JRE MMA Show #163 – Protect Ya Neck

This Joe Rogan Experience podcast features a captivating discussion about the world of mixed martial arts, featuring insights and experiences from experienced fighters John Rallo, Matt Serra, and Din Thomas. While diving into the technical aspects of fighting, the conversation also delves into provocative and controversial topics related to the sport, fighter behavior, and the ever-evolving landscape of MMA.

Major Topics Covered:

1. The Importance of Protecting Your Neck: The podcast title itself reflects the crucial aspect of MMA, emphasizing the importance of neck protection and the dangers of submitting to a chokehold. The discussion highlights the various techniques and strategies used to defend against submissions, emphasizing the importance of awareness, strength, and proper positioning.
2. The Risks of Wearing Rings in the Gym and on the Mat: The conversation sparks a lively debate about the dangers of wearing rings, especially for fighters, trainers, and those who engage in intense physical activities. The risks associated with rings on the mat, such as finger injuries and potential for entanglement, are emphasized, prompting a call for caution and a suggestion to explore alternative options like rubber rings.
3. Handshaking Etiquette and the Art of the Grip: Fighters discuss the unspoken rules and nuances of handshaking, particularly in the context of MMA. They express their aversion to aggressive handshakes and “finger squeezing” tactics, highlighting the importance of respecting boundaries and maintaining a professional demeanor.
4. The Intimidation Factor of Heavyweight Fighters: The conversation explores the unique intimidation factor associated with heavyweight fighters, like Francis Ngannou, due to their sheer size and raw power. They share anecdotes about the feeling of awe and trepidation when interacting with such dominant athletes, highlighting the respect and fear that often surrounds them.
5. The Importance of Genetics in Athletic Performance: The conversation examines the role of genetics in the success of fighters, particularly in terms of physique, strength, and recovery. They discuss the exceptional physical attributes of fighters like Paul Costa, questioning whether his impressive physique is solely due to natural genetics or potentially aided by performance-enhancing substances.
6. The Secrets of American Top Team and Performance-Enhancing Substances: The conversation dives into the controversial topic of performance-enhancing substances in MMA, specifically questioning the practices at American Top Team (ATT). They jokingly speculate about the secrets behind ATT’s success, emphasizing the potential for advanced training techniques, supplement use, and potential use of prohibited substances.
7. The Rise of Shawn Brady and the Impact of a Strong Wrestling Background: The podcast highlights the impressive rise of Shawn Brady, showcasing his strong wrestling foundation and his strategic approach in the fight against Gilbert Burns. The discussion emphasizes the advantages of a solid wrestling background in MMA, which often translates to dominant control and the ability to secure advantageous positions.
8. Gilbert Burns’ Jiu-Jitsu Prowess and the Threat of Ground Dominance: The discussion acknowledges the exceptional Jiu-Jitsu skills of Gilbert Burns, highlighting his ability to quickly transition to ground fighting and dominate opponents. They discuss how Burns’ dominance on the ground forces fighters to be wary and strategic, often opting to avoid takedown attempts and focus on stand-up engagements.
9. The Dangers of Grappling Matches and the Cubs-Wanson Injury: The podcast examines the potential risks associated with grappling matches, particularly for fighters with a high-risk submission-based game. They reference the Cubs-Wanson injury, where a grappling match resulted in a serious ACL tear, highlighting the potential for long-term injury and career-ending complications.
10. The Importance of Maintaining a Professional Athlete Lifestyle: The conversation touches upon the responsibility of professional athletes to prioritize their health and career longevity. They discuss the pitfalls of engaging in risky activities, like motorcycle riding, and how such decisions can jeopardize their careers and future.
11. The Legacy of BJ Penn and the Difficulty of Sustaining Peak Performance: The podcast explores the legacy of BJ Penn, recognizing his dominant era in MMA and the incredible pace he maintained. They emphasize the inherent difficulty of sustaining peak performance over a long career, especially at the highest level of competition.
12. The Impact of Leg Kicks and the Dangers of Nerve Damage: The discussion explores the increasing prevalence and effectiveness of leg kicks in MMA, particularly the calf kick. They discuss the long-term consequences of these kicks, including nerve damage and potential for career-ending injuries. They share their personal experiences with leg kick-related injuries, showcasing the toll these techniques can take on fighters’ bodies.
13. The Unique Style of Alex Pereira and his Potential for a Takedown: The conversation speculates about the fighting style of Alex Pereira, known for his knockout power and stand-up prowess. While acknowledging his dominance in the stand-up game, they explore the possibility of him utilizing takedowns in future fights, which could add another dimension to his arsenal.
14. The “Chama” Mentality and the Intimidation Factor of Alex Pereira: The conversation highlights the unique fighting spirit and mentality of Alex Pereira, often expressed through his catchphrase “Chama.” They analyze how his aggressive style and “one touch of death” power creates an aura of intimidation, making him a formidable opponent.
15. The Rise of Khalil Roundtree and his Potential for a Championship Run: The podcast features a discussion about the potential of Khalil Roundtree, showcasing his knockout power and impressive skills. They discuss his ability to close the distance and land powerful strikes, highlighting his potential for a championship run.
16. The Importance of Mental Toughness and the Impact of CTE: The conversation delves into the mental aspects of fighting, particularly the importance of mental toughness and resilience. They explore the potential impact of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) on fighters’ mental health and well-being, highlighting the risks associated with repeated head trauma.
17. The Controversial Actions of War Machine and Phil Barone: The podcast acknowledges the dark side of MMA, discussing the controversial actions of fighters like War Machine and Phil Barone. They express their disappointment and sadness over these fighters’ choices, highlighting the importance of surrounding fighters with support systems and addressing mental health issues.
18. The Importance of Friendships and Support Systems in Combat Sports: The conversation emphasizes the significance of strong friendships and support systems in the demanding world of combat sports. They discuss how the right people around a fighter can influence their decisions and help them navigate the challenges of the sport.
19. The Impact of Training in Dagestan and the Work Ethic of Fighters: The podcast highlights the benefits of training in Dagestan, known for its intense training regimen and focus on wrestling and grappling. They discuss the impressive work ethic of fighters who train in this environment, particularly focusing on Bilal Muhammad’s dedication and his recent success.
20. The Importance of Staying Hungry and Maintaining a Down-to-Earth Approach: The conversation emphasizes the importance of fighters staying hungry and grounded, even after achieving significant success. They discuss the potential for fighters to become complacent and lose their focus, underscoring the importance of humility and continued dedication.
21. The UFC’s Potential for Implementing Hydration Testing: The podcast delves into the controversial topic of weight cutting in MMA, advocating for the UFC to implement hydration testing, which would ensure the safety of fighters and discourage extreme dehydration practices. They discuss the various arguments against weight cutting and the potential for it to lead to long-term health complications.
22. The UFC’s Controversial Decision to Strip Mikey Musimichi’s Belt: The conversation focuses on the UFC’s decision to strip Mikey Musimichi’s title for missing weight, despite his hospitalization and subsequent diagnosis with a rare medical condition. They criticize the UFC’s stance on this situation, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent and highlights the need for more flexibility and understanding in such circumstances.
23. The Evolution of Zombie Apocalypse Movies and the Impact of “28 Days Later”: The conversation explores the evolution of zombie apocalypse movies, acknowledging the impact of “28 Days Later” on the genre and its influence on subsequent films and television shows. They discuss how “28 Days Later” introduced a different type of zombie, fast and aggressive, which changed the dynamics of the zombie apocalypse narrative.
24. The Impact of “The Day of the Trifids” on Popular Culture: The conversation examines the influence of the 1960s movie “The Day of the Trifids” on popular culture, particularly in its portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world with a threat similar to zombies. They speculate about how this movie might have contributed to the development of the zombie genre, highlighting the enduring impact of classic sci-fi films.
25. The Importance of Finding the Right Show for You: The conversation touches upon the subjective nature of entertainment preferences, highlighting how different shows and movies resonate with different people. They discuss their own personal experiences with shows like “Peaky Blinders,” “The Boys,” and “Rome,” emphasizing the importance of finding content that suits your individual tastes.
26. The Importance of Supporting Independent Films: The conversation briefly discusses the importance of supporting independent films, highlighting the challenges faced by filmmakers in getting their work seen. They discuss how “Bone Tomahawk” is a prime example of a great independent film that deserves more recognition.
27. The Importance of Supporting Local Businesses and Gyms: The podcast encourages listeners to support local businesses, particularly those related to fitness and combat sports. They discuss the importance of community involvement and highlighting the work of gyms like John Rallo’s “Ground Control” and the upcoming “Fit Factory.”
28. The Importance of Finding the Right Coach: The conversation emphasizes the crucial role of a good coach in a fighter’s development. They discuss the positive experiences they’ve had with coaches like Mark Delagradi, highlighting the importance of finding someone who can help them grow both physically and mentally.
29. The Impact of Social Media on Fighter Personas and the Rise of Jake Paul: The podcast delves into the role of social media in shaping fighter personas and the rise of Jake Paul as a controversial figure in combat sports. They discuss how Paul’s background as a YouTuber has made him a target of criticism, but his fighting skills cannot be denied.
30. The Importance of Mental Health in Combat Sports: The conversation briefly touches upon the importance of mental health in combat sports, highlighting how the pressures and demands of the sport can affect fighters’ well-being. They discuss how the right support system and professional help can make a significant difference in navigating these challenges.
31. The Importance of Staying Active and Maintaining Good Health: The conversation emphasizes the importance of staying active and maintaining good health, even after retirement from fighting. They discuss various exercises and strategies for protecting joints and maintaining overall well-being.
32. The Potential for Stem Cells in Treating Sports Injuries: The podcast features a discussion about the potential of stem cell therapy in treating sports injuries, particularly for fighters with long-term issues. They share their personal experiences with stem cell treatments and highlight the potential benefits for improving joint health and recovery.
33. The Controversial Topic of Gain-of-Function Research: The conversation delves into the controversial topic of gain-of-function research, exploring the potential risks associated with manipulating viruses and the ethical implications of such research. They express concerns about the potential for unintended consequences and the need for caution when dealing with potentially dangerous pathogens.
34. The Unique Fighting Style of Liam Harrison and His “Rabies” Mentality: The conversation highlights the aggressive fighting style of Liam Harrison, often likened to someone with “rabies.” They analyze his relentless pressure and willingness to engage in close-quarters combat, showcasing his unique fighting style.
35. The Importance of Recognizing and Appreciating the Smaller Fights: The conversation emphasizes the importance of supporting and appreciating the smaller fights on undercards, recognizing the dedication and skill of fighters who might not be as widely known. They highlight the potential for these fighters to showcase their talent and earn recognition through their performances.
36. The Impact of the “Sphere” and the Rise of New Venues: The conversation touches upon the evolution of combat sports venues and the emergence of new spaces, like the “Sphere,” which is changing the way fights are produced and consumed. They discuss the unique aspects of these venues and their potential to enhance the viewing experience.
37. The Importance of Recognizing and Celebrating the History of Combat Sports in Mexico: The podcast highlights the rich history of combat sports in Mexico and the importance of recognizing the contributions of Mexican fighters and trainers. They discuss the unique fighting style and cultural impact of Mexican MMA.
38. The Importance of Recognizing Fighter’s Emotional State: The podcast concludes with a discussion about the importance of recognizing and understanding fighter’s emotional states, particularly in the aftermath of significant victories or losses. They highlight how emotional responses can vary from fighter to fighter, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding.

Memorable Quotes:

1. “We’re not toxic, we just don’t have a filter. This is just what actual men are like when there’s no one around.” – Matt Serra
2. “You don’t wanna hear that from that dude. “Shama” means everything. It means like fight, it means like, ‘fuck yeah,’ it means like trauma.” – John Rallo
3. “Don’t wear a ring to the gym. You could drop a weight on it or rip your finger off.” – Din Thomas
4. “They’re going to put my hand on him to talk to him, he’s made out of wood.” – John Rallo, discussing Alex Pereira’s physical strength.
5. “If you look at Aldo, like the Aldo that fought Uriah Faber, how many dudes would have just rolled over? How many dudes would have just tapped?” – John Rallo