JRE MMA Show #139 with Bas Rutten

This podcast features Joe Rogan interviewing Bas Rutten, a retired mixed martial artist, UFC Hall of Famer, actor, inventor, and author. The conversation touches upon a wide range of topics, including Bas’s life in Texas, his experiences with tasers, his views on gun ownership, his passion for Karate Combat, his perspective on MMA, his thoughts on the mental aspect of fighting, his recovery from injuries, his use of stem cells and peptides, his views on the future of technology, and his reflections on the evolution of MMA and karate. The episode also delves into the unique psychology of fighters and the pressures they face, exploring themes of dedication, discipline, mental toughness, and the transition from fighting to other pursuits.

Major Topics

1. Bas Rutten’s Life in Texas:
   1. Bas Rutten’s move from California to Texas, highlighting the mass exodus from California and the perceived friendliness of Texans.
   2. The differences between life in California and Texas, particularly regarding gun ownership and the overall attitude of the people.
   3. Bas Rutten’s personal experience with the friendliness of Texans, contrasting with the often-overcrowded and impersonal nature of California.
   4. The shift in perspective for people who move from California to Texas, often noticing the warmth and welcoming atmosphere.
2. Taser Experiences and Gun Ownership:
   1. Bas Rutten’s humorous anecdote of his friends’ reactions to him receiving a taser as a birthday gift.
   2. Bas Rutten’s fascination with the stopping power of tasers, despite its limitations and potential for misuse.
   3. The discussion of taser effectiveness, including the overestimation of its stopping power and the potential for escalation of violence.
   4. Joe Rogan’s and Bas Rutten’s views on personal protection and the merits of owning a firearm, acknowledging the pros and cons.
3. Karate Combat and Its Uniqueness:
   1. A detailed explanation of the rules and format of Karate Combat, emphasizing its full-contact nature and the 5-second ground-and-pound rule.
   2. Bas Rutten’s enthusiasm for Karate Combat, highlighting the prominence of Olympic-level karate fighters competing in the sport.
   3. The unique aspects of Karate Combat, such as the 45-degree angle walls and the rule allowing punches against the wall, leading to interesting fight dynamics.
   4. Bas Rutten’s analysis of specific Karate Combat matches, showcasing the skills and tactics of different fighters, including Raymond Daniels and Ross Levine.
4. MMA and the Evolution of Striking:
   1. Bas Rutten’s insights into the evolution of striking in MMA, from its early days to the modern era, noting the increasing emphasis on leg kicks and ground-and-pound techniques.
   2. The discussion of different striking styles in MMA, highlighting the impact of Pride rules, UFC rules, and the rise of karate-style striking in the sport.
   3. The importance of incorporating elements from different martial arts into MMA, as exemplified by Raymond Daniels’ success in kickboxing and Karate Combat.
   4. Bas Rutten’s analysis of how fighters adapt their styles to different rulesets and opponents, showcasing the diversity and complexity of the sport.
5. The Mental Aspect of Fighting:
   1. The discussion of the mental side of fighting, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness, discipline, and the ability to overcome adversity.
   2. The concept of fighters having “weak points” that, if exploited by opponents, can lead to mental breakdowns and loss of confidence.
   3. Bas Rutten’s personal experiences with mental toughness, including his struggles with depression and his strategies for maintaining control during a fight.
   4. The importance of avoiding distractions and focusing on the fight itself, particularly the role of family and friends in a fighter’s performance.
6. Recovery from Injuries and Medical Advancements:
   1. Bas Rutten’s detailed account of his recovery from a severe neck injury sustained during a fight, highlighting the challenges of rehabilitation and the impact on his career.
   2. Bas Rutten’s exploration of different treatments for injuries, including stem cell therapy and peptides, discussing their effectiveness and the limitations of traditional medical practices.
   3. The discussion of the potential of stem cell therapy for treating a wide range of injuries and conditions, emphasizing the need for more research and less regulation.
   4. Bas Rutten’s personal experiences with stem cell therapy, including his successful recovery from a rotator cuff tear and a pinky injury, highlighting the transformative power of the technology.
7. The Future of Technology:
   1. Bas Rutten’s thoughts on the rapid advancements in technology, particularly in the fields of quantum computing and bio-engineering.
   2. The implications of these advancements for the future of humanity, including the potential for enhancing human capabilities and the risks of technological misuse.
   3. The discussion of potential societal changes due to advancements in technology, including the possibility of a one-world government, social credit systems, and the control over our lives through technology.
   4. Bas Rutten’s concerns about the potential for technological misuse, particularly regarding the control of electric vehicles and the potential for hacking into our bodies.
8. The Role of Unique Fighters and Extraordinary Abilities:
   1. Bas Rutten’s discussions of fighters with exceptional abilities, including their physical attributes, mental toughness, and the impact of their unique skills on the sport.
   2. The analysis of how fighters with “it factor” rise to prominence, often surpassing those with more conventional talent, highlighting the importance of dedication, drive, and a unique approach to fighting.
   3. The exploration of how unusual physical characteristics can sometimes be advantageous in fighting, as seen in the case of Tim Sylvia, who was able to become a heavyweight champion despite being pigeon-toed.
   4. The discussion of fighters with extraordinary abilities that defy conventional understanding, including Joel Greenstein, the Mighty Adam, who possessed superhuman strength and resilience.
9. The Importance of Breathing and Respiratory Muscle Training:
   1. Bas Rutten’s emphasis on the importance of proper breathing techniques for athletes and the dangers of chest breathing, highlighting the superior efficiency of diaphragmatic breathing.
   2. The scientific rationale behind diaphragmatic breathing, explaining how it improves oxygen uptake, reduces stress, and enhances overall performance.
   3. The discussion of respiratory muscle training as a vital component of athletic performance, advocating for its inclusion in coaching and training programs.
   4. Bas Rutten’s introduction of his breathing training device, designed to improve diaphragmatic breathing and address issues like asthma, highlighting the potential benefits for athletes and the general public.
10. The Significance of Early MMA:
    1. Bas Rutten’s recollections of the early days of MMA, discussing the evolution of the sport, the impact of fighters like Royce Gracie, and the development of rules and regulations.
    2. The discussion of the significance of early MMA events, such as UFC 12, which featured Mark Coleman and Dan Severn, highlighting the raw, unpredictable, and often brutal nature of the sport in its infancy.
    3. The impact of fighters like Ken Shamrock and Hoist Gracie on the sport, emphasizing the contrasting styles and the role of grappling in early MMA.
    4. Bas Rutten’s personal experiences with the early days of MMA, including his initial struggles with wrestling and his eventual dominance through striking.
11. The Evolution of Karate and Its Place in MMA:
    1. Bas Rutten’s insights into the evolution of karate, highlighting the transition from point-fighting to full-contact competition and its increasing prominence in MMA.
    2. The discussion of the unique skills and tactics of point-karate fighters, noting their speed, precision, and ability to close distance in a way that is often advantageous in MMA.
    3. Bas Rutten’s analysis of how karate-style striking has influenced MMA, highlighting fighters like Michael Venom Page and Wonderboy Thompson as examples of successful integration of karate into the sport.
    4. The role of Karate Combat in showcasing the skills and athleticism of karate fighters, offering a platform for them to compete in a full-contact format.
12. The Psychology of Fighters and the Pressure of Social Media:
    1. Bas Rutten’s analysis of different fighter personalities, noting the various factors that contribute to success, including mental toughness, discipline, and the ability to handle pressure.
    2. The discussion of the impact of social media on fighters, highlighting the pressures of public perception, fan expectations, and the constant scrutiny of their lives.
    3. The importance of developing a strong mental foundation for fighters, particularly in the face of adversity, noting the challenges of finding identity and purpose after retiring from fighting.
    4. The role of coaches in understanding the psychology of their fighters, providing guidance and support, and helping them navigate the complexities of fighting and social media.
13. The Importance of Early Career Development and the Impact of Other Organizations:
    1. The importance of developing a solid foundation in the fundamentals of fighting, particularly for young fighters, as seen in the struggles of fighters who enter the UFC too early in their careers.
    2. The discussion of the role of smaller MMA organizations in developing fighters and offering opportunities for those who might not be ready for the UFC yet.
    3. The dangers of “murderers” in other organizations, emphasizing the potential for serious injuries and the need for caution when venturing outside of the UFC.
    4. Bas Rutten’s advice for young fighters, suggesting they focus on their craft, build their skills, and avoid excessive exposure and pressure, particularly in the early stages of their careers.
14. The Legacy of Bas Rutten and the Future of MMA:
    1. Bas Rutten’s reflection on his career, acknowledging his significance as a pioneer in MMA, particularly for his striking prowess and his role in the evolution of the sport.
    2. The discussion of Bas Rutten’s influence on MMA, highlighting his impact on striking techniques and his contribution to the development of the sport’s early rules and regulations.
    3. Bas Rutten’s insights into the future of MMA, predicting the continued evolution of the sport, the growing popularity of striking-based styles, and the emergence of new technologies and training methodologies.
    4. Bas Rutten’s message to young fighters, emphasizing the importance of dedication, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence, encouraging them to strive for greatness in a constantly evolving sport.

Memorable Quotes

1. “People are so nice here [in Texas].” – Bas Rutten’s enthusiastic observation about the friendliness of Texans.
2. “There’s nothing nothing substitutes a nine millimeter.” – Joe Rogan’s straightforward opinion on firearms for self-defense.
3. “BJ Penn was so fucking talented. But during that period when he was the goat, what happened was he got with Marv Morinovich and he started training insane cardio.” – Bas Rutten’s explanation of BJ Penn’s rise to dominance.
4. “If you really master that [fighting for yourself], I think that I at that time, that was it. People say, why why do you think it works? I said because I fight for me. Give it for your family. I go, no. Not for your family. I said no because that’s too much pressure on me. If I fight for me and I just only about me, I don’t give a crap. And that means I will fight at my best.” – Bas Rutten’s profound insight into his fighting philosophy.
5. “If you use it [breathing trainer] for endurance and you do it before endurance workout, it will backfire. It’s like you have to move, but you do a biceps workout, not really going to help you. You know, so you got to build up.” – Bas Rutten’s explanation of the proper usage of his breathing trainer.