September 12, 2024 • 3hr 13min
JRE MMA Show #163 - Protect Ya Neck
The Joe Rogan Experience
Key Takeaways
- The panel discusses recent and upcoming UFC fights, including Sean O'Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili, Max Holloway vs Ilia Topuria, and Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree
- They debate the merits of weight cutting in MMA and suggest potential alternatives like hydration testing or fighting at natural weights
- The conversation covers legendary fighters like Anderson Silva, BJ Penn, and Jose Aldo, reflecting on their primes and legacies
- There is discussion of the physical toll of fighting, including injuries and the long-term effects of weight cutting
- The panel talks about the evolution of MMA techniques, like the relatively recent adoption of calf kicks
- They analyze different fighting styles and how they match up, like strikers vs wrestlers
- There is commentary on the business side of MMA, including fighter pay and promotion
- The group shares behind-the-scenes stories from their experiences in the MMA world
Introduction
In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe is joined by mixed martial artists John Rallo, Matt Serra, and Din Thomas. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to MMA, from technical analysis of fights and fighters to broader discussions about the sport's evolution and business practices. The guests share insights from their extensive experience as fighters, coaches, and commentators.
Topics Discussed
Recent and Upcoming UFC Fights (45:41)
The panel discusses several recent and upcoming UFC fights, providing analysis and predictions:
- Sean O'Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili: They debate how O'Malley's striking will match up against Dvalishvili's wrestling and pressure
- Max Holloway vs Ilia Topuria: The group expresses excitement for this matchup, noting Holloway's experience and volume striking against Topuria's power
- Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree: They discuss Pereira's striking skills and Rountree's power
Din Thomas comments on the unpredictability of the O'Malley vs Dvalishvili fight: "I don't f**king know. I love a fight where I don't f**king know."
Weight Cutting in MMA (1:36:35)
The conversation turns to the practice of weight cutting in MMA:
- They discuss the health risks associated with extreme weight cutting
- The panel suggests alternatives like hydration testing or fighting at natural weights
- Joe Rogan argues: "It should be looked at the same way steroids are looked at. It should be looked at the same way all other kind of cheating is looked at. It's sanctioned cheating."
- They discuss the potential for more weight classes to reduce the need for extreme cuts
Legendary Fighters and Their Legacies (1:42:25)
The group reflects on several legendary fighters and their impact on the sport:
- Anderson Silva: They discuss his dominant run as middleweight champion
- BJ Penn: The panel praises Penn's skills in his prime
- Jose Aldo: They reflect on Aldo's dominance in the WEC and early UFC career
Matt Serra comments on BJ Penn: "When he was in his prime, it was like, BJ and then everybody else."
Physical Toll of Fighting (1:49:20)
The conversation covers the physical toll of fighting:
- They discuss injuries sustained in fights and training
- The long-term effects of weight cutting are debated
- The panel talks about the importance of proper recovery and training methods
Evolution of MMA Techniques (2:34:25)
The group discusses how MMA techniques have evolved over time:
- They talk about the relatively recent adoption of calf kicks as a common technique
- The panel reflects on how access to video and information has accelerated the development of fighters' skills
- Joe Rogan notes: "These kids that are coming up, they come into the cage so much better than guys just five years ago. So much better."
Analysis of Fighting Styles (2:46:07)
The conversation turns to analyzing different fighting styles:
- They discuss the classic striker vs wrestler matchup
- The importance of adaptability and well-rounded skills is emphasized
- The panel talks about how different styles match up and the unpredictability of fights
Business Side of MMA (3:05:28)
The group touches on various aspects of the business side of MMA:
- They discuss fighter pay and promotion
- The panel talks about the role of social media in building a fighter's brand
- They debate the merits of different pricing models for pay-per-view events
Behind-the-Scenes Stories (2:58:37)
Throughout the episode, the guests share personal stories and insights from their experiences in MMA:
- Matt Serra talks about his experiences on The Ultimate Fighter
- Din Thomas shares stories from his time as a coach and commentator
- John Rallo discusses his work promoting fights and running a gym
Conclusion
This episode of The Joe Rogan Experience provides a deep dive into the world of mixed martial arts, offering insights from experienced fighters and coaches. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from technical analysis of fights to broader discussions about the sport's evolution and business practices. The guests share valuable perspectives on the physical and mental challenges of fighting, the importance of proper training and recovery, and the ever-changing landscape of MMA techniques and strategies. Overall, the episode offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the sport from those who have lived it, while also providing thoughtful commentary on its future direction.
