JRE MMA Show #107 with Georges St-Pierre

by

7-Apr-21







JRE MMA Show #107 with Georges St-Pierre

This podcast delves deep into the world of mixed martial arts, featuring insightful conversations with UFC Hall of Famer and actor Georges St-Pierre. Provocative and thought-provoking topics are explored, including the nature of free will and determinism, the impact of adversity on personal growth, and the unique pressures and challenges faced by fighters in the UFC. Underlying themes focus on the pursuit of excellence, the role of mental toughness, and the importance of self-reflection in achieving lasting success.

  1. Free Will vs. Determinism: A Deep Dive into Philosophy
    1. Joe Rogan and Georges St-Pierre discuss the philosophical debate surrounding free will and determinism.
    2. St-Pierre shares his initial belief in determinism, seeing all actions as a result of causality.
    3. Lex Fridman’s arguments on consciousness and free will challenge St-Pierre’s perspective.
    4. The conversation highlights the complexities of human behavior, acknowledging the interplay of free will and external influences.
  2. The Importance of Adversity in Building Resilience
    1. St-Pierre emphasizes the value of facing adversity, especially at a young age, for personal growth and building confidence.
    2. He argues that overcoming challenges strengthens resilience and fosters an unbreakable will, highlighting the experiences of David Goggins and other inspirational figures.
    3. The discussion underscores the importance of teaching children the importance of hard work and resilience.
    4. The podcast suggests that avoiding adversity can leave individuals unprepared for real challenges, leading to potential breakdowns.
  3. The UFC’s Unique Approach to Fighter Development
    1. Rogan and St-Pierre contrast the fighter development systems in boxing and mixed martial arts.
    2. Boxing emphasizes a gradual increase in opponent difficulty to protect the fighter’s record.
    3. The UFC throws fighters into the deep end, matching them with opponents of similar skill sets early in their careers.
    4. St-Pierre attributes this difference to the UFC’s focus on promoting the brand rather than individual fighters, a smart business move but potentially detrimental for fighters on the losing end.
  4. The Ridiculousness of the 12-6 Elbow Rule
    1. St-Pierre criticizes the 12-6 elbow rule, deeming it ridiculous and hindering the flow of the fight.
    2. He advocates for a more natural and less rule-restricted approach to MMA, allowing fighters to engage freely.
    3. The discussion points out the potential for rules to stifle creativity and potentially lead to unfair outcomes.
    4. St-Pierre also criticizes the stand-up rule, arguing that it disrupts the momentum of a fight and undermines the importance of grappling skills.
  5. The Power of Playful Sparring and Technical Proficiency
    1. St-Pierre emphasizes the importance of playful sparring for improvement, arguing that a life-or-death mentality hinders growth.
    2. He advocates for a relaxed and experimental approach to training, fostering creativity and adaptation.
    3. St-Pierre stresses the importance of technical proficiency in coaching, emphasizing the need for coaches to spar in a controlled and playful manner to learn and develop their skills.
    4. The podcast suggests that overly aggressive sparring can lead to brain damage and hinder a fighter’s long-term success.
  6. The Mental Aspect of Fighting: A Game of Will and Deception
    1. St-Pierre emphasizes the mental game in MMA, highlighting the importance of mental toughness and psychological warfare.
    2. He shares his experience of sensing his opponent’s breaking point during fights, often recognizing a shift from fighting to win to fighting not to lose.
    3. St-Pierre highlights the importance of maintaining a calm and focused mindset, avoiding unnecessary risks and capitalizing on an opponent’s mental fatigue.
    4. The discussion suggests that fighters often rely on emotional outbursts and hype to mask their true feelings, creating a disconnect between the public image and the realities of competition.
  7. The Importance of Self-Criticism and Continuous Improvement
    1. St-Pierre emphasizes the importance of self-criticism for champions, acknowledging flaws and pushing for continuous improvement.
    2. He highlights the discomfort that accompanies self-reflection and the importance of embracing this discomfort for growth.
    3. The discussion suggests that fighters who are complacent and satisfied with their skills are unlikely to reach the highest levels of success.
    4. St-Pierre shares CT Fletcher’s advice: “The day you’re satisfied, choose to do something else,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining a constant drive for improvement.
  8. The Value of Mentors and the Importance of Great Coaching
    1. St-Pierre acknowledges the profound impact of mentors on his career, emphasizing the importance of life lessons and technical guidance.
    2. He emphasizes the importance of great coaching, highlighting the detrimental effects of ineffective training methods.
    3. The discussion emphasizes the role of luck in achieving success, but also the necessity for hard work, talent, and proper guidance.
    4. St-Pierre stresses the significance of finding the right mentors and coaches who can guide and push athletes to their full potential.
  9. The Unique Case of Khabib Nurmagomedov: A Force of Nature
    1. St-Pierre acknowledges Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dominance in the lightweight division, highlighting his unwavering will and relentless pressure.
    2. He describes Khabib’s style as “breaking” opponents mentally, creating a sense of hopelessness that is arguably worse than a knockout.
    3. The discussion highlights the power of Khabib’s mental fortitude and his ability to impose his will on opponents, making him one of the scariest fighters in the sport.
    4. St-Pierre acknowledges Khabib’s decision to retire after his promise to his mother, recognizing the emotional toll that fighting takes on both the fighter and their loved ones.
  10. The Risks and Rewards of Fighting: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
    1. St-Pierre shares his perspective on the risks associated with prolonged fighting careers, especially brain damage.
    2. He advises younger fighters to consider the long-term consequences of their choices and to prioritize their health.
    3. The discussion highlights the importance of viewing a fighting career as a marathon, not a sprint, emphasizing the need to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary risks.
    4. St-Pierre acknowledges that some fighters are driven by love for the sport or financial necessity, but encourages them to be realistic about their longevity.
  11. The Importance of a Balanced Training Regimen: Sparring, Drills, and Recovery
    1. St-Pierre emphasizes the importance of finding the right balance between sparring, drills, and recovery for optimal performance.
    2. He acknowledges that while sparring is essential, it should be done with a playful mindset to avoid excessive brain damage.
    3. The discussion highlights the importance of reaction drills and technical training for building skills and timing, complementing sparring sessions.
    4. St-Pierre shares his experience of incorporating different training partners and intensities to develop a comprehensive skill set and improve his adaptability.
  12. The Role of the Nervous System in Fighting: A Secret Weapon
    1. St-Pierre explores the role of the nervous system in fighting, suggesting that reaction time and mental resilience are crucial for success.
    2. He shares his experience of utilizing reaction time drills and sensory overload techniques to enhance his reflexes and overcome opponents’ strengths.
    3. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding an opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, identifying their “blind spots” to exploit.
    4. St-Pierre emphasizes that while some fighters may excel in physical attributes, it’s the nervous system that often makes the difference in high-level competition.
  13. The Fascinating Cases of Max Holloway and Cedric Dume Bay: Different Approaches to Success
    1. St-Pierre examines the training methods of Max Holloway and Cedric Dume Bay, both renowned for their remarkable endurance.
    2. Holloway minimizes sparring, focusing on reaction drills and endurance training to maintain his energy and avoid taking unnecessary damage.
    3. Dume Bay emphasizes a sprint recovery-based approach, conditioning his body for a relentless pace that wears down opponents.
    4. The discussion highlights the diversity of successful training approaches, suggesting that there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for achieving success.
  14. The Importance of Recognizing One’s Limits: Finding the Right Time to Retire
    1. St-Pierre emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s physical and mental limits, highlighting the dangers of continuing to fight beyond one’s prime.
    2. He suggests that fighters should prioritize their long-term health and legacy, rather than clinging to a diminishing window of competitiveness.
    3. The discussion acknowledges that fighters often face pressure to continue due to love for the sport, financial necessity, or ego, but stresses the importance of making rational decisions.
    4. St-Pierre shares his experience of walking away from fighting, highlighting the importance of making decisions based on personal values and goals.
  15. The Potential of AI and Technology to Shape Humanity: A Future of Integration and Transformation
    1. St-Pierre explores the potential impact of AI and technology on humanity, acknowledging the concerns of Elon Musk and Sam Harris.
    2. He discusses the potential for AI to integrate with human bodies, enhancing physical capabilities and communication, but also the risks of being controlled by a superior intelligence.
    3. The conversation delves into the potential for AI to protect humanity from itself, potentially leading to the elimination of individuals who pose a threat to the collective good.
    4. St-Pierre acknowledges the complex and unpredictable nature of technological advancements, questioning what the future holds for humanity in a world increasingly shaped by technology.
  16. The Enigmatic Nature of UFOs and the Potential for Extra-Terrestrial Contact
    1. St-Pierre delves into the topic of UFOs, expressing his belief in the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
    2. He discusses Bob Lazar’s claims about working at Area 51, including his knowledge of element 115 and the challenges of reverse engineering advanced technology.
    3. The conversation touches on Commander David Fravor’s encounters with unidentified objects, highlighting the potential for advanced technology beyond our understanding.
    4. St-Pierre acknowledges the complexities of interpreting evidence and the potential for bias in interpreting information about UFOs.
  17. The Mysteries of Ancient Civilizations: Evidence of Lost Technology and Advanced Knowledge
    1. St-Pierre explores the mysteries of ancient civilizations, particularly the pyramids of Egypt, highlighting the apparent advanced technology and construction techniques.
    2. He discusses the ongoing debate surrounding the construction methods of the pyramids, acknowledging the possibilities of lost knowledge and advanced engineering.
    3. The discussion delves into the concept of technological loss and the potential for civilizations to rise and fall, leaving behind remnants of their achievements.
    4. St-Pierre highlights the significance of archaeological discoveries, particularly those that challenge our understanding of human history and technological capabilities.
  18. The Potential Impact of Pandemics and Catastrophes on Civilization: The Importance of Resilience
    1. St-Pierre reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on civilization, highlighting the fragility of modern society and its reliance on technology.
    2. He discusses the potential for natural disasters and pandemics to disrupt civilization, leading to a loss of knowledge and potentially setting human progress back.
    3. The conversation emphasizes the importance of resilience in facing unforeseen challenges and the potential for a small group of survivors to rebuild civilization.
    4. St-Pierre acknowledges the possibility of a future where humanity is reduced to a primitive state, relying on the remnants of previous civilizations to rebuild.
  19. The Allure and Perils of Belief Systems: The Case of Scientology
    1. St-Pierre discusses the potential for belief systems to both inspire and hinder individuals, using the example of Scientology.
    2. He acknowledges the genuine intentions of many Scientologists but expresses concern about the organization’s rigid doctrines and the potential for abuse.
    3. The discussion highlights the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority in maintaining a balanced perspective.
    4. St-Pierre encourages listeners to be mindful of the allure and dangers of belief systems, emphasizing the importance of personal autonomy and critical analysis.
  20. The Future of Fighting: The Rise of Crossover Events and the Quest for the Greatest
    1. St-Pierre discusses the growing trend of crossover events between boxing and MMA, acknowledging the challenges and potential for exciting matchups.
    2. He acknowledges the unique challenges of transitioning between the two disciplines, highlighting the differences in technique, strategy, and conditioning.
    3. The discussion delves into the ongoing debate about who truly holds the title of “greatest” in fighting, considering the different eras, disciplines, and rule sets.
    4. St-Pierre shares his personal perspective on who he believes are some of the greatest fighters of all time, acknowledging the subjective nature of the debate.

Memorable Quotes

  • “I think both things are true. I think it’s like many things involving human beings. There’s not an absolute in one side or the other.” – St-Pierre acknowledges the complexities of free will, suggesting a balance between deterministic influences and personal choices.
  • “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, or it fucks you up to the point where you were before.” – St-Pierre recognizes the potential for adversity to either build resilience or reinforce existing weaknesses.
  • “Sometimes the worst feeling you can face as a fighter is not loss, but failing yourself, knowing that you could have done more, but quitting.” – St-Pierre emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and the devastating consequences of self-sabotage.
  • “You can’t compare them to people that have learned and already moved past his footsteps, because he carved the path.” – St-Pierre acknowledges the revolutionary nature of Bruce Lee’s philosophy, recognizing his impact on the evolution of martial arts.
  • “We live in a zone that it’s like crossing an highway with our eyes closed. That’s a good way to pull it.” – St-Pierre illustrates the volatility of Earth’s environment, emphasizing the importance of understanding and mitigating risks.