31-May-23
This podcast features Joe Rogan’s conversation with Gillian Robertson, a mixed martial artist currently competing in the Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. They discuss a range of topics, from the science of weed to the unique challenges of being a fighter and navigating the social world outside the cage. The underlying themes revolve around the dedication, discipline, and mental fortitude required for success in MMA, as well as the fascinating intricacies of grappling techniques and the evolving landscape of the sport itself.
1. The Science of Weed:
- Gillian Robertson shares her experience testing positive for marijuana due to dabbing.
- Rogan and Robertson delve into the differences in THC absorption and detection times between smoking flower and concentrates.
- They discuss the use of oil, dabs, and nasal sprays, highlighting the variety of ways people consume marijuana and their potential impacts on athletic performance.
- Robertson expresses her preference for natural THC consumption methods over synthetic options, highlighting the potential for adverse effects and a lack of control with synthetic products.
2. The Role of CBD:
- Rogan discusses the effectiveness of CBD MD recover cream for back pain, a common issue for fighters.
- Robertson shares her positive experiences with CBD, both topical and oral, for managing inflammation, a persistent challenge for athletes.
- They discuss the potential benefits of CBD for managing conditions like arthritis, drawing upon Rogan’s friend Dave Foley’s experience with CBD for his hands.
- The conversation underscores the growing acceptance and recognition of CBD’s benefits for athletic performance and overall wellness.
3. The Mental and Physical Demands of MMA:
- Robertson describes the intense emotions and mental state she experiences before fights, particularly the mix of nerves and excitement.
- Rogan acknowledges the unique psychological toll of MMA, emphasizing the contrast between everyday life and the preparation for physical violence.
- They discuss the need to embrace these intense emotions as part of the fighter’s experience, recognizing the mental strength required to manage the pre-fight pressure.
- Robertson’s perspective highlights the unique perspective fighters gain through their chosen profession, experiencing a range of emotions and pushing their limits in ways most people don’t.
4. Gillian Robertson’s Fighting Style and Techniques:
- Rogan and Robertson review Robertson’s fights, emphasizing the effectiveness of her unique choke technique.
- They discuss the importance of drilling specific techniques, showcasing how Robertson has perfected her choke through years of practice.
- Robertson credits Dean Thomas for coaching her unique choke, highlighting the importance of mentorship and innovative thinking in developing a distinct fighting style.
- The conversation highlights Robertson’s dominance in grappling, specifically her choke and top pressure, which have proven to be a challenge for opponents.
5. The Importance of Top Pressure and Control:
- Rogan and Robertson discuss the dominance of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s top control, emphasizing the physical and mental toll it takes on opponents.
- They acknowledge the importance of top pressure in MMA, emphasizing its ability to drain an opponent’s energy and control the flow of the fight.
- Robertson highlights her own top pressure and ground and pound game, demonstrating her ability to wear down opponents and force them to make mistakes.
- The conversation underscores the effectiveness of top pressure in MMA, both for its ability to dictate the fight and its psychological impact on the opponent.
6. The Subjectivity of Refereeing in MMA:
- Robertson describes a situation where the referee incorrectly perceived her as injured, interrupting her submission attempt.
- Rogan acknowledges the subjective nature of refereeing, emphasizing the variation in how referees interpret and react to strikes and injuries.
- They discuss the potential for referees to prematurely stop fights, hindering the ability of fighters to demonstrate their toughness and resilience.
- The conversation highlights the importance of effective communication between fighters and referees, acknowledging the difficulty of communicating accurately in the heat of the moment.
7. The Value of Information and Game Planning:
- Robertson discusses how she utilized information about her opponent’s injured knee to her advantage during a fight.
- Rogan emphasizes the importance of utilizing any available information and game planning to exploit weaknesses in an opponent’s game.
- They discuss the ethical considerations of using information about an opponent’s injuries, acknowledging the fine line between strategic advantage and unfair play.
- The conversation underscores the growing importance of preparation and strategy in MMA, as fighters are increasingly looking for any edge to gain a competitive advantage.
8. The Evolving Landscape of MMA:
- Rogan reflects on the evolution of MMA, highlighting the shift from specialists in individual disciplines to more well-rounded mixed martial artists.
- He acknowledges the rising level of skill and athleticism in MMA, emphasizing the increasing complexity of techniques and strategies employed by fighters.
- They discuss the influence of fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, who have innovated techniques and pushed the boundaries of MMA grappling.
- The conversation underscores the exciting future of MMA as a sport, characterized by continuous innovation and the emergence of new talent with exceptional skills.
9. The Question of Specialization vs. Well-roundedness:
- Rogan and Robertson debate the merits of specializing in one martial art versus becoming a well-rounded mixed martial artist.
- Robertson highlights her own path as a grappler who has evolved into a well-rounded MMA fighter, suggesting a comprehensive approach may be advantageous.
- They discuss the challenges of achieving world-class levels in multiple disciplines, acknowledging the time commitment required for specialization.
- The conversation highlights the ongoing discussion in MMA about the ideal approach for fighters, with no definitive answer yet.
10. The Importance of Dedication and Hard Work:
- Robertson describes her grueling training schedule, emphasizing the importance of consistent dedication to improving.
- Rogan compares her work ethic to that of Gordon Ryan, a dominant grappler known for his relentless training.
- They discuss the distinction between simply rolling and practicing techniques, underscoring the importance of consistent drilling and repetition for mastery.
- The conversation highlights the crucial role of dedication and hard work in achieving success in MMA, showcasing how Robertson’s relentless effort has propelled her career.
11. The Surprising World of MMA Fighters:
- Rogan and Robertson discuss the surprising personalities and appearances of many fighters, highlighting the contrast between their fighting skills and their everyday personas.
- They cite examples like Mikey Musumeci, a highly skilled grappler who doesn’t appear to fit the typical “fighter” stereotype.
- The conversation highlights the diverse backgrounds and personalities within MMA, showcasing the wide range of people who are drawn to this unique sport.
- Their perspective debunks the stereotype of fighters as purely aggressive individuals, emphasizing the intellectual and strategic aspects of MMA.
12. The Impact of Social Media on Fighters:
- Rogan and Robertson discuss the increasing presence of fighters on social media platforms like OnlyFans.
- Robertson expresses her reservations about this trend, emphasizing the potential for it to detract from training and focus.
- They explore the financial considerations involved, highlighting the lucrative potential of OnlyFans compared to MMA pay.
- The conversation underscores the changing landscape of fighters’ income streams and the implications for their dedication to the sport.
13. The Impact of the Tough House:
- Robertson discusses her experience on the “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show, highlighting the intense pressure and exposure it brought to her life.
- Rogan reflects on the show’s clever casting and its ability to create entertaining storylines, even for fighters who may not be natural “characters.”
- They discuss the social awkwardness Robertson experienced initially, acknowledging the challenge of living with a group of unfamiliar competitors.
- The conversation highlights the unique pressures and opportunities that come with participating in reality television, particularly for fighters who are entering the spotlight.
14. The Future of MMA and Gillian Robertson’s Goals:
- Robertson expresses her belief that she is entering her fighting prime, highlighting her ongoing improvement and growth as a fighter.
- They discuss her potential path to a title shot, recognizing her current ranking and the possibility of facing Mackenzie Dern.
- Robertson expresses her desire to solidify her position as a submission specialist, aiming to surpass Dern’s record for most submissions in women’s UFC history.
- The conversation showcases Robertson’s ambition and commitment to reaching the top of her sport, highlighting her dedication to continuous improvement and her confidence in her ability to succeed.
15. The Unique Challenges of Weight Cutting:
- Rogan and Robertson discuss the extreme weight cuts that fighters often endure, particularly in lower weight classes.
- They explore the potential impact on performance and long-term health, acknowledging the risks associated with extreme weight reduction.
- Robertson describes the significant difference in size between fighters in different weight classes, emphasizing the challenge of competing against larger opponents.
- The conversation underscores the controversial practice of weight cutting, highlighting the physical and mental toll it takes on fighters and the ethical considerations involved.
16. The Importance of Mental Fortitude:
- Rogan and Robertson discuss the importance of staying calm and focused under pressure, particularly when facing a knockout artist.
- They explore the mental toughness required to maintain composure and continue fighting despite taking significant strikes.
- Robertson highlights her ability to remain calm and focused during fights, even when facing adversity, emphasizing her mental resilience.
- The conversation underscores the vital role of mental fortitude in MMA, recognizing that fighters who can manage their emotions and maintain their composure often perform at a higher level.
17. The Surprising Nature of MMA:
- Rogan and Robertson analyze a number of memorable knockouts, highlighting the unpredictability and danger of the sport.
- They discuss the moments when seemingly unbeatable fighters are unexpectedly knocked out or submitted, emphasizing the “one-punch” nature of MMA.
- They acknowledge the unique pressures and risks fighters face in the cage, recognizing the potential for career-altering or even life-threatening injuries.
- The conversation underscores the thrilling and unpredictable nature of MMA, where even the most skilled fighters can be surprised by a single mistake.
18. The Importance of Finding the Right Gym:
- Robertson describes her experience training at the Goat Shed in Miami, highlighting the unique energy and environment of the gym.
- Rogan acknowledges the importance of finding a gym that fosters the right energy, training methods, and coaching style for each fighter.
- They discuss the importance of finding a coach who aligns with a fighter’s goals and encourages their growth and development.
- The conversation underscores the role of the gym in shaping a fighter’s career, highlighting how the right training environment can provide the support and guidance needed to succeed.
19. The Fascinating World of Florida:
- Rogan and Robertson discuss the unique and often wild nature of Florida, particularly its abundance of wildlife, including alligators, pythons, and snakes.
- They explore the dangers of living and training in a state with such a diverse and potentially dangerous ecosystem.
- The conversation highlights the contrast between the beauty and the potential hazards of Florida’s environment, underscoring the unique character of the state and its impact on the fighters who train there.
- Their perspective provides a humorous and somewhat ironic take on the state’s reputation for “Florida Man” stories, acknowledging the reality of living with such unique and often dangerous wildlife.
20. The Broader Impact of MMA:
- Rogan and Robertson discuss the increasing normalization of MMA as a sport, highlighting its growing popularity and mainstream appeal.
- They explore the shift in public perception of MMA, acknowledging its move from a niche sport to a widely recognized and respected athletic pursuit.
- The conversation underscores the power of dedication and hard work to overcome challenges and achieve success, particularly in a sport like MMA.
- Robertson’s story, particularly her rise from a shy and unassuming individual to a top UFC contender, showcases the transformative power of MMA and its ability to inspire those who dedicate themselves to the sport.
5 Memorable Quotes:
“You just get too far gone. Like, you don’t even know how to move your hands right.” – Gillian Robertson on the potential effects of synthetic THC products on athletic performance.
“My friend Dave Foley had real bad arthritis in his hands, and he started taking CBD and all of a sudden his hands started working fine.” – Joe Rogan on the potential benefits of CBD for managing conditions like arthritis.
“You put people to sleep for a living. You know, that is a wild thing to do, sister.” – Joe Rogan reflecting on the unique nature of MMA and its contrast with everyday life.
“If I’m on bottom, it’s strike, sweep, submit, or stand. We’re just working for the finish constantly.” – Gillian Robertson on her aggressive approach to grappling and her desire to finish fights.
“I think my worst days at the gym are better than any day I had to go to one of those jobs.” – Gillian Robertson expressing her passion for MMA and her dedication to training.