JRE MMA Show #63 with Jorge Masvidal

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and UFC welterweight fighter Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal discusses his fighting career, training philosophy, and opinions on the current state of MMA. Provocative topics include controversial decisions in MMA, the impact of social media on the sport, and Masvidal’s personal experiences with other fighters. Underlying themes explore the importance of hard work and dedication, the complexities of judging in combat sports, and Masvidal’s distinct approach to fighting.

MMA Judging and Scoring

Masvidal expresses his frustration with the inconsistency and subjectivity of judging in MMA. He argues that the current 10-point must system, adopted from boxing, is inappropriate for the more dynamic nature of MMA. He highlights questionable decisions where fighters who clearly dominated were awarded close victories or even lost. Masvidal also believes the judging system is flawed and needs a fundamental overhaul.

1. Criticism of the 10-Point Must System: Masvidal argues that the scoring system used in boxing, adopted for MMA, doesn’t translate well due to MMA’s more dynamic nature and the inclusion of grappling. He believes this leads to inconsistent and often questionable decisions.
2. Calls for a More Objective System: He believes the scoring system needs reform to better capture the intricacies of MMA and prevent unfair judgments.
3. Importance of Fighter Advocacy: He acknowledges the increased involvement of fighters in commissions, suggesting a future where judging becomes more consistent and objective.
4. The Influence of Boxing Commissions: Masvidal questions why boxing commissions still govern MMA, believing that MMA should have its own dedicated oversight.

The Rise and Evolution of MMA

Masvidal reflects on the evolution of MMA from its early days, drawing parallels between the “golden age” of bare-knuckle fighting and the present. He reminisces about his first fights and organizations like Bowdog, highlighting the raw energy and intensity of those early years. He also discusses the impact of online gambling rules and the rise of new professional leagues.

1. Early Days of MMA: Masvidal shares his experiences fighting in backyard brawls and early MMA organizations like Bowdog, highlighting the unique atmosphere and challenges of those times.
2. The Influence of Organizations: He discusses the role of organizations like Bowdog, Bellator, and the PFL in fostering competition and providing opportunities for fighters.
3. The Impact of Online Gambling: He acknowledges the impact of changing online gambling rules on organizations like Bowdog, suggesting it contributed to their downfall.
4. MMA’s Continued Growth: Masvidal expresses optimism about the future of MMA, believing that the sport has evolved significantly and has a bright future ahead.

Training Philosophy and Longevity

Masvidal shares his unique training philosophy, emphasizing the importance of hard work, dedication, and a natural approach. He credits his longevity in the sport to avoiding steroids, listening to his body, and constantly pushing himself to improve. He also discusses his training regimen, including his focus on drilling specific techniques and the importance of sparring with a variety of high-level fighters.

1. Natural Training Approach: Masvidal emphasizes the benefits of a natural training approach, avoiding steroids to preserve his health and longevity.
2. Importance of Drilling: He stresses the significance of drilling specific techniques, arguing that it helps build muscle memory and refine execution.
3. Sparring with Diverse Talent: Masvidal highlights the value of sparring with a wide range of fighters, especially those with different skill sets, to improve his overall game.
4. Longevity and Passion: He credits his passion for fighting and his dedication to training as key factors in his long and successful career.

The Importance of Respect and Consequences

Masvidal expresses his disdain for the growing trend of trash-talking and social media hype in MMA, arguing that it detracts from the true spirit of the sport. He believes in respecting opponents, backing up your words with action, and embracing the martial arts aspect of fighting. He highlights instances where fighters talk a big game online but act differently in person, and he advocates for holding fighters accountable for their actions.

1. Disdain for Social Media Hype: Masvidal criticizes the overuse of trash-talking and social media in MMA, arguing that it often overshadows the martial arts aspect of the sport.
2. Respect for Opponents: He values respecting opponents both inside and outside the cage, believing it fosters a more genuine and authentic competitive environment.
3. Accountability for Actions: Masvidal argues that fighters should be held accountable for their words and actions, emphasizing that trash-talking should be backed up with genuine fighting skill and dedication.
4. The Importance of Martial Arts Values: He advocates for a return to the core values of martial arts, emphasizing honor, respect, and genuine athleticism over empty hype and theatrics.

The Power of Mental Toughness

Masvidal emphasizes the importance of mental toughness in MMA, highlighting his own experiences with pushing through pain and challenges. He acknowledges his fear of anesthesia, opting for intense rehab rather than surgery, demonstrating his commitment to overcoming obstacles. He also discusses the impact of his training regimen, including late-night runs and limited food intake, highlighting his dedication to pushing his limits.

1. Embracing Struggle: Masvidal emphasizes the importance of embracing struggle and difficult challenges as a means to grow and improve.
2. Mental Fortitude in Rehab: He illustrates his mental toughness by opting for intense rehab instead of surgery for his knee injuries, showcasing his determination to overcome adversity.
3. Pushing Boundaries: Masvidal discusses his training regimen, including late-night runs and limited food intake, demonstrating his willingness to push his limits physically and mentally.
4. The Value of Humbling Experiences: He encourages young fighters to embrace humbling experiences, like sparring with high-level opponents, as valuable learning opportunities.

The Future of MMA and Masvidal’s Legacy

Masvidal discusses his aspirations for the future, including his desire to secure a title shot and leave a lasting mark on the sport. He reflects on the evolution of MMA, acknowledging the shift towards streaming services like ESPN+ and the growing popularity of the sport worldwide. He also expresses his enthusiasm for the future of MMA, believing that it has a bright future ahead.

1. Title Aspirations: Masvidal expresses his desire to earn a title shot and compete for the championship.
2. Leaving a Legacy: He wants to leave a lasting impact on the sport, inspiring young fighters with his hard work and dedication.
3. The Future of MMA: Masvidal acknowledges the shift towards streaming services and the global reach of MMA, seeing a bright future for the sport.
4. Embracing Challenges: He remains committed to pushing himself and embracing new challenges, indicating his continued passion for the sport.

The Mystery of Askren and the “Three Piece and a Soda”

Masvidal expresses his intense dislike for fighter Ben Askren, calling him a “fucking prick” and a “coward.” He details his frustrations with Askren’s social media persona and his perceived lack of authenticity. Masvidal highlights instances where Askren talked a big game online but acted differently in person. He sees their upcoming fight as an opportunity to expose Askren’s true character and deliver a decisive victory. He also discusses his signature move, the “Three Piece and a Soda,” which he plans to use to break Askren’s face.

1. Masvidal’s Dislike for Askren: Masvidal openly expresses his strong dislike for Askren, criticizing his social media persona and perceived lack of authenticity.
2. Askren’s Perceived Cowardice: Masvidal accuses Askren of being a coward, highlighting instances where he backed down from confrontation in person after being verbally aggressive online.
3. The Upcoming Fight as a Test: Masvidal views the fight as an opportunity to expose Askren’s true character and prove that his trash-talking is empty.
4. The “Three Piece and a Soda”: Masvidal plans to utilize his signature move to deliver a decisive victory, emphasizing his intent to inflict pain and humiliate Askren.

The Importance of Training and Discipline

Masvidal emphasizes the importance of proper training and discipline, sharing his own experiences and lessons learned. He highlights the value of a structured training regimen, including drilling specific techniques, sparring with high-level fighters, and listening to his body. He also discusses the importance of recovery, including ice baths, saunas, and proper nutrition.

1. The Value of Structure: Masvidal emphasizes the importance of a structured training regimen, involving both drilling techniques and sparring.
2. Learning from Experience: He shares his personal insights on how he’s adapted his training approach over time, balancing intense workouts with proper recovery.
3. The Power of Drilling: He stresses the importance of drilling specific techniques to build muscle memory and perfect execution.
4. Recovery and Maintenance: Masvidal highlights the importance of recovery practices like ice baths and saunas to mitigate inflammation and promote overall well-being.

Memorable Quotes

• “I was going for that moment. That’s what I was trying to do. I knew a decision wasn’t gonna come my way that way, you know.”
• “I don’t like the judging over that. I’ve seen a lot of decisions go like super crooked.”
• “I think the scoring system sucks too, like adopting a 10-9. Even the new improved scoring systems. Like MMA is so much different than boxing.”
• “I think I fast forward it’s not it’s just taste for right now to a standpoint but if you just fast forward to the guys like me when I was 14 years old watching the sport now you’re looking at the dudes right now doing it you’re gonna grow up and think oh well I gotta do the same shit I just got to fucking talk a shit lot of shit I don’t really gotta go gym that much it’s gotta have a banging lit social network account and I’m fucking golden you know.”
• “I want to hurt that guy. I want to break his fucking rib cage, and I don’t want to knock him out early on. I just want to torture that guy, man. If I get the chance to torture him 14 minutes and 50 seconds before I stop him, that’s what I’m gonna do, man.”