JRE MMA Show #133 with Sean O’Malley

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and Sean O’Malley, a mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC’s Bantamweight division. The discussion delves deep into the world of MMA, exploring the mental and physical demands of the sport, training philosophies, and the competitive landscape of the Bantamweight division. Provocative topics include the ethics of power slapping, the phenomenon of fighters who become “boogeymen” in their respective divisions, the unique pressures of fighting for a title, and the impact of social media on a fighter’s career. Underlying themes explore the delicate balance between mental fortitude and physical conditioning, the significance of having a strong support system, and the importance of finding the right training environment to maximize potential. The podcast also touches on the larger societal implications of drug legalization, particularly regarding the potential benefits and drawbacks of legalizing substances like heroin and cocaine.

Here are 20 key topics discussed in this podcast, with a four-point summary of each:

1. The Mental Game of MMA:
   • O’Malley shares his personal experience of overcoming pre-fight nerves through disciplined preparation and mental training.
   • He acknowledges the importance of managing negative thoughts and finding the right mindset to compete at one’s best.
   • Rogan and O’Malley discuss how certain fighters thrive under pressure, while others crumble under the weight of expectations.
   • The conversation highlights the mental toughness required to handle the immense pressure of a championship fight.
2. The Bantamweight Division:
   • O’Malley describes the Bantamweight division as a shark-infested pond, filled with extremely talented fighters.
   • The conversation explores the challenges of fighting at a weight class where fighters are often bigger and stronger.
   • O’Malley discusses the importance of having a “tweener” weight class to accommodate fighters who don’t fit neatly into traditional divisions.
   • They discuss the unique challenges of fighting against bigger opponents at the Bantamweight level, which can be more demanding on the body.
3. Alex Pereira’s Rise to Dominance:
   • O’Malley and Rogan dissect Pereira’s remarkable weight cut, which involved a significant jump from 185 to 205 pounds.
   • They discuss the unique physical attributes that make Pereira so dangerous, particularly his size, strength, and knockout power.
   • The conversation highlights the potential for a rematch between Pereira and Israel Adesanya, noting the compelling storyline and high stakes involved.
   • They analyze Pereira’s fighting style and how his long reach, pressure, and knockout power make him a formidable opponent.
4. The Importance of Training Partners:
   • O’Malley emphasizes the crucial role of training partners in pushing fighters to their limits and helping them prepare for the specific challenges of an upcoming fight.
   • He shares his experience of having a diverse group of training partners, some who push him hard and others who help him stay sharp without pushing him over the edge.
   • He stresses the need for careful consideration when choosing training partners, ensuring they won’t turn a sparring session into an ego match.
   • O’Malley discusses the delicate balance between pushing oneself and taking care of one’s training partners, particularly in light of the potential for concussions.
5. The Power of the Takedown in MMA:
   • O’Malley and Rogan analyze the perception of takedowns in MMA, noting that some viewers may overrate their importance in scoring a victory.
   • They discuss the need to evaluate the damage inflicted during a fight, not just the number of takedowns, to determine the true victor.
   • O’Malley shares his perspective on his fight against Petr Yan, arguing that he won despite Yan’s success in taking him down.
   • They explore the subjectivity of judging criteria in MMA, particularly the weight given to takedowns.
6. The Legacy of Floyd Mayweather:
   • O’Malley discusses Floyd Mayweather’s transformation from a talented boxer to a highly successful businessman and media personality.
   • He highlights how Mayweather’s trash-talking and strategic marketing helped him amass a massive fortune.
   • O’Malley expresses admiration for Mayweather’s ability to generate pay-per-view buys through his controversial persona.
   • The conversation touches on Mayweather’s current boxing exhibition fights against YouTube personalities and the potential for boxing to become more accessible to a wider audience.
7. The Rise of Jake Paul:
   • O’Malley and Rogan analyze Jake Paul’s journey from YouTube personality to successful professional boxer.
   • They acknowledge Paul’s ability to attract attention and generate controversy, which has helped him gain a large following.
   • O’Malley argues that Paul’s boxing skills have improved significantly and that he has earned respect within the sport.
   • The conversation explores the potential for Paul to continue his ascent and even win a world title in boxing.
8. The Frustration of Unmade Fights in Boxing:
   • O’Malley and Rogan discuss the common phenomenon of highly anticipated boxing fights never materializing due to contractual issues, promoter disputes, and fighter demands.
   • They express frustration at the lack of a Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. fight, which has been in negotiations for a long time.
   • They explore the complexities of the boxing industry and the factors that can prevent dream matchups from happening.
   • The conversation highlights the impact of different promoters and organizations on the ability to make big fights in boxing.
9. The Power Slap League:
   • Rogan shares his initial skepticism about the Power Slap League but acknowledges Dana White’s passion for the sport.
   • O’Malley expresses his concerns about the potential for serious head injuries, highlighting the dangers of intentionally hitting people in the face with open hands.
   • Rogan admits that he will likely watch the Power Slap League despite his reservations, indicating the appeal of extreme sports and the potential for entertainment.
   • The conversation touches on the ethics of participating in a sport with a high risk of concussion, particularly when athletes choose to engage in such activities.
10. The UFC’s Impact on MMA:
    • O’Malley and Rogan discuss the UFC’s role in promoting MMA and its impact on the sport’s growth and popularity.
    • They acknowledge the UFC’s ability to create compelling storylines and build stars, driving interest and generating revenue.
    • O’Malley expresses gratitude for the opportunities that the UFC has provided him and the platform it has given him to showcase his skills.
    • They discuss the UFC’s decision to hold events during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing Dana White’s commitment to keeping the sport going during a challenging period.
11. The Importance of Personal Coaches:
    • O’Malley emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated team, including personal coaches, who specialize in different areas of training and support.
    • He discusses the benefits of having a dedicated strength and conditioning coach, a jujitsu coach, and a head coach who focuses on strategy and sparring.
    • He highlights how having a team focused on his individual needs has helped him avoid injuries and improve his overall performance.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of trust and communication within a fighter’s coaching team to ensure everyone is working towards the same goal.
12. The Potential for Henry Cejudo’s Return:
    • O’Malley and Rogan discuss the possibility of Henry Cejudo returning to the UFC, noting his Olympic gold medal and two-division championship status.
    • They speculate on the timing of Cejudo’s return and the potential for a matchup against Aljamain Sterling.
    • O’Malley believes that Cejudo’s return would be a significant event and potentially a main event fight for the UFC.
    • They explore the potential impact of Cejudo’s return on the Bantamweight division and the excitement it could generate for fans.
13. The Flyweight Division:
    • O’Malley and Rogan acknowledge the lack of recognition for the Flyweight division, despite its talented fighters and high-level competition.
    • They discuss how the Flyweight division has struggled to gain mainstream attention, partly due to its smaller size and lower pay.
    • O’Malley believes that Henry Cejudo’s decision to leave the Flyweight division for the Bantamweight was influenced by financial considerations.
    • The conversation highlights the need for the UFC to invest more resources in the Flyweight division to ensure its viability and promote its talented fighters.
14. The Potential of Professional Wrestling:
    • O’Malley and Rogan explore the potential for professional wrestling to become a more mainstream sport if it offered higher financial rewards.
    • They discuss how the current system makes it difficult for wrestlers to make a living, often forcing them to take coaching jobs instead of pursuing competitive careers.
    • They speculate that increased financial incentives could lead to a higher level of competition and greater public interest in wrestling.
    • The conversation acknowledges the inherent excitement of wrestling and the potential for it to attract a wider audience.
15. The Legacy of “Rumble” Johnson:
    • O’Malley and Rogan pay tribute to Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, who recently passed away, highlighting his immense knockout power and impact on the sport.
    • They discuss Johnson’s struggles with weight cuts and how moving up to light heavyweight unlocked his full potential.
    • O’Malley and Rogan share their personal experiences with Johnson, expressing their admiration for his talent and his personality.
    • The conversation explores the legacy of Johnson’s knockout power and his impact on the light heavyweight division.
16. The Importance of Efficiency in Fighting:
    • O’Malley and Rogan discuss the importance of efficiency in fighting, particularly for fighters who compete for long periods, like in five-round championship fights.
    • They acknowledge the value of George St-Pierre’s approach, which emphasized minimizing energy expenditure while maximizing movement and technique.
    • O’Malley notes that Gordon Ryan, a renowned jiu-jitsu competitor, shares a similar philosophy, attributing his success to efficiency and discipline.
    • The conversation explores the balance between maximizing strength and conditioning while maintaining the finesse and efficiency required to perform at an elite level.
17. The Impact of Eye Injuries in MMA:
    • O’Malley and Rogan discuss the challenges of eye injuries in MMA, noting that they can significantly impact a fighter’s performance.
    • They discuss the difficulty of judging the severity of an eye injury, as some fighters can appear fine despite significant damage.
    • O’Malley shares his personal experience with an eye poke that occurred in his fight against Pedro Munhoz, explaining how it affected his ability to see and fight.
    • The conversation touches on the potential for eye pokes to be intentional and how they can have a significant impact on the outcome of a fight.
18. The Importance of Good Corners:
    • O’Malley emphasizes the importance of having a strong coaching team in the corner, particularly during a fight.
    • He explains how his coaching team works together, with specific roles assigned to each member, to provide the right guidance and support.
    • O’Malley discusses the importance of avoiding chaotic cornering, where multiple coaches try to give advice simultaneously.
    • He believes that having a strong corner can make a significant difference in a fighter’s performance and potentially the outcome of a fight.
19. The Impact of Sparring on a Fighter’s Development:
    • O’Malley discusses how sparring sessions should be approached with the same level of intensity and focus as a real fight.
    • He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation before sparring, entering the cage with the mindset of a competitor.
    • O’Malley shares his own methods for preparing for sparring, including warm-up routines and music playlists designed to enhance his focus.
    • He recognizes that sparring is an essential part of a fighter’s development, but it should be conducted responsibly to avoid unnecessary injuries.
20. The Ethics of Drug Legalization:
    • O’Malley and Rogan discuss the broader societal implications of drug legalization, specifically addressing the potential for increased addiction and overdose deaths.
    • They acknowledge Thomas Sowell’s perspective on “compromises” in complex issues, suggesting that there may not be perfect solutions to drug legalization.
    • O’Malley argues that legalizing drugs would reduce crime and potentially allow for better regulation, reducing the risk of fentanyl-laced substances.
    • The conversation touches on the ethical dilemma of government intervention in personal choices, particularly regarding substance use.
21. The Future of Jiu-Jitsu:
    • O’Malley and Rogan explore the potential for jiu-jitsu to become a more mainstream sport, noting the growing popularity of the discipline.
    • They discuss the emergence of elite jiu-jitsu competitors like Gordon Ryan and Mikey Musumechi, who have become incredibly skilled and successful in the sport.
    • O’Malley shares his admiration for Ryan’s dedication and discipline, noting his commitment to training seven days a week.
    • The conversation highlights the unique skills and athleticism required to excel in jiu-jitsu and the potential for the sport to grow even further.
22. The Benefits of a “Basketball Court” MMA Arena:
    • O’Malley advocates for a larger MMA arena, similar in size to a basketball court, to enhance the viewing experience and eliminate the limitations imposed by the traditional cage.
    • He argues that a larger arena would allow for more dynamic movement, eliminate the strategic advantage of pushing opponents against the cage, and provide a more expansive view for spectators.
    • O’Malley believes that a larger arena would benefit his style of fighting, which emphasizes movement and distance management.
    • The conversation explores the potential for MMA to evolve and adapt to new arenas, creating a more exciting and visually appealing sport.
23. The Evolution of MMA:
    • O’Malley and Rogan reminisce about the early days of MMA, noting how the sport has become more polished and mainstream.
    • They discuss how MMA has evolved from a raw and brutal form of combat to a more refined and technical sport.
    • O’Malley shares his personal experience of commentating on early UFC events, highlighting the stark contrast to the highly produced events of today.
    • The conversation emphasizes the importance of promoting MMA’s evolution while honoring its history and the pioneers who shaped the sport.

Here are 5 memorable quotes from the podcast:

• “I think ideas might be lifeforms. We’re very limited in the way we think about life forms.” – Rogan’s provocative speculation on the nature of ideas and their impact on human progress.
• “We’re just this we the most important thing that human life has ever had is ideas.” – Rogan underscores the fundamental role of ideas in shaping human civilization.
• “Anything that could be to be floating around in different dimensions? Maybe if we’re on some kind of drugs, we could see certain ideas floating around and grab that one put in your mind.” – Rogan’s whimsical suggestion that ideas exist in other dimensions and that altered states of consciousness might allow us to access them.
• “The most important thing that human life has ever had is ideas. Yeah. Because those ideas turned us from these primates living in the jungle, like regular animals to someone who lives in a fucking apartment building on a 32nd floor and has WiFi.” – Rogan highlights the transformative power of ideas, showcasing how they have shaped human progress and society.
• “I don’t know if it’s just because you’re doing it. Maybe when you’re done fighting, you’ll enjoy it more.” – Rogan suggests that O’Malley might appreciate watching fights more once he retires from competing.