18-Mar-21
This podcast dives into the world of mixed martial arts with Leon Edwards, a rising star in the UFC’s Welterweight division. Joe Rogan and Leon discuss various aspects of fighting, training, and the business of MMA, touching upon some controversial and viral topics. Underlying themes explore the mental toughness and discipline required for success in combat sports, the intricacies of training strategies, and the evolving nature of MMA techniques.
Major Topics Discussed:
- Leon Edwards’ Recent Fight and the Eye Poke Incident
- Edwards discusses his recent fight against Belal Muhammad, which ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke.
- He expresses his frustration with the outcome, highlighting the bad luck he’s faced with cancelled fights and injuries.
- Despite the setback, Edwards remains confident in his skills and believes he would have won the fight.
- He asserts that the fight showcased his skill level and justifies his claim for a title shot.
- The Importance of Hype in MMA
- Edwards and Rogan discuss the role of hype in building a fighter’s career, emphasizing its importance in generating interest and attracting fans.
- They recognize that hype can be both justified and unjustified, sometimes stemming from spectacular finishes or captivating personalities.
- Edwards acknowledges the challenges of navigating the hype machine and staying focused on improving his skills.
- He asserts that winning consistently is the ultimate validation and cannot be denied, regardless of hype.
- Leon Edwards’ Mental Transformation and Approach to Fighting
- Edwards discusses a significant shift in his mindset over the past year and a half, transitioning from a “fight to win” mentality to a “fight to hurt” mentality.
- He explains that his dedication to improving his skillset and mindset has been a key factor in his recent success.
- He now seeks to leave his mark on the division and cement his name as a champion.
- His motivation stems from a desire to prove himself and to inspire young fighters from the UK, who often face limitations and doubt.
- Training Strategies and Sparring Philosophies
- Edwards details his unique training approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.
- He highlights the role of his coaches in providing information and guidance, while ultimately trusting his own instincts and experience to guide his decisions.
- Rogan and Edwards discuss various sparring philosophies, ranging from light touch sparring to full-power sessions, acknowledging the value of both approaches.
- Edwards explains his preference for consistent, high-intensity training, believing it builds resilience and mental toughness.
- The Impact of Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) in MMA
- Rogan and Edwards discuss the controversial use of PEDs in MMA, specifically TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) which was previously permitted.
- They acknowledge the significant impact of PEDs on athletic performance, creating an uneven playing field and potentially masking underlying vulnerabilities.
- Edwards believes that PEDs distort the natural progression of a fighter’s career and can lead to unrealistic expectations.
- They emphasize the importance of clean competition and maintaining integrity within the sport.
- The Age of Peak Performance in MMA
- Rogan and Edwards discuss the age at which fighters typically reach peak performance, recognizing that it varies based on individual factors like training, injuries, and genetics.
- They agree that the prime years for most fighters fall in the 30s, with a decline often occurring around 37-38 years old.
- Edwards, at 29, believes he is still entering his prime and excited to see how his skills develop further.
- They touch upon the impact of back injuries and the potential for longevity in MMA, depending on damage and recovery.
- The Future of MMA and the Potential for New Techniques
- Edwards and Rogan discuss the ongoing evolution of MMA techniques, highlighting the emergence of the calf kick as a dominant technique in recent years.
- They speculate on what new techniques might emerge in the future, acknowledging the potential for innovative strategies to emerge from younger fighters.
- Edwards highlights the importance of adapting to new techniques and constantly expanding one’s skillset.
- They express excitement about the future of MMA, anticipating further refinements and developments in the sport.
- The UFC’s Title Contender Picture and Leon Edwards’ Title Shot Aspirations
- Edwards and Rogan discuss the current state of the Welterweight division, highlighting the dominance of Kamaru Usman and the challenges for other contenders.
- They analyze recent fights and matchups, including the upcoming rematch between Usman and Jorge Masvidal.
- Edwards believes he deserves a title shot based on his recent performances and win streak, but recognizes the need for a potential warm-up fight to generate more hype and secure a bigger payday.
- They explore the potential for a future matchup between Edwards and Colby Covington, acknowledging its potential for excitement and financial success.
- The Significance of “The Hang” After Fights
- Edwards and Rogan discuss the camaraderie and importance of social gatherings among fighters after events.
- Edwards shares his experience hanging out with Dave Chappelle and his entourage after his fight, emphasizing the value of connecting with fellow fighters and comedians.
- They acknowledge that the social aspects of fighting are a crucial part of the experience, fostering relationships and building mental resilience.
- Edwards believes that these moments create lasting memories, often exceeding the significance of the fights themselves.
- The Importance of Giving Back and Mentoring Young Fighters
- Edwards emphasizes his commitment to giving back to the community and mentoring young fighters, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- He highlights the importance of providing role models and opportunities for kids at risk, using his own experiences to inspire and empower them.
- Edwards describes his involvement with his charity, “Knife Youth Mentoring Program,” which aims to combat knife crime in the UK.
- He explains his passion for helping young fighters escape challenging situations and pursue their dreams through martial arts.
- The Challenges of Growing Up with a Father in a Gang
- Edwards shares his experiences growing up in Jamaica with a father who was a gang leader, providing a raw and honest perspective on the complexities of that environment.
- He acknowledges the privileges and challenges that came with his father’s position, but emphasizes the difficult decisions his father had to make to protect his family.
- Edwards reflects on the sacrifices his father made and the opportunities he provided for his family, acknowledging the difficult circumstances they faced.
- He shares his own struggles with temptation and the role of martial arts in steering him away from a path of violence.
- The Evolving Nature of MMA and the Impact of Other Combat Sports
- Edwards discusses the influence of other combat sports, like boxing and Muay Thai, on MMA techniques and training strategies.
- He acknowledges the value of cross-training and incorporating elements from different disciplines to create a well-rounded skillset.
- Edwards emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of different fighting styles and finding ways to integrate them effectively.
- He shares his desire to explore boxing and kickboxing in the future, recognizing the potential for success in those disciplines.
- The Controversial Rules and Regulations in MMA
- Edwards and Rogan discuss the ongoing debate surrounding MMA rules, specifically the legality of knees to a grounded opponent and the 12-to-6 elbow.
- They question the rationale behind these rules, highlighting their potential to create an unfair advantage for certain fighters.
- Edwards expresses his belief that some rules, like the ban on stomps to the head, are necessary to prevent extreme brutality, while others seem outdated and illogical.
- They speculate on potential rule changes and modifications that could enhance the safety and fairness of the sport.
- The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on MMA and Fighter’s Mindsets
- Edwards discusses the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his career, highlighting the challenges of staying focused and motivated during prolonged layoffs.
- He acknowledges the opportunity the pandemic provided for introspection and growth, allowing him to refine his skills and approach to fighting.
- Edwards emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and the ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances.
- He shares his perspective on the challenges of returning to training and competition after such a prolonged period of inactivity.
- The Debate Over the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) in MMA
- Edwards and Rogan engage in a lively discussion about the “GOAT” in MMA, acknowledging the difficulty of definitively crowning a champion.
- They highlight the accomplishments of various fighters, including Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, and Fedor Emelianenko, emphasizing their unique strengths and impact on the sport.
- Edwards believes that Jon Jones’ dominance and undefeated record make a strong case for him being the GOAT.
- They acknowledge that the debate will continue, with different criteria and perspectives influencing individual opinions.
- The Importance of Hand Protection in MMA
- Edwards and Rogan discuss the importance of hand protection in MMA, highlighting the unique challenges posed by the UFC’s gloves.
- They acknowledge that the UFC gloves can promote a tendency for fighters to hold their hands open, increasing the risk of hand injuries.
- Edwards expresses his preference for Onyx gloves, designed by Trevor Whitman, which he believes offer superior protection and promote a more natural hand position.
- They discuss the potential for a shift in glove design to improve fighter safety and potentially reduce hand injuries.
- The Role of Nutrition and Weight Cutting in MMA
- Edwards discusses his nutrition strategy and weight-cutting process, emphasizing the importance of gradual and sustainable weight loss.
- He highlights the potential drawbacks of drastic weight cuts, particularly their impact on strength and endurance.
- Edwards shares his preference for a strategic approach to weight management, focusing on maintaining a healthy weight throughout his training cycle.
- They acknowledge the ongoing debate surrounding weight cutting in MMA and the potential for a change in weight class structure.
- The Potential for a Crossover Fight Between MMA and Boxing
- Edwards and Rogan discuss the possibility of crossover fights between MMA and boxing, referencing Connor McGregor’s fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr.
- Edwards expresses his openness to such an opportunity, acknowledging his strong striking skills and ability to adapt to different styles.
- They acknowledge the unique challenges and considerations involved in such a fight, particularly the differences in rules and technique.
- Edwards remains focused on his MMA career, but acknowledges the allure and potential of a crossover match.
5 Memorable Quotes:
- “I’ve been through so much that a fight, like a fistfight, it’s just like, the fistfight, you’re not gonna die. It’s the worst shit that you’ve been through.”
- “I feel good, I keep going, you know? So that’s the thing right, with like modern science. It only had to recover better.”
- “You don’t need to believe it, you just need to do it.”
- “You gotta, you gotta learn your fuck. You gotta learn nothing. There’s some bad guys over there that are hilarious.”
- “You know, usually when a guy’s as good as you are, everybody fucking knows. I think a lot more people know now, but it’s getting there. You know, I want everybody to understand.”