27-Jan-20
This podcast features Joe Rogan and UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman discussing various topics related to Usman’s fighting career, training, mindset, and personal life. Provocative topics include the mental and physical toll of being a champion, the pressure of fan expectations, the hype around fighters, and the realities of fighting for lower pay. Underlying themes explore the importance of routine, the power of mindset and mental strength, the realities of the fight game, and the pressure of living up to expectations.
Topics
- The Stress and Relief of Being a Champion:
- Usman describes the constant pressure and stress of being the champion, with fans always looking for the next fighter to dethrone him.
- He acknowledges the sentiment shared by former champions like Matt Hughes and Anderson Silva, who felt relieved after losing their titles.
- Usman emphasizes that even after a successful title defense, the pressure remains as fans immediately look for the next challenger.
- This constant scrutiny and pressure contribute to the mental and physical toll of being a champion.
- Managing Pressure and Negative Expectations:
- Usman shares the advice he received from Rashad Evans, who emphasized the importance of accepting and embracing the feeling of nervousness and pressure.
- He notes that the moment you accept the feeling, it becomes less of a burden.
- Usman discusses how even after a flawless victory, there will always be a percentage of fans who are negative and critical.
- He highlights the importance of having a strong mental game and the ability to block out negativity to stay focused on your goals.
- The Importance of Routine and Mental Discipline:
- Usman describes his obsessive-compulsive tendencies regarding his routine, which he developed as a wrestler.
- He acknowledges the fine line between routine and OCD, emphasizing the need for control and flexibility.
- Usman explains that his routine helps him perform at his best, but he has learned to adjust when necessary.
- His strong sense of routine and mental discipline are key aspects of his success.
- The Realities of Weight Cutting in MMA:
- Usman details his weight cutting process, describing how he likes to be as lean as possible before the fight.
- He explains that he cuts primarily water weight and emphasizes the importance of having a great team to support him.
- He discusses how weight cutting can be physically and mentally draining, but he has learned to manage it effectively.
- Usman’s weight cutting strategy reflects the challenges and demands of the fight game.
- Usman’s Hand Injury and Mental Toughness:
- Usman details the hand injury he sustained during training, which impacted his grip strength and significantly affected his fighting style.
- He describes the mental challenges he faced, as he had to block out the pain and anxiety to focus on the fight.
- Despite the pain, he was determined to fight and went on to win the match.
- Usman’s story highlights the immense mental strength required to compete at the highest level of the sport.
- The Importance of Strength and Conditioning for MMA:
- Usman explains how he has adapted his strength and conditioning routine due to knee issues, working in the pool and incorporating alternative exercises.
- He emphasizes the importance of staying in top physical shape to maintain his pace and stamina, which are key to his fighting style.
- Usman acknowledges the challenges of finding the right balance between strength and conditioning, while protecting his body from further injuries.
- He highlights the importance of finding the right training partners and coaches who understand the needs of an athlete with specific injuries.
- The Role of Hype and Marketing in MMA:
- Usman discusses how the UFC utilizes hype and marketing strategies to promote fighters, often creating a narrative around them that might not be entirely true.
- He explains how this hype can lead to inflated expectations, both for fans and for fighters.
- He acknowledges that some fighters benefit from this hype, but cautions against relying on it as the sole factor for success.
- Usman emphasizes the importance of focusing on your own skills and abilities, rather than relying on external hype.
- The Financial Realities of Fighting in MMA:
- Usman shares his experience of the financial realities of fighting, especially at the beginning of his career.
- He describes how even after a victory, the expenses associated with training, travel, and other necessities can quickly deplete his earnings.
- Usman highlights the struggle that many fighters face to make ends meet, especially those fighting for smaller promotions.
- He emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and the need for fighters to manage their money wisely.
- The UFC’s Impact on MMA and the Evolution of the Sport:
- Usman discusses the UFC’s role in growing and shaping MMA, acknowledging their influence in promoting the sport and creating a global audience.
- He shares his perspective on the UFC’s business practices, including their control over fighters’ contracts and their marketing strategies.
- He acknowledges the UFC’s influence on the sport’s direction but also expresses his desire to see a more balanced approach to fighter compensation.
- Usman’s insights offer a glimpse into the power dynamics and complexities of the UFC’s role in MMA.
- The Value of Testing and Pushing Limits:
- Usman emphasizes the importance of pushing your limits and facing tough challenges in training to prepare for the intensity of a fight.
- He believes that the worst place to be tested is inside the cage, where you are vulnerable and at risk of getting hurt.
- He acknowledges that while it’s important not to discourage a fighter’s spirit, it’s also crucial to test them and push them to their limits.
- Usman’s perspective underscores the importance of finding the right balance between encouragement and challenge to maximize a fighter’s potential.
- The Psychological Aspects of Fighting and Mental Toughness:
- Usman discusses the mental toll that fighting can take, emphasizing the importance of managing anxiety and maintaining a strong mental game.
- He shares his experience of doubting himself after getting beat up in training, but emphasizes the ability to turn the corner mentally and physically before a fight.
- Usman highlights the importance of having a champion’s mentality, which allows you to stay focused and execute your plan even in the face of adversity.
- He shares insights from Mike Tyson, who emphasized the importance of handling the chaos and pressure that comes with fighting.
- The Importance of Family and Support:
- Usman discusses how his family has been instrumental in his success, providing support and motivation.
- He shares the emotional toll that his father’s imprisonment has taken, but expresses hope for his release.
- Usman emphasizes the importance of family bonds and the impact that they can have on a fighter’s mental strength.
- He highlights the importance of supporting and encouraging those close to you, even when they are facing difficult circumstances.
- The Importance of Giving Back and Making a Difference:
- Usman discusses his desire to make a difference in the world and leave a legacy that extends beyond his fighting career.
- He highlights the importance of being an inspiration for young people and showing them that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
- Usman emphasizes the importance of having a positive impact on society and using his platform to make a difference.
- He shares his perspective on the value of giving back to the community and helping those in need.
- The Power of Mindset and Belief:
- Usman shares his experience of seeing seemingly ordinary kids achieve incredible success in wrestling, demonstrating the power of belief and hard work.
- He emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself and your abilities, even when others may doubt you.
- Usman highlights the importance of challenging your limitations and pushing yourself to achieve your goals.
- His story is a testament to the transformative power of a positive mindset and unwavering determination.
- The UFC’s Plans for Boxing and Cross-Over Fights:
- Usman discusses the UFC’s growing involvement in boxing, including their plans to promote major boxing matches and potentially host cross-over fights.
- He mentions Terrence Crawford’s interest in fighting Connor McGregor in a boxing match and vice-versa, highlighting the potential for exciting cross-over events.
- Usman shares his own perspective on the challenges and potential benefits of cross-over fights, acknowledging the differences in conditioning and skill sets.
- His insights offer a glimpse into the future of MMA and boxing, and the potential for these two sports to intersect.
- The Impact of Social Media and Fan Expectations:
- Usman discusses the impact of social media on the fight game, both positive and negative.
- He acknowledges the ability of social media to build hype and connect fighters with fans, but also warns about the dangers of negativity and trolling.
- Usman shares his experience of being bombarded with fan requests for money, demonstrating the unrealistic expectations that can be fueled by social media.
- He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy balance and not allowing social media to dictate your path or influence your decisions.
- The Importance of Authenticity and Staying True to Yourself:
- Usman discusses the importance of staying true to yourself as a fighter, even when faced with pressure to conform to certain personas or stereotypes.
- He highlights the tendency for some fighters to adopt “gimmicks” to build hype, but emphasizes the need to remain authentic.
- Usman emphasizes that ultimately, your actions and your performance in the cage will speak louder than any hype or marketing.
- His story is a reminder that true success comes from being genuine and embracing your own unique path.
- The Power of Legends and Legacy:
- Usman expresses admiration for fighters like Georges St-Pierre, who he considers a true legend in the sport.
- He discusses the impact that these legends have on fighters who aspire to reach their level.
- Usman highlights the importance of legacy and the desire to leave a lasting impact on the sport.
- He acknowledges that while the fight game is about competition, there is also a sense of respect for those who have achieved greatness.
Memorable Quotes
- “Being a champ, the stress of it all, he goes, ‘I feel relieved to have been lost.'” – Usman reflects on Matt Hughes’ honest statement about the burden of being champion.
- “Make friends with that feeling because that’s a good feeling.” – Rashad Evans’ advice to Usman on embracing the feeling of nervousness before a fight.
- “It’s a very fine line between routine and obsessive-compulsive.” – Usman acknowledges the delicate balance he must maintain with his routine.
- “I want to make it as easy as possible for him because I want him to be bigger than him because he’s a heavyweight.” – Usman expresses his desire to support his brother’s fighting career.
- “I’m ready to die in here. I’m going to sacrifice my body completely in here to accomplish this goal.” – Usman reveals his mindset when stepping into the Octagon.