JRE MMA Show #128 with Kamaru Usman

2-Sep-22

JRE MMA Show #128 with Kamaru Usman Topics and Summary

This podcast features a candid conversation between Joe Rogan and former UFC Welterweight World Champion Kamaru Usman. They dive into various aspects of Usman’s MMA career, including his rise to the top, his training philosophy, and the controversial knockout loss he suffered to Leon Edwards.

Provocative and viral topics discussed include PED use in MMA, the psychological impact of trash-talking, and the weight-cutting process. Underlying themes explore the importance of mental resilience, the pursuit of excellence, and the enduring legacy of combat sports.

Topics and Summary

Here are 15 major topics covered in the podcast, along with a concise summary of each:

1. The Prevalence of PED Use in MMA

Usman estimates that PED use was prevalent among 25-30% of fighters before USADA implemented stricter testing.
He acknowledges that PED use is a concern in the sport, but doesn’t focus on it, prioritizing his own hard work and performance.
The conversation touches on the challenge of distinguishing legitimate athletes from those using performance-enhancing substances.
Usman shares a personal experience where he was wrongly accused of PED use due to scars on his stomach, highlighting the stigma surrounding the issue.

2. The Psychological Impact of Trash-Talking

Usman reflects on the mental toll of fighters who engage in intense trash-talking, particularly when they lose.
He emphasizes the importance of remaining human and acknowledging emotions after such aggressive tactics, especially in defeat.
He questions the long-term effects of relentless negativity and the potential for emotional damage, particularly in the face of a loss.
He highlights the contrasting reactions of fans who celebrate the downfall of trash-talking fighters after they lose.

3. The Importance of Mental Resilience and Focus

Usman discusses his ability to enter a “zone” during training and fights, where he remains unbothered by external distractions or setbacks.
He emphasizes the years of practice and experience that have helped him develop this mental state, allowing him to maintain focus and execute his game plan regardless of challenges.
He shares insights into his training methods, including meditation and personal growth practices, which contribute to his mental fortitude.
He acknowledges the importance of not letting external pressures or expectations affect his performance, emphasizing his focus on the task at hand.

4. The Pressure and Expectations of Championship Status

Usman reflects on the pressure that comes with being a champion, including expectations from fans, media, and even himself.
He describes the feeling of relief after losing the title, as it freed him from those expectations and allowed him to focus on the pure joy of competing.
He emphasizes that he never felt attached to the title, seeing himself as a contender even while defending the belt.
He shares his perspective on the pressure of breaking records and the importance of staying focused on the present moment.

5. The Evolution of MMA

Usman compares the early days of MMA to the modern era, highlighting the significant evolution of the sport’s techniques, training methods, and athlete skill levels.
He attributes this growth to the increasing availability of knowledge, the influence of past champions, and the dedication of current fighters.
He acknowledges the high level of competition he faced, emphasizing the quality of fighters in his era.
He discusses the emergence of young, highly talented fighters who are pushing the boundaries of the sport.

6. The Impact of Social Media and Fan Reactions

Usman discusses the challenges of navigating social media, particularly after a loss, and the negative comments from fans who often revel in the downfall of successful athletes.
He shares his perspective on why people might be drawn to negativity and how it relates to their own experiences and insecurities.
He highlights the creation of fake social media pages dedicated to his knockout loss, illustrating the intensity of online reactions.
He emphasizes his personal choice to limit his social media engagement and prioritize his well-being.

7. The Experience of Getting Knocked Out

Usman provides a detailed account of his knockout loss to Leon Edwards, describing the sequence of events leading up to the kick.
He reveals that he was conscious in the ambulance after the fight and able to answer questions accurately.
He contrasts this experience with his first professional loss, where he was submitted and felt a sense of uncertainty about his future.
He acknowledges Edwards’s skill and the element of luck involved in the knockout, but emphasizes the importance of preparation and opportunity.

8. The Importance of Physical Therapy and Recovery

Usman openly discusses his knee injuries and the rigorous physical therapy he undertakes to manage them.
He emphasizes the importance of stretching, warm-up routines, and other preventative measures to prolong his career.
He shares his experience with hand surgery and the recovery process, highlighting the importance of listening to medical professionals.
He acknowledges that most fighters are not 100% healthy, and he often competes with some level of injury.

9. The Weight-Cutting Process and its Potential Dangers

Usman candidly discusses the intense weight-cutting process, comparing the pain to childbirth.
He details his strategies, including sauna use, elliptical training, and rehydration protocols.
He emphasizes the importance of proper rehydration and recovery after weight cuts.
He raises concerns about the potential dangers of extreme weight cutting and the need for safer practices in the sport.

10. The Importance of Mental Toughness in MMA

Usman discusses the importance of pushing mental and physical limits, sharing examples of times when he competed despite injuries or setbacks.
He believes that his mental strength is a key factor in his ability to overcome adversity and perform at a high level.
He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and the ability to control emotions in high-pressure situations.
He shares insights into how he maintains mental focus and motivation, even after experiencing a significant loss.

11. The Impact of Family and Personal Life on MMA

Usman discusses the sacrifices he has made for his MMA career, including time away from family, friends, and personal pursuits.
He highlights the importance of his daughter’s presence at his fights, but also the need to balance his personal life with the demands of training and competition.
He shares a touching story of his daughter’s reaction to his knockout loss, emphasizing the emotional toll of defeat.
He expresses his desire to use his experiences as an example for his daughter, showing her how to persevere and overcome setbacks.

12. The Business Side of MMA

Usman shares his experiences with bad investments and business dealings, acknowledging that he has been scammed on multiple occasions.
He discusses the challenges of managing finances and investments, particularly when dealing with individuals who may exploit athletes’ success.
He shares specific examples of business ventures that went wrong, illustrating the potential dangers of trusting the wrong people.
He expresses his cautious approach to future investments, emphasizing the importance of learning from past mistakes.

13. The Future of MMA and Potential Rematches

Usman discusses his desire for a rematch with Leon Edwards, emphasizing his belief that he is still the best in the world.
He expresses a desire to headline a stadium show in England, potentially at Wembley Stadium.
He acknowledges the marketing potential of a rematch with Edwards, particularly in England, where Edwards is a hero.
He shares his thoughts on the future of MMA and the potential for new weight classes and stricter weight-cutting regulations.

14. The Importance of Respect and Sportsmanship

Usman highlights the importance of respect for opponents and the human element of combat sports.
He expresses a desire to sit down with fighters who engage in trash-talking and discuss their feelings and motivations.
He shares his perspective on the importance of sportsmanship and the need for athletes to recognize their shared experiences.
He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the skills and abilities of opponents, even in defeat.

15. The Enduring Legacy of Combat Sports

Usman reflects on the transition from combat sports to regular life, highlighting the difficulty for athletes to adjust.
He shares his thoughts on the search for purpose and meaning after a successful career, emphasizing the need to find a new “funnel” for their energy.
He discusses the importance of personal growth and pursuing new interests outside of combat sports.
He emphasizes the importance of staying active and taking care of one’s body even after retirement.

Memorable Quotes

“Genetics are real, man. Genetics are real. This not everybody did not get the same decker cards.” – Usman acknowledges the role of genetics in athletic performance.
“Luck to me is not what everyone is saying. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. That’s luck to you.” – Usman defines his understanding of luck in the context of MMA.
“I know what I’m capable of doing the Leon Edwards onto anybody else in the in the world. I know that.” – Usman expresses his confidence in his abilities.
“My daughter’s not only gonna see when daddy’s victorious, and daddy just continues to beat everybody, and and daddy has to you know, put her in in the best school or whatever she wants to be. No. You know? Because I’m in a weird place like I’m trying to teach her she has work ethic, but it’s kinda like, I don’t wanna do that today or I don’t wanna go to gymnastics, so I don’t wanna do that this week. And and she’s kinda like, does he wanna do it? Oh, I don’t like it anymore. I wanna quit. You know? And I’m trying to teach her the best way that I can without forcing her to do something of of what it takes to to work hard.” – Usman reflects on his parenting philosophy and his desire to teach his daughter resilience and work ethic.
“I’m not gonna let the church bully them or Scientology bully them into believing that they made it up.” – This is a quote from a different podcast, “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,” which Remini hosts. It reflects her unwavering commitment to giving voice to those who have been silenced and abused by Scientology.