JRE MMA Show #103 with Max Holloway

27-Feb-21

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and former UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway. They discuss a wide range of topics, from Holloway’s recent experiences in Texas during a historic winter storm to the mental fortitude required to become a champion in MMA. The conversation touches upon themes of resilience, adaptation, and the unconventional paths to success.

Texas Winter Storm

Holloway recounts his experience in Texas during the February 2021 winter storm, highlighting the unusual weather conditions and the chaos it caused.

Texas experienced a rare, once-in-120-year winter storm with temperatures plummeting to freezing.
The storm led to widespread power outages, frozen roads, and a 100-car pileup near Dallas.
Holloway’s trip to Texas was pushed back due to the storm, forcing him to hunker down with his family for seven days.
He describes the stark contrast between the weather in Texas and his usual environments in LA and Hawaii.

Prepping for the Apocalypse

The conversation takes a turn towards prepping for potential disasters, with Holloway sharing his preparedness strategies and views on the importance of self-reliance.

Holloway discusses the “prepper” mentality, advocating for having enough food and water to survive for a significant period in case of a crisis.
He reveals his own stock of freeze-dried and dehydrated food, as well as his Land Cruiser apocalypse vehicle.
The conversation touches upon the show “Doomsday Preppers” and the common recommendation of having one and a half to two years worth of supplies.
Holloway jokingly mentions hunting deer in his neighborhood, highlighting his preparedness for potential survival scenarios.

The Mysterious Wallaby of Hawaii

The conversation shifts to the unique animal life of Hawaii, with Holloway discussing the unexpected presence of wallabies and other non-native species.

Holloway mentions seeing wallabies, a type of kangaroo, in the mountains of Hawaii, seemingly out of place.
The origin of these wallabies remains a mystery, with speculation that they may have been introduced as pets or escaped from captivity.
This leads to a broader discussion about exotic pet ownership and the potential dangers of introducing non-native species.
The conversation highlights the surprising biodiversity and ecological changes that have occurred in Hawaii.

The Chimp Attack and the Future of Primates

Rogan and Holloway delve into a chilling story about a chimp attack, sparking a conversation about primate intelligence and the ethical implications of their use in research and warfare.

Rogan recounts a story of a woman in Connecticut who kept a pet chimpanzee that attacked her friend, highlighting the potential danger of primates.
The conversation explores the remarkable intelligence of chimps and other primates, noting their ability to learn sign language and communicate complex ideas.
They speculate on the potential for future advancements in genetic engineering that could lead to even more intelligent chimps.
The discussion raises ethical concerns about using primates for military purposes, referencing the film “Planet of the Apes” and the potential for unforeseen consequences.

Elon Musk and the Future of Technology

The conversation shifts to Elon Musk’s ambitious projects, including Neuralink, SpaceX, and Tesla. Holloway shares his views on Musk’s vision and the potential impact of his work on the future of humanity.

Rogan highlights Musk’s Neuralink startup, which has developed technology to enable monkeys to play video games using their minds.
Holloway discusses the potential for future advancements in brain-computer interfaces that could allow for telepathic communication.
He expresses his admiration for Musk’s entrepreneurial spirit and his willingness to push boundaries.
The conversation touches upon Musk’s controversial views on education and his belief that formal schooling is not essential for success.

The Importance of Mental Toughness

Rogan and Holloway discuss the importance of mental toughness in combat sports, with Holloway highlighting the role of visualization, mental training, and pushing beyond physical limits.

Holloway emphasizes the importance of mental training, noting that he didn’t spar for his fight against Alexander Volkanovski due to COVID restrictions but relied heavily on visualization and mental preparation.
He describes the mental intensity of training camps, where he often pushes himself beyond his perceived limits.
Holloway shares his belief that mental toughness is a key factor in separating champions from other fighters, and that it’s often more important than raw physical attributes.
He contrasts this with the “showman” fighters who rely on crowd energy and the “blood sport” fighters who thrive in chaotic environments.

The Rich and the Powerful

The conversation touches upon the immense wealth of individuals like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, and the often overlooked wealth of those who operate in the shadows, such as cartel leaders.

Holloway and Rogan discuss the disparity between publicly known wealth and the potentially larger fortunes held by individuals who operate outside of traditional economic systems.
They mention El Chapo, the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, who was once listed on the Forbes 500 list.
They highlight the tendency for cartel leaders to maintain a low profile, avoiding the spotlight and wielding power from the shadows.
The conversation touches upon the cultural differences in how wealth is perceived and managed in different parts of the world.

The UFC and International Fighting

The conversation returns to the UFC and its role in promoting international fighting, with Holloway emphasizing the importance of the organization’s willingness to break new ground.

Holloway expresses gratitude to the UFC for holding events in places like Fight Island, allowing for the inclusion of international fighters.
He highlights the UFC’s pioneering efforts in holding the first event with no audience during the pandemic, demonstrating their commitment to pushing boundaries.
The conversation touches upon the UFC’s dominance in the MMA world and its role in fostering talent development.
Holloway discusses the potential for future advancements in combat sports, especially with the rise of unconventional fighting styles and techniques.

The Mental and Physical Toll of MMA

The discussion delves into the intense physical and mental toll that MMA takes on fighters, with Holloway sharing his own experiences and thoughts on the importance of recovery.

Holloway describes the unique exhaustion he experiences after training and fighting, both physically and mentally.
He emphasizes the importance of recovery and sleep, noting his own ability to fall asleep easily and the importance of mental rest.
He shares anecdotes about fighters who have pushed themselves too hard, leading to injuries and breakdowns.
The conversation underscores the importance of balance and self-care, especially in a demanding sport like MMA.

The Importance of Learning from Mistakes

The conversation closes with a reflection on the importance of learning from mistakes, both personal and professional. Holloway emphasizes the power of self-reflection, resilience, and the willingness to take risks.

Holloway shares his belief that some of the most valuable lessons come from observing other people’s mistakes, acknowledging that he has learned from his own setbacks and the mistakes of those around him.
He encourages listeners to embrace the “what if” mentality, questioning conventional wisdom and pushing boundaries.
He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, noting that he has faced numerous challenges and setbacks in his career but always found a way to bounce back stronger.
He reminds listeners that success is not always a linear path, and that mistakes and failures are part of the journey to achieving greatness.

Memorable Quotes

“Texas don’t ever get this kind of weather. What the hell is going on?” – Holloway expresses his surprise at the severity of the winter storm in Texas.
“It’s like you’re a cave man. You’re like a modern-day caveman that came from the moon or something.” – Rogan compares Holloway’s prepping strategies to those of a resourceful survivor.
“Like right now, they’re just like cute deer, but if shit gets ugly, they’re food.” – Holloway’s humorous but chilling reminder of his preparedness for survival.
“You gotta just give in to the network.” – Holloway’s sarcastic comment about Elon Musk’s Neuralink technology.
“It’s not the training that we do, it’s like it’s the mental stuff that he pushed me to.” – Holloway credits his mental training as a crucial factor in his success.