JRE MMA Show #131 with Demetrious Johnson

27-Oct-22

JRE MMA Show #131 with Demetrious Johnson – Topic Breakdown

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, a mixed martial artist and current ONE Championship Flyweight Champion. The episode explores Johnson’s career, training, and perspective on the sport, with insightful discussions on technique, weight cutting, fighting styles, and the evolving landscape of MMA.

Here are the major topics covered in the podcast, along with a 4-point summary of each:

Demetrious Johnson’s Longevity and Excellence

Johnson attributes his sustained success to a combination of consistent training, a focused mindset, a strong team, and a relentless drive to improve.
He highlights the importance of a solid foundation in martial arts, starting his journey early and immersing himself in grappling, kickboxing, and Muay Thai.
Johnson emphasizes the significance of his early training under Matt Hume, who instilled in him the discipline and skillset that have become his hallmark.
The podcast explores Johnson’s unique ability to remain at the top of his game despite the shorter window of excellence typically seen in lighter weight classes.

The Rodtang Jitmuangnon Fight: A Unique Challenge

Johnson discusses his fight against Rodtang Jitmuangnon, a ONE Championship Muay Thai champion, which featured a unique format: alternating rounds of Muay Thai and MMA.
He details the challenges of fighting a world-class Muay Thai striker in the first round, where grappling was prohibited.
The podcast delves into the rules of Muay Thai in ONE Championship, where clinch work is often broken up quickly, which Johnson feels limits the potential of dominant clinchers.
Johnson shares his strategy of avoiding damage in the first round, while still staying competitive and showcasing his resilience.

The Controversial Decision Against Henry Cejudo

Johnson talks about his close, controversial loss against Henry Cejudo, which fueled his desire to explore other options outside of the UFC.
He discusses the frustration of feeling like he had outlanded Cejudo, but still lost the fight due to a few takedowns and a reliance on late kicks.
Johnson’s decision to seek a trade to ONE Championship was driven by the belief that staying in the UFC wouldn’t offer any new opportunities, regardless of the outcome of a third fight against Cejudo.
The podcast sheds light on the negotiation process, with the UFC ultimately agreeing to the trade for Ben Askren, who was already injured and retired at that point.

The Benefits of ONE Championship’s Mixed-Format Events

Johnson expresses his enthusiasm for ONE Championship’s approach of mixing different fighting styles, from grappling matches to Muay Thai and kickboxing events.
He believes this format provides opportunities for fighters to showcase unique skills and create exciting, unexpected matchups.
Johnson highlights the rise of elite fighters in ONE Championship, who are often overlooked in the UFC due to limited roster slots.
The podcast discusses the growing popularity of ONE Championship and the potential for it to become a major force in the MMA world.

The Importance of Protecting Your Balls

A surprisingly viral topic emerges during the conversation, with Johnson advocating for the use of steel cups in MMA due to the inherent danger of getting kicked in the testicles.
Johnson shares a personal story of suffering a hernia after getting kicked in the balls during a fight, highlighting the severity of the potential injury.
He argues that the diamond MMA cup, while durable, doesn’t offer the same protection as a steel cup, particularly when it comes to grappling and armbars.
The podcast delves into the humorous and sometimes gruesome realities of male anatomy, with Johnson and Rogan discussing the evolutionary flaws of having testicles on the outside.

The Internet: A Double-Edged Sword

The podcast touches on the dark side of the internet, with Johnson and Rogan discussing the disturbing content that can be found online, including graphic violence and animal cruelty.
Johnson acknowledges the benefits of the internet for martial artists, allowing them to access a vast amount of information and techniques from around the world.
The conversation highlights the potential for the internet to both educate and desensitize, depending on how it is used.
Johnson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and stepping away from the internet when it becomes overwhelming or harmful.

The Rise of Streaming Platforms and the Future of MMA

Johnson discusses the impact of streaming platforms like Amazon Prime on the reach and popularity of ONE Championship.
He believes the accessibility of live fights on Amazon Prime will further expand the sport’s audience and provide more opportunities for fighters.
The podcast explores the need for more organizations like ONE Championship to provide a wider range of opportunities for elite fighters around the world.
Johnson emphasizes the importance of competition and growth within the sport, advocating for more weight classes and opportunities for fighters to make a living.

Demetrious Johnson’s Mindset Shift and Perspective on Life

Johnson shares a profound personal journey, reflecting on the loss of his sister and the impact it had on his perspective on life, success, and pressure.
He discusses how this experience led to a shift in his mindset, moving away from an obsessive pursuit of perfection to a more relaxed and appreciative approach to fighting and life.
Johnson emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the journey, regardless of wins or losses, and recognizing that life is finite.
The podcast explores the themes of resilience, acceptance, and finding meaning beyond external achievements.

The Importance of Having a Great Team and Training Environment

Johnson emphasizes the importance of having a strong team and a supportive training environment, which he credits as a key factor in his success.
He discusses the positive atmosphere and camaraderie within ONE Championship, contrasting it with the more competitive environment in the UFC.
Johnson highlights the value of having coaches who push you to be better, but also understand your individual needs and limitations.
The podcast explores the role of mentorship and teamwork in athletic development and achieving peak performance.

The Evolving Landscape of MMA and the Future of Fighting

Johnson discusses the evolving landscape of MMA, acknowledging the shift toward more striking-heavy fights and the increasing importance of technique.
He highlights the rise of fighters with unique skillsets and backgrounds, who are challenging traditional MMA approaches.
The podcast explores the impact of technology and information on the development of fighting styles and strategies.
Johnson speculates on the future of MMA, predicting that the sport will continue to evolve and become more diverse and exciting.

Demetrious Johnson’s Future Beyond Fighting

Johnson discusses his plans for life after fighting, highlighting his entrepreneurial ventures in the energy bar and streaming platform industries.
He expresses his passion for creating and developing businesses that will provide opportunities and empower content creators.
Johnson shares his desire to transition into a new chapter of his life while maintaining his competitive spirit, exploring options like grappling and motocross.
The podcast highlights the importance of finding purpose and fulfillment beyond athletic achievements, and embracing new challenges and opportunities.

The Importance of Finding a Balance and Staying Grounded

Johnson emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between work, family, and personal life, despite the demands of his career.
He discusses the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being, and recognizing the need to step away from the pressure and intensity of fighting occasionally.
Johnson highlights the importance of having a support system and staying connected to loved ones, even when pursuing ambitious goals.
The podcast explores the themes of personal growth, self-reflection, and finding lasting fulfillment in life beyond external achievements.

5 Memorable Quotes from the Podcast:

“Honestly, I think it’s just the training, my mindset, the team around me, and just honestly trying to get better. I’m just gonna have myself in a gauge.” – Demetrious Johnson reflects on the key factors behind his sustained success.
“I told Matt, as I’m dog, I was like, I didn’t come to Singapore to get yellow card, like, an 18, but I take 10% of my purse. And I said, if they tell me action and they’re like, if you, I’m gonna warn you, I’m gonna look at you, and I’m gonna wing, I will, it’s been a good ride. I’m just gonna, I’m just gonna go.” – Johnson reveals his willingness to push boundaries and embrace risks in the ring.
“The biggest thing that I love about ONE Championship is like, the ever as well, man, you know, the striking is unbelievable, but I was like, no, dude, like, you wanna see some high level fucking striking? Like, Suburban Gergio, my favorite personal watch, that’s his pure kickboxing.” – Johnson expresses his appreciation for ONE Championship’s focus on showcasing different fighting styles.
“You don’t need to believe it, you just need to do it.” – This quote highlights the emphasis on blind obedience and the suppression of critical thinking within Scientology, as described by Leah Remini.
“The beautiful thing about over there is that it’s like a fried house. Like, it’s like a college house. What I mean by that is, like, after that fight, you know, we’re on the back. You see stamp. You see Adrian. You see Yoyo Akamai. You, you see Rod Teng. We’re all sitting on just talking, just chopping it up.” – Johnson describes the positive atmosphere and camaraderie within ONE Championship, contrasting it with the more competitive environment in the UFC.