinion and influencing the narrative is discussed.
    2. The potential for online platforms to censor or suppress information is examined.
    3. The conversation highlights the need for transparency and accountability from online platforms in making content moderation decisions.
    4. The importance of fostering a culture of open dialogue and respect for diverse viewpoints online is emphasized.

  18. The Importance of Community:

    1. The power of community and collaboration is discussed, highlighting its importance in navigating challenges and achieving common goals.
    2. The conversation examines the role of community in providing support, fostering creativity, and promoting personal growth.
    3. The importance of connecting with like-minded individuals and building strong relationships is emphasized.
    4. The conversation highlights the potential for communities to act as a counterforce to government overreach and societal pressures.

  19. The Importance of Being Open-Minded:

    1. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and willing to consider alternative perspectives.
    2. The need to avoid becoming entrenched in ideologies and to be willing to challenge one’s own beliefs is highlighted.
    3. The discussion encourages individuals to engage in respectful dialogue with those who hold differing viewpoints.
    4. The importance of seeking out information from diverse sources and to be willing to change one’s mind based on new evidence is emphasized.

  20. The Importance of Resilience:

    1. The conversation explores the importance of resilience in overcoming adversity and navigating challenging times.
    2. The discussion highlights the need for individuals to maintain a positive outlook and to focus on their strengths and abilities.
    3. The importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals and communities is emphasized.
    4. The conversation encourages individuals to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to develop mental fortitude.

  21. The Power of Laughter:

    1. The importance of laughter and humor in dealing with stress and adversity is discussed.
    2. The conversation explores the power of humor to connect people, provide relief, and foster a sense of community.
    3. The discussion highlights the importance of finding joy and laughter in everyday life, even during challenging times.
    4. The conversation emphasizes the potential for humor to challenge authority, provide social commentary, and inspire critical thinking.

Memorable Quotes

  1. “It’s so crazy that the 24 hours before a cage fight. They almost killed themselves in the sauna.” – Joe Rogan highlights the extreme measures MMA fighters take to make weight.
  2. “You can’t take away freedoms. We can recall him. You just need you I think you need three hundred thirty thousand signatures petition.” – Joe Rogan discusses the possibility of recalling Mayor Eric Garcetti due to his stance on mask mandates.
  3. “I’m never this cynical, I’m never this conspirator trying to destroy the economy. It’s the first time in my life where I’m thinking to myself that’s the purpose of this.” – Joe Rogan expresses his growing suspicion about the motivations behind the prolonged lockdowns.
  4. “We are all responsible. We are all a group. We’re all a group that learn together and the people that have survived longer, experienced more, yeah, are responsible for relaying that information down to the people at the bottom.” – Eddie Bravo emphasizes the importance of educating and sharing knowledge with younger generations.
  5. “The only thing they can be here is that we all got caught up. There’s two things that you can stand up here. You guys keep me here, yes, and the store keeps me here.” – Joe Rogan acknowledges the influence of their friends and the comedy scene in keeping them in Los Angeles.