October 3, 2024 • 2hr 42min

JRE MMA Show #164 with Israel Adesanya

The Joe Rogan Experience

Joe Rogan sits down with Israel Adesanya, the former UFC Middleweight Champion and one of the most dynamic strikers in MMA history. They discuss Adesanya's career journey, his approach to fighting and fame, and his thoughts on the sport of MMA. The conversation provides insight into the mindset of an elite fighter and celebrity athlete.

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Key Takeaways

Israel Adesanya discusses his career as a UFC fighter, including winning and losing the middleweight title
He talks about the challenges of fame and dealing with fans, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries
Adesanya shares his thoughts on fighting technique, weight cutting, and rule changes he'd like to see in MMA
He reflects on his future plans after fighting, including starting a family and pursuing interests in acting/production
The conversation covers topics like dealing with pressure as a champion, maintaining authenticity, and evolving as a person

Introduction

Joe Rogan sits down with Israel Adesanya, the former UFC Middleweight Champion and one of the most dynamic strikers in MMA history. They discuss Adesanya's career journey, his approach to fighting and fame, and his thoughts on the sport of MMA. The conversation provides insight into the mindset of an elite fighter and celebrity athlete.

Topics Discussed

Adesanya's UFC Career and Middleweight Title Reign (1:51:55)

Adesanya reflects on winning and losing the UFC Middleweight title
He discusses the pressure of being champion and how losing the belt affected him
"Having to fight for the belt, having to fight with that, that thing, I don't know. This is the first time I've ever felt that where I'm like, me, I'm good."
Adesanya says he now wants to focus on just fighting and having fun rather than chasing the title

Dealing with Fame and Fan Interactions (1:35:22)

Adesanya talks about the challenges of being recognized in public
He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries with fans
Adesanya tries to be gracious but also protect his energy and personal time
He shares stories of both positive and negative fan encounters

MMA Technique and Rule Changes (51:31)

They discuss potential rule changes like allowing upkicks from guard
Adesanya gives his thoughts on weight cutting and additional weight classes
They talk about glove design and ways to reduce eye pokes
"I don't think it would affect the grappling at all. And it definitely would help. Eye pokes which are the biggest problem." - Joe Rogan on covering fingers in gloves

Future Plans After Fighting (2:06:29)

Adesanya wants to start a family after his fighting career
He's interested in acting, motion capture work, and starting a production company
Adesanya plans to pursue adrenaline-fueled activities to replace the thrill of fighting
He aims to fight for about 3 more years, until around age 38

Maintaining Authenticity as a Public Figure (2:29:09)

Adesanya discusses the challenge of staying true to himself under public scrutiny
He rejects "fake humility" and tries to keep it real in his interactions
"I would never change. I'll never not express myself the way I always do. But sometimes the world will try and put you in a box and be like, this is what you're meant to be."

Personal Growth and Evolution (2:20:54)

Adesanya reflects on how he's changed and grown throughout his career
He looks forward to continuing to evolve as a person
Adesanya emphasizes the importance of learning and growing at every age

Training and Fight Preparation (1:02:38)

Adesanya discusses his training at City Kickboxing gym in New Zealand
He talks about the importance of nutrition and having a personal chef
They discuss recovery methods like hyperbaric chambers and stem cell treatments

Reflections on Past Fights (1:59:11)

Adesanya analyzes his loss to Sean Strickland
He discusses his rivalry and fights with Alex Pereira
"I definitely know what I can do with this guy." - on a potential rematch with Strickland

Thoughts on Other Fighters and Matchups (5:51)

They discuss upcoming fights like Pereira vs. Rountree
Adesanya gives his thoughts on fighters like Dan Hooker and Jared Cannonier
He talks about the challenges of fighting at light heavyweight

Dealing with Pressure and Expectations (54:13)

Adesanya talks about managing the pressure of being champion
He discusses how expectations can affect creativity and performance
Adesanya aims to return to a more carefree fighting style now that he's not champion

Reflections on Fame and Success (1:35:20)

Adesanya discusses the surreal nature of his success and fame
He talks about dealing with imposter syndrome
Adesanya emphasizes staying grounded and true to himself

Thoughts on Social Issues and Politics (1:25:20)

They briefly discuss COVID restrictions and vaccine mandates
Adesanya shares his perspective on government overreach
He talks about trying to stay out of politics unless directly affected

Conclusion

The conversation provides a deep look into the mind of Israel Adesanya, revealing him to be a thoughtful, self-aware athlete navigating the challenges of fame and high-level competition. Adesanya comes across as someone committed to personal growth and authenticity while pursuing excellence in his craft. The discussion touches on many aspects of MMA and celebrity life, offering insights for both fight fans and those interested in the human experience of being a public figure.