JRE MMA Show #126 with Eryk Anders

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and Eryk Anders, a mixed martial artist competing in the UFC’s Middleweight division. It dives deep into the world of MMA, exploring the physical and mental demands of the sport, weight cutting, training techniques, and the intricacies of fighting styles. Provocative topics include the use of performance-enhancing drugs, the controversial practice of weight cutting, and the dangers of fighting at a high level. Underlying themes explore the mental toughness required to compete in MMA, the evolving nature of the sport, and the importance of finding the right training environment.

Podcast Topics

1. Weight Cutting and Its Impact on Performance

   1. Anders describes his own weight-cutting process, highlighting the grueling 8-week preparation involved.
   2. He emphasizes the importance of proper weight cutting, noting that inadequate preparation can lead to fragility and performance impairment.
   3. The discussion delves into the controversial nature of weight cutting, with Rogan suggesting it essentially sanctions cheating.
   4. Anders reveals his own weight fluctuations, having fought as heavy as 225 pounds while competing at 185 pounds.

2. The Importance of Physique and Weight Class

   1. Rogan and Anders discuss the ideal physique for specific weight classes, citing examples like Jon Jones at 205 pounds and Usman at 170 pounds.
   2. They explore the advantages of being maximized for a weight class, emphasizing the combination of size, strength, and mobility.
   3. The discussion touches on the concept of “perfect physique” for specific weight classes, recognizing that certain athletes are uniquely suited for their division.
   4. The conversation acknowledges the potential challenges of fighting outside of a fighter’s ideal weight class, particularly regarding cardio and durability.

3. The Transition from Football to MMA

   1. Anders shares his journey from football player to MMA fighter, detailing his initial frustration after failing to make it to the NFL.
   2. He explains how his time as a janitor and the challenges he faced contributed to his decision to pursue MMA.
   3. Anders discusses the transition from being an elite athlete to a white belt in MMA, highlighting the ego struggles many athletes face.
   4. The conversation delves into the common problem of kickboxers struggling to adapt to wrestling and jujitsu, leading to defensive-focused fighting styles.

4. The Importance of Mental Toughness in MMA

   1. Anders emphasizes the role of mental toughness, particularly in his fight against Khalil Roundtree, where he endured relentless leg kicks.
   2. He believes that toughness is a choice, requiring fighters to distinguish between pain and actual injury.
   3. Anders suggests that his high pain tolerance might stem from his childhood experiences of being part of a large family.
   4. The conversation highlights how the mental aspect of the sport influences a fighter’s ability to withstand pain and persevere through difficult situations.

5. The Value of Play It Safe Strategies

   1. Rogan and Anders discuss the strategic value of “playing it safe” in certain fights, contrasting it with the fan appeal of exciting, aggressive battles.
   2. The conversation uses Devin Haney’s last fight as an example, where Haney played it safe in the last round after securing a victory.
   3. They acknowledge that playing it safe can sometimes be the best strategy, but argue that it can diminish the entertainment value for fans.
   4. They highlight the importance of striking a balance between strategic play and fan engagement.

6. The Unique Fighting Style of Yuri Prohaska

   1. Rogan and Anders discuss Yuri Prohaska’s unconventional fighting style, which is both unpredictable and effective.
   2. They compare Prohaska’s movements to a karate video game character, emphasizing his unpredictable and fluid style.
   3. They highlight Prohaska’s tendency to take risks, using the example of his guillotine attempt against Glover Teixeira.
   4. The conversation explores the impact of Prohaska’s unconventional style on his opponents, who often find themselves confused and disoriented.

7. The Controversial “Tap” Incident in Prohaska vs Teixeira

   1. The podcast delves into the controversial moment where Prohaska appeared to tap Teixeira while in a dominant position.
   2. The discussion examines the potential risks associated with Prohaska’s actions, as Teixeira might have stopped the fight if he believed it was a tap.
   3. Rogan and Anders discuss the importance of clear communication and avoiding ambiguous actions in the heat of a fight.
   4. They emphasize that actions perceived as tapping can lead to unintended consequences, such as injuries or a stoppage of the fight.

8. The Evolution of MMA and the Refinement of Techniques

   1. The conversation highlights the significant evolution of MMA techniques, contrasting the early days of the sport with modern, highly refined techniques.
   2. Anders emphasizes the importance of consistent training and the development of skills over time, showcasing the evolution of jujitsu techniques.
   3. They discuss the influence of athletes’ starting age on their progress and mastery of techniques, with Anders noting the difference between starting at age 6 and starting at 24.
   4. The conversation acknowledges the importance of continued learning and adaptation in a constantly evolving sport like MMA.

9. The Role of Ego in MMA

   1. Anders emphasizes the importance of humility in MMA, acknowledging that fighters must overcome ego to learn and improve.
   2. He recognizes that ego can hinder athletes from other sports transitioning to MMA, as they may resist being considered beginners.
   3. The conversation delves into the ego struggles faced by combat athletes when learning new techniques, particularly the resistance of kickboxers to wrestling and jujitsu.
   4. Anders highlights the importance of embracing a beginner’s mindset to achieve significant growth and development in MMA.

10. The Importance of Financial Management for MMA Fighters

    1. Anders discusses the importance of financial responsibility for MMA fighters, advocating for smart investments and avoiding frivolous spending.
    2. He highlights the common problem of fighters squandering their earnings on extravagant purchases and ultimately facing financial difficulties.
    3. Anders shares his own investment strategy, focusing on real estate as a stable and lucrative investment.
    4. The conversation emphasizes the need for long-term financial planning, particularly in a career as unpredictable and potentially short-lived as MMA.

11. The Impact of Drugs on Performance and Addiction

    1. The discussion explores the impact of various drugs on performance and the prevalence of drug use in MMA.
    2. Anders shares his personal experiences with drugs, including his use of morphine after knee surgery and his aversion to marijuana after experimenting with DMT.
    3. The conversation delves into the complexities of addiction and the choices that lead to drug dependence, highlighting the influence of trauma and escape mechanisms.
    4. Anders discusses the potential benefits of psychedelics like mushrooms and DMT for overcoming trauma and addressing mental health challenges.

12. The Impact of Exhaustion on Fighting Performance

    1. Anders highlights the significant impact of exhaustion on fighting performance, explaining how it can compromise a fighter’s ability to defend themselves.
    2. He describes his own experience of overtraining and the importance of proper rest and recovery.
    3. The conversation touches on the mental and physical challenges of fighting against an opponent with exceptional cardio.
    4. Anders emphasizes the importance of managing energy levels and avoiding exhaustion to maintain fighting effectiveness.

13. The Impact of Fighting Styles on MMA Matches

    1. Rogan and Anders discuss the diverse fighting styles in MMA, highlighting the contrasting approaches of sprinters who aim for early knockouts and grinders who gradually wear down their opponents.
    2. They analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each style, emphasizing the importance of adapting to different opponents and strategies.
    3. The conversation acknowledges the unique skills and strengths required for different fighting styles, recognizing the artistry of technical fighters like Israel Adesanya and Gregor Gillespie.
    4. They highlight the excitement of witnessing the clash of different fighting styles, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of MMA battles.

14. The Upcoming UFC 281 Main Event: Israel Adesanya vs Jared Cannonier

    1. The podcast delves into the highly anticipated UFC 281 main event, analyzing the styles and strengths of both Israel Adesanya and Jared Cannonier.
    2. Rogan and Anders discuss Adesanya’s sophisticated striking skills and Cannonier’s powerful knockout ability, highlighting the potential for a captivating fight.
    3. They debate the importance of distance control in the fight, acknowledging Adesanya’s superior striking range and Cannonier’s relentless pressure.
    4. The conversation highlights the contrasting styles and the potential for a thrilling match between two of the best Middleweight fighters in the world.

15. The Importance of Sparring and Training with High-Level Opponents

    1. The discussion delves into the importance of sparring and training with high-level opponents to improve skills and prepare for fights.
    2. Anders shares his own experiences sparring with high-level fighters, recognizing the value of pushing oneself against tough competition.
    3. They discuss the role of sparring in developing mental toughness and testing one’s limits.
    4. The conversation highlights the benefits of training with athletes who possess different skills and strengths, fostering growth and adaptation.

16. The UFC’s Rule Changes and the Impact on MMA

    1. Rogan and Anders discuss the UFC’s rule changes, particularly those related to knees on the ground and soccer kicks.
    2. They explore the rationale behind the rule changes, including concerns about safety and the appeal to a wider audience.
    3. They debate the effectiveness of these rules in preventing injuries and maintaining the integrity of the sport.
    4. The conversation highlights the potential for the UFC to explore alternative rulesets and regulations to enhance the sport and appeal to different audiences.

17. The Role of Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) in MMA

    1. The podcast acknowledges the prevalence of PED use in MMA, particularly in the early days of the sport.
    2. Anders discusses the use of PEDs and the methods used to mask their presence in drug tests.
    3. They discuss the ongoing struggle to detect PED use in the sport, highlighting the challenges of advanced techniques and the “arms race” between athletes and testing agencies.
    4. The conversation emphasizes the ethical and health implications of PED use in MMA, recognizing the potential for long-term damage and unfair competitive advantages.

18. The Impact of Injuries on MMA Careers

    1. Anders discusses his own experience with injuries, including an Achilles tear and a hand fracture.
    2. He shares his perspective on the challenges of rehabilitation and the importance of access to quality medical care.
    3. The conversation touches on the advancements in medical technology, including stem cell therapy and meniscus transplants, which have changed the landscape of injury recovery in MMA.
    4. Anders highlights the potential for these advancements to improve the longevity and quality of life for MMA fighters.

19. The Future of MMA and the Potential for Reverse Aging

    1. The podcast explores the future of MMA, discussing the potential for rule changes and the emergence of new fighting styles.
    2. Anders expresses optimism about the advancements in medical technology, particularly in stem cell therapy and reverse aging.
    3. They acknowledge the potential impact of these advancements on the longevity and performance of MMA fighters.
    4. The conversation explores the ethical and societal implications of extending human lifespans and the potential for a future where aging is no longer inevitable.

20. The Mental and Physical Challenges of Competing at the Highest Level in MMA

    1. Anders shares his experience with mental fluctuations and the pressure of competing at the highest level in MMA.
    2. He describes his struggles with nerves and the emotional toll of fighting, highlighting the importance of mental resilience.
    3. The conversation acknowledges the physical and mental demands of MMA, emphasizing the dedication and sacrifices required to succeed.
    4. Anders encourages listeners to appreciate the challenges and complexities faced by fighters, recognizing the mental and physical strength required to compete at the highest level.

Memorable Quotes

1. “I feel I feel good. I don’t think it has a performance issue. I know that some dudes, they cut weight. They don’t do it the right way. I think it kinda like make some checks and more fragile. Yeah. But I haven’t had that experience.” – Anders discusses the impact of weight cutting on performance, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation.
2. “I mean, eventually, something’s gonna happen to me. I’m gonna get shot, you know, just, you know, doing stupid stuff.” – Anders reflects on his past struggles and the path that led him to MMA.
3. “I think that some like the process getting the spoon, tying off, melting it, you know, putting it in the syringe. Why don’t we need to go to space? Going to space. I’ve never done any any opiates other than when I had knee surgery.” – Rogan and Anders discuss the stark differences between recreational drug use and the intense experience of morphine.
4. “That is, like, that’s one of the lowest of low. Like, if you’re just making that commitment to puncture your vein and pump that shit in there.” – Rogan describes the severity of heroin addiction, emphasizing the commitment it requires.
5. “There’s no drug. There’s no anything that you could do to replicate the emotions and feel things after knocking the motherfucker out.” – Anders articulates the unparalleled satisfaction of achieving a knockout victory.