JRE MMA Show #123 with BJ Penn

27-Apr-22

Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show #123 with BJ Penn – Topics & Summary

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and former UFC Welterweight & Lightweight Champion BJ Penn, who is also a current Republican candidate for Governor of Hawaii. The discussion delves into Penn’s motivations for entering politics, his experiences in the world of MMA, and his perspective on various topics, including government overreach, the future of MMA, and the importance of hard work and dedication.

Here are some of the major topics covered in the podcast:

BJ Penn’s Decision to Run for Governor of Hawaii

1. BJ Penn’s decision to run for Governor was sparked by the COVID-19 lockdowns and his dissatisfaction with the government’s response to the pandemic. He felt that the lockdowns were excessive and harmful to businesses and individuals.
2. Penn expresses his frustration with the perceived anti-business climate in Hawaii, citing high taxes, burdensome regulations, and slow planning processes that he believes hinder economic growth.
3. He emphasizes his desire to fight for individual freedoms and believes that government should play a less intrusive role in people’s lives.
4. Penn highlights the importance of having a strong team of advisors and emphasizes his own experience in MMA as a model for effective leadership. He believes that surrounding oneself with the best people is key to achieving success.

BJ Penn’s MMA Career & Philosophy

1. Penn’s legendary MMA career is dissected, with discussions on his early days, signature moves, and his unique approach to strength and conditioning.
2. He details his unorthodox training methods under the guidance of the Maravich brothers, emphasizing their focus on agility, speed, and explosive power over traditional bodybuilding techniques.
3. Penn discusses the importance of mental toughness in fighting, drawing parallels between the psychological warfare experienced by fighters and the challenges of entering politics.
4. He emphasizes that fighting is more than just physical skill, it’s about mental preparedness, strategic thinking, and unwavering determination.

The Evolution of MMA & Weight Cutting

1. Penn and Rogan discuss the dramatic evolution of MMA over the years, highlighting the increasing skill level and diversity of techniques.
2. They touch on the debate surrounding the use of performance-enhancing drugs, acknowledging the prevalence of steroids in the early days of the sport and the emergence of USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency).
3. Penn criticizes the practice of extreme weight cutting, arguing that it can lead to dehydration, injury, and a decrease in performance.
4. He advocates for more weight classes in MMA, believing it would create more opportunities for fighters and allow them to compete at their natural weight, promoting a healthier and more sustainable fighting environment.

The Future of MMA & Rising Stars

1. Penn and Rogan explore the future of MMA, discussing the emergence of new stars and the exciting potential of the sport.
2. They analyze the current welterweight division, highlighting the dominance of fighters like Kamaru Usman, Leon Edwards, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns.
3. Penn expresses his excitement for upcoming fights, particularly the matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Neil Magny, recognizing the high stakes and potential for thrilling action.
4. The podcast features a deep dive into the skills and achievements of various fighters, including their strengths, weaknesses, and unique fighting styles. This includes detailed analysis of fighters like Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Anderson Silva.

The Nature of Competition & the Quest for Greatness

1. Penn and Rogan explore the competitive nature of MMA, comparing it to the animal kingdom, where survival and dominance are key. They discuss the ruthlessness of nature and the constant struggle for survival.
2. The podcast delves into the concept of “peak performance” and the importance of recognizing and celebrating fighters at their most dominant points in their careers.
3. They discuss the pressure and mental toll of being a champion and the difficulty of letting go of that identity when it’s time to retire.
4. The podcast highlights the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the unique talents and achievements of fighters, emphasizing the historical significance of their contributions to the sport.

The Role of Coaches & the Impact of MMA

1. Penn and Rogan discuss the importance of coaches in MMA, highlighting their role in shaping fighters’ skills, mindset, and overall development.
2. They acknowledge the sacrifices and dedication required of both fighters and coaches, emphasizing the challenges of navigating the often-uncertain world of MMA.
3. Penn expresses his admiration for coaches like Javier Mendez, Jason Parillo, and Trevor Wittman, recognizing their contributions to the sport and the impact they have had on their fighters.
4. The podcast explores the broader impact of MMA on society, acknowledging its popularity, the passion of its fans, and its ability to inspire individuals.

The Benefits of Marijuana & Its Impact on Society

1. Penn expresses his support for recreational marijuana, highlighting its potential benefits for both individuals and the economy.
2. He argues that marijuana has been unfairly stigmatized and that the government should treat adults with respect and allow them to make their own choices.
3. Penn believes that marijuana can have positive effects on mental well-being, promoting relaxation, creativity, and introspection.
4. He advocates for a more progressive approach to drug policy and believes that marijuana could be a source of economic growth and tax revenue for Hawaii.

Environmental Concerns & Sustainability

1. Penn discusses the environmental challenges facing Hawaii, particularly the island’s dependence on imported goods and its vulnerability to climate change.
2. He emphasizes the importance of sustainability and advocates for initiatives to promote local food production and renewable energy sources.
3. Penn highlights the need to protect Hawaii’s natural resources, including its water and land, emphasizing the importance of responsible stewardship.
4. He expresses his desire to work with individuals and organizations who can help Hawaii achieve greater self-sufficiency and a more sustainable future.

The Importance of History & Hawaiian Culture

1. Penn discusses the unique history and culture of Hawaii, acknowledging its rich heritage and the importance of preserving its traditions.
2. He explores the origins of the Hawaiian people and their journey to the islands, acknowledging the challenges and resilience of their ancestors.
3. Penn emphasizes the importance of understanding Hawaii’s past to shape a better future, recognizing the lessons that can be learned from its history.
4. He highlights the strength and resilience of the Hawaiian people and believes that their culture can serve as a source of inspiration for future generations.

The Importance of Hard Work & Dedication

1. Penn emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, drawing on his own experiences in MMA as a model for success.
2. He believes that with dedication and determination, individuals can achieve their goals and overcome any obstacle.
3. Penn stresses that success is not handed out; it’s earned through relentless effort and a willingness to push one’s limits.
4. He encourages listeners to find their passion and pursue it with unwavering commitment, believing that hard work can lead to remarkable achievements.

5 Memorable Quotes

1. “This is the straw that broke the camel’s back. I’ve always noticed the problems here with the economy, how anti-business they are, how we’ve all, since I was in high school, we’ve always been in last place, our education.”
2. “I see, like, everything that they’re gonna throw at me, I can kinda see, like, well, I kinda been through that. Yeah. Yeah. The the the mental warfare. The mental warfare that a fighter has to go through. I mean, my god. There’s nothing like it in all sports.”
3. “The hero in the coward. They’re both scared. Mhmm. But the hero’s gonna step forward.”
4. “Anybody can get into a fight real quick in school, but when they say, me me at the park after and the whole school shows up. No. That’s the fight. You know? Or I’ll meet you in 4 months. Yeah. For UFC card. You’re raising that amazing? That’s when it gets wild.”
5. “It’s not just I wanna be a better baseball player than you. Mhmm. It’s I wanna be a better baseball player than you, and I wanna beat the fuck out of you. Yeah. And so there’s like a 100 guys like that who wanna beat the fuck out of you because you’re the guy.”