JRE MMA Show #93 with Alexander Volkanovski

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and UFC Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, offering insights into the world of MMA, training, and Volkanovski’s journey to the top. The podcast touches on intriguing topics, including Volkanovski’s unique training regime, his rise to prominence, and his thoughts on the sport.

Here’s a breakdown of some key topics and their 4-point summaries:

Volkanovski’s Early Life and Athletic Background

• Volkanovski’s size and physicality played a significant role in his early life. He was always larger than his peers, leading to early experiences in fighting and self-defense.
• Despite initial success in wrestling, he chose to pursue rugby league, demonstrating his competitiveness and drive to excel in team sports.
• He stumbled into MMA training initially as a way to stay fit, but quickly discovered a passion for the sport, ultimately choosing it over rugby league.
• He reflects on his journey from a larger weight to fighting at featherweight, emphasizing the importance of dieting and training to reach his peak physical condition.

Volkanovski’s Training Regime and City Kickboxing

• Volkanovski emphasizes the importance of training with different body types and fighting styles to prepare for unexpected situations in the octagon.
• He describes his training split, traveling between his home gym and City Kickboxing in New Zealand, seeking out a higher level of competition and diverse training partners.
• He highlights the “spider” workout, a brutal and demanding training regimen that pushes fighters to their limits, ultimately contributing to their incredible endurance and resilience.
• He credits his coach Joe Lopez and the unique training environment at City Kickboxing, where champions and aspiring fighters train together as a family, for his success.

Volkanovski’s Fight Against Max Holloway

• Volkanovski explains the strategy behind his fight against Max Holloway, emphasizing the importance of breaking Holloway’s rhythm with leg kicks and forcing him out of his comfort zone.
• He details his preparation for Holloway’s southpaw stance and the adjustments he made during the fight, highlighting his adaptability and ability to respond to unexpected situations.
• He discusses the importance of technical sparring in his training, which allows for constant learning and improvement, versus relying on full-on brawls that can lead to injuries.
• He credits his preparation and training for his incredible endurance and ability to maintain his explosive fighting style throughout five grueling rounds.

Volkanovski’s Perspective on the UFC Featherweight Division

• He acknowledges the talent and competitive nature of the featherweight division, highlighting the many fighters who could be a title contender with one victory.
• He explains that a rematch with Max Holloway is likely, acknowledging it’s the biggest fight to make for the division and for him, while remaining open to other possibilities.
• He discusses the recent controversy involving Brian Ortega and Jay Park, questioning the need for a fight based solely on a heated exchange outside the octagon.
• He emphasizes the importance of fighting smart and strategically, acknowledging that not every fight will be exciting but that a calculated approach is crucial for victory.

Volkanovski’s Approach to Mental Preparation and Health

• He emphasizes his ability to stay calm and composed under pressure, highlighting his ability to manage nerves and focus on his game plan, even in high-stakes situations.
• He describes his relaxed and playful demeanor backstage before fights, challenging the perception that fighters need to be overly intense or aggressive.
• He acknowledges the importance of mental coaching, while feeling confident in his own mental strength, suggesting he may invest in this aspect of his training to take his performance to the next level.
• He discusses the importance of a balanced diet, emphasizing his commitment to eating healthy during the week and maintaining discipline even with cheat meals, highlighting the evolution of his dietary approach.

Volkanovski’s Personal Life and Interests

• He highlights his love for hunting and the importance of wild game in his diet, sharing stories about hunting trips and the challenges of managing predators.
• He discusses his love for spearfishing, highlighting the physical demands and dangers associated with this activity, and referencing other spearfishing enthusiasts, including Valentine Thomas.
• He reveals his passion for trout fishing in New Zealand, highlighting the different techniques involved and his preference for spearfishing over traditional fishing methods.
• He shares his experiences with his daughters, showcasing his role as a father and the challenges of navigating parenthood alongside a demanding career.

The Ecological Impact of Invasive Species

• The podcast explores the ecological impact of invasive species, highlighting the problems caused by feral cats in Australia and the efforts to control their population.
• It discusses the history of introducing cane toads to Australia to control cane beetles, highlighting the unintended consequences of this action, including the toxic nature of the toads.
• The conversation delves into the historical Four Pest campaign in China, illustrating the devastating consequences of mismanaged ecological interventions and the need for careful consideration when dealing with invasive species.
• The discussion raises questions about the ethics and effectiveness of different methods used to control invasive species, including poison sausage drops and bounty programs, underscoring the complexity of ecological management.

Memorable Quotes from the Podcast

• “I’m a bit heavy after, because I obviously broke my hand and stuff like that.” – Volkanovski’s playful acknowledgment of his injury while still remaining focused on his training.
• “I’ve always been a bit of a gamer, and I’ll just, it’s just something I’ve always done.” – Volkanovski’s humble approach to his intense training routine.
• “I’m not one, give me on a snowboard, I’ll try back flip off a cliff and, you know, cliff jumping and all, I’ll do it all.” – Volkanovski’s past adventurous spirit and a reminder of his youthful exuberance.
• “I’ve always been a hard worker and we train hard.” – Volkanovski’s dedication to his craft and the importance of consistent effort in his journey to success.
• “That’s what I mean, the 1% is in you assigned with the mental coaches and all that.” – Volkanovski’s insightful understanding of the importance of mental preparedness and the nuances of performance enhancement.