JRE MMA Show #137 with Jorge Masvidal

22-Mar-23

“`html

This podcast dives deep into the world of mixed martial arts with Jorge Masvidal, a fighter known for his aggressive style and memorable knockout victories. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including his fighting career, injuries, training methods, the state of the sport, and his perspectives on various fighters and events.

Underlying themes explore the relentless pursuit of excellence, the physical and mental toll of combat sports, the evolution of fighting styles, and the importance of finding the right training environment.

Major Topics

Masvidal’s Fighting Philosophy and Longevity

Masvidal attributes his longevity in the sport to his natural athleticism, consistent training, and healthy lifestyle.
He emphasizes the importance of a “beginners mentality” and constantly learning from every training session.
He avoids performance-enhancing drugs and prioritizes natural training and recovery, believing it’s key to long-term success.
Masvidal’s commitment to staying active and learning, even in his late 30s, serves as a testament to his dedication and work ethic.

Injuries and Recovery

Masvidal shares his experiences with various injuries, including an eye poke, torn ligaments and tendons in his hand, and knee issues.
He’s wary of surgery and prefers to focus on rehab and stem cell therapy.
He highlights the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for recovering from injuries, particularly in his hands and knees, and praises the effectiveness of treatments available outside of the United States.
Masvidal’s discussion of injuries and recovery methods provides valuable insights for athletes and individuals facing similar challenges.

Weight Cutting and its Impact

Masvidal details the grueling weight cuts he endured at 155 pounds, highlighting the detrimental effects of dehydration on fighter performance.
He advocates for eliminating weight cutting in MMA, believing it shortens fighters’ careers and negatively affects their health.
He discusses the use of IVs for rehydration and argues that they should be allowed as they promote fighter health.
Masvidal’s experience with weight cutting underscores the need for a more balanced approach to weight management in combat sports.

The Importance of Mentality and Discipline

Masvidal acknowledges his past struggles with discipline and bad habits, highlighting how they negatively impacted his performance.
He credits Jordan Peterson for providing valuable life lessons and helping him identify and overcome his weaknesses.
He emphasizes the need for discipline in all aspects of life, not just training, to achieve peak performance.
Masvidal’s journey to self-improvement provides a relatable and inspiring message about the importance of personal growth and overcoming obstacles.

Game Planning and Film Study

Masvidal discusses his approach to film study, focusing on specific segments and analyzing opponents’ weaknesses.
He believes in focusing primarily on his own strengths, but also acknowledges the importance of understanding an opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.
He highlights the importance of emulating and adapting techniques from other fighters to improve his game.
Masvidal’s insights into game planning provide valuable information for those interested in the tactical aspects of combat sports.

The Impact of Knockouts and Setbacks

Masvidal openly discusses the emotional toll of being knocked out for the first time in his career by Usman, revealing how it sent him to a “dark place.”
He shares his plan to attend a Jordan Peterson conference, seeking guidance and support in dealing with the mental aftermath of the knockout.
He emphasizes the importance of bouncing back from setbacks and using them as motivation to improve.
Masvidal’s vulnerability and willingness to address his mental struggles offer a powerful message about the challenges faced by elite athletes.

Masvidal’s Upcoming Fight and Future Plans

Masvidal is excited about his upcoming fight against Gilbert Burns in Miami, believing it’s a style matchup that favors him.
He sees this fight as a stepping stone to a rematch with Leon Edwards, aiming to regain the welterweight title.
He discusses his plans for retirement, stating he will call it quits when he can no longer keep up with the younger fighters at American Top Team.
Masvidal’s passion for fighting and desire to leave a lasting legacy in the sport are evident in his aspirations for the future.

Masvidal’s Perspective on Other Fighters

Masvidal shares his thoughts on various fighters, including Israel Adesanya, Leon Edwards, Colby Covington, and Jon Jones, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
He praises the striking ability of fighters like Saenchai, Ramon Dekkers, and Tyrone Spong, recognizing their unique skills and impact on the sport.
He discusses the importance of mentality and toughness in fighting, using examples like Wonderboy, Kevin Holland, and Chito Vera to illustrate his point.
Masvidal’s insightful analysis of other fighters offers a valuable glimpse into the competitive landscape of MMA.

Drug Testing in MMA

Masvidal expresses his frustration with the UFC’s random drug testing policy, particularly the timing of tests and inconsistencies in testing frequency.
He argues that athletes should be tested consistently throughout the year, with more stringent testing for those suspected of using performance-enhancing drugs.
He believes that the UFC’s emphasis on testing masks the underlying issue of weight cutting, advocating for a more holistic approach to promoting athlete health.
Masvidal’s perspective on drug testing highlights the ongoing debate about the role of testing in combat sports and its impact on athlete welfare.

The Rise of Bare Knuckle Fighting

Masvidal discusses his love for bare knuckle fighting, believing it brings a more realistic and exciting element to the sport.
He acknowledges the risks involved, highlighting the importance of precision and technique in bare knuckle combat.
He promotes his own bare knuckle MMA promotion, emphasizing the need for a more realistic and engaging fighting environment.
Masvidal’s advocacy for bare knuckle fighting reflects the evolving landscape of combat sports and the growing interest in alternative forms of fighting.

The State of MMA and the UFC

Masvidal expresses his admiration for American Top Team, crediting Dan Lambert for building an incredible training environment.
He discusses the rise of Bellator MMA and the emergence of talented fighters like Johnny Eblen, acknowledging the growing competition in the sport.
He believes that the UFC’s promotion of slapfighting, while entertaining, is not as strategically complex or exciting as Muay Thai.
Masvidal’s insights into the MMA landscape provide a valuable overview of the sport’s development and the challenges faced by fighters and promoters.

Political and Social Issues

Masvidal openly criticizes socialist and communist policies, drawing on his upbringing in Cuba and his experiences in various countries.
He advocates for a strong and free America, contrasting the policies of the current administration with those of the Trump administration.
He expresses his concerns about the state of the economy, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the porous border with Mexico.
Masvidal’s political views offer a glimpse into the cultural and ideological divides in America and the impact of these issues on individuals and communities.

The FTX Scandal and Crypto

Masvidal discusses the FTX scandal, highlighting the financial risks associated with cryptocurrency and the potential for fraud.
He expresses his concern for those who lost money in the FTX collapse, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy and responsible investment.
He criticizes the lavish lifestyle of Sam Bankman-Fried and his associates, contrasting it with the struggles faced by those who lost their life savings.
Masvidal’s perspective on the FTX scandal reflects the growing concerns about the lack of regulation and transparency in the cryptocurrency industry.

The Importance of Physical and Mental Wellness

Masvidal discusses the importance of sleep and its impact on athletic performance, emphasizing how his sleep habits have changed over time.
He shares his workout routines, highlighting the importance of both long, grueling sessions and shorter, targeted sessions for different aspects of training.
He acknowledges the limitations of technology in monitoring athlete wellness, believing that listening to one’s body is essential for optimal performance and recovery.
Masvidal’s approach to training and recovery underscores the need for a holistic approach to athletic development, incorporating physical, mental, and emotional elements.

Memorable Quotes

“I attribute it a lot to, like, God with the gifts that I was born with, and also the training that I do. I never get too far away from the training.” – Masvidal emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success.
“I’ve always kept, like, my body more or less healthy. I’ve had injuries that are horrible, obviously, in combat sports, but I’ve always just been able to, like, hear through them.” – Masvidal highlights the importance of resilience and overcoming challenges in his career.
“You know, I’ve always focused on, like, rehab, get whoever’s the best rehab person around at that time that I could find for that particular injury. And just get to work.” – Masvidal showcases his commitment to recovering from injuries and prioritizing his health.
“I just wanna get back in there and and do to him, you know, I I’ve never been knocked down, and I find a lot. You know, we were talking about earlier, Eve’s AdWords, like, I find great strikers, you know, and they never even hate him close to knocking me out.” – Masvidal demonstrates his competitive spirit and unwavering desire to prove himself.
“You know, a lot of times, I’m just like, mine don’t matter. Like, I wake up feeling like a little I don’t feel great this and then the whoop tells me, hey. Or what whatever technology. I’m not trying to do some whoop or nothing. Or whatever technology I was using like, hey. You know, today should be like, half day.” – Masvidal highlights the complexities of balancing technology and intuition in athletic performance.

“`