Digest

This podcast delves into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), offering a diverse range of perspectives and insights from fighters, coaches, and experts. The conversation begins with a discussion about energy drinks and brain supplements, transitioning into the speaker's early MMA career and his first professional fight against Marvin Eastman. The podcast then explores the speaker's experiences in Japan, including encounters with the Yakuza and the cultural factors influencing the country's declining population. The conversation shifts to the speaker's famous slam of Sakuraba, considered one of the greatest knockouts in MMA history, and the impact of leg kicks in the sport. The speakers discuss the use of steroids in MMA, the debate over testing, and the cultural differences in attitudes towards steroid use in Japan. The podcast also features a discussion about Fight Circus, a unique fighting event held in Thailand, and the fighting style and power of Alex Pereira. The speaker shares personal stories about his religious experience, his training regimen, and his struggles with weight gain and hypothyroidism. The conversation then turns to the long-term effects of knockouts in MMA training, comparing the risks of MMA to football and discussing the prevalence of CTE in football players. The speakers explore the evolution of MMA, the idea of a legends league for older fighters, and the importance of the UFC Performance Institute for fighters. The podcast delves into the history of Pride FC, a Japanese MMA organization that was once more popular than the UFC, and the factors that led to its decline. The speakers discuss the debate over MMA gloves and eye pokes, the ethics of fighting, and the importance of respect. The conversation explores the mental aspect of fighting, including the development of an alter ego and the importance of mental strength. The podcast features discussions about the careers of Max Holloway, Sean O'Malley, Marab, Aljamain Sterling, Corey Sandhagen, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Vitor Belfort, and AJ McKee. The speakers discuss the UFC's dominance in the MMA industry and the challenges faced by fighters in smaller organizations. The podcast concludes with a discussion about Chael Sonnen's experience with jail and how it helped him control his temper and change his life. Joe Rogan shares his personal experience with Ivermectin, his reasons for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine, and his thoughts on UFOs and extraterrestrial life. He also discusses the Bermuda Triangle and its mysteries, the impact of technology on UFO sightings, and his fear of space travel.

Outlines

00:00:10

Energy Drinks, Brain Supplements, and Early MMA Career

The conversation starts with a discussion about F3, a new energy drink containing supplements like BCA and ginseng. The speakers discuss the benefits of these supplements for brain function and joke about the lack of a supplement to enhance sexual performance. The conversation shifts to the speaker's early MMA career, specifically his first professional fight against Marvin Eastman. The speaker reveals that he was misled about Eastman's fighting style and lost the fight. He also shares his experience of getting kicked in the head for the first time and the lesson he learned from it.

00:03:17

Dana White, Pride FC, and Encounters with the Yakuza

The speaker recounts how Dana White bought the WFA organization to acquire him after he left Pride FC. He explains that the UFC's purchase of Pride FC was a disappointment as they only acquired a video library and not the fighters or contracts. The speaker shares a shocking experience of encountering the Yakuza, a Japanese organized crime syndicate, during his time in Japan. He describes the intimidating atmosphere and the respect shown to the Yakuza by everyone present. He recounts a story about a Yakuza member who gave him a gold samurai helmet as a gift for his son. He also discusses the Yakuza practice of cutting off fingers as punishment for mistakes.

00:06:25

Japan's Declining Population and the Greatest Slam in MMA History

The conversation turns to Japan's declining population and the potential reasons behind it. The speakers discuss the role of video games, fear of rejection, and cultural factors in contributing to the low birth rate. The speaker shares advice from a Japanese bar owner who warned him about the potential consequences of having a pet or child with a Japanese woman. He claims that it could negatively impact the couple's relationship. The conversation shifts to the speaker's famous slam of Sakuraba, which is considered one of the greatest knockouts in MMA history. The speakers analyze the technique and the force involved in the slam.

00:15:04

Leg Kicks, Slap Fighting, and Steroid Use in MMA

The speaker discusses the impact of leg kicks in MMA and shares his experience of receiving hard leg kicks from Sakuraba. The conversation then turns to the new trend of slap fighting and the potential dangers involved. The speakers discuss the use of steroids in MMA and the debate over testing. They express their opinions on the ethical implications of steroid use in combat sports and the potential benefits and drawbacks of testing.

00:25:07

Steroid Use in Pride FC and Fight Circus in Thailand

The speakers discuss the prevalence of steroid use in Pride FC and share their personal experiences with fighters who were suspected of using steroids. They also discuss the cultural differences in attitudes towards steroid use in Japan. The conversation shifts to Crazy Horse Bennett, a wild and entertaining fighter. The speakers discuss his fighting style and his current involvement in Fight Circus in Thailand, a unique fighting event featuring two-on-one matches.

00:33:34

Alex Pereira's Fighting Style and Training

The discussion shifts to Alex Pereira's fighting style and power, particularly his left hook. The conversation explores the importance of training to counter Pereira's left hook and other fighting techniques. The conversation continues to analyze Pereira's fighting style, highlighting his power and the importance of avoiding getting hit by him. The speaker reflects on his past fights with Pereira and the impact they had on his career.

00:40:21

Religious Experience, Training, and Diet

The speaker shares a personal story about his religious experience and how it impacted his life and fighting career. The speaker discusses his training for the fight with Pereira, including his coach's reaction to his religious experience and his decision to fast before the fight. The speaker talks about his diet and training regimen, emphasizing the importance of cardio and avoiding carbohydrates.

00:48:18

The Impact of American Food and Health Issues

The speaker discusses the negative impact of American food and its role in health issues. The speaker reveals the sugar industry's influence on promoting sugar and downplaying the link between sugar and heart disease. The speaker emphasizes the dangers of margarine and seed oils, linking them to health issues like Alzheimer's disease. The speaker discusses his son's lifestyle, including his vegetarian diet and interest in mushrooms. The speaker mentions an upcoming boxing match with his son and his plans to fight Shannon the Cano.

00:53:43

Upcoming Fights and Weight Cutting

The speaker discusses his past experiences with Shannon the Cano and the possibility of a future fight. The speaker talks about his potential fight with Richard under the One FC banner and his interest in fighting Muay Thai fighters. The speaker discusses Joe Piper's fighting style and his impressive punching power. The speaker discusses the weight cutting process and its potential impact on fighters' health. The speaker discusses the long-term effects of weight cutting on fighters' health, using James Tony as an example. The speaker discusses the tendency for fighters to gain weight after retirement and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The speaker discusses the link between alcohol consumption and brain damage in fighters.

01:01:17

The Speaker's First Knockout and Training with Chuck Congo

The speaker shares his experience of getting knocked out for the first time and how it impacted his training. The speaker discusses his training with Chuck Congo and how it helped him overcome his fear of getting knocked out. The speaker praises Chuck Congo's fighting style and his ability to overcome injuries. The speaker discusses Crowcock's fighting style, particularly his powerful headkicks. The speaker shares a funny story about his first meeting with Crowcock and how they became friends. The speaker discusses Crowcock's success in MMA and his transition from kickboxing. The speaker discusses Fedor's fighting style and his ability to stand up with Crowcock. The speaker discusses Fedor's legacy as a fighter and his place among the greatest heavyweights of all time. The speaker discusses Fedor's failed negotiations with the UFC and the reasons behind them. The speaker reflects on his last fight with Fedor and his unhealthy state at the time. The speaker discusses his hypothyroidism diagnosis and the medication that caused him to gain weight. The speaker discusses how he discovered that his medication was causing his weight gain and his decision to quit taking it. The speaker discusses his intense training regimen with Coach Kyle and the challenges it presented. The speaker discusses the potential for thyroid damage from red naked chokes and the lack of research on the topic. The speaker discusses the prevalence of brain damage from training, particularly in the early days of MMA. The speaker discusses Marvin Eastman's knockout by Travis Luder and the potential impact of previous knockouts in training.

01:12:46

Brain Damage, MMA vs. Football, and Quentin Jackson's Fighting Style

The conversation starts with a discussion about the long-term effects of knockouts in MMA training. The speakers discuss how knockouts can damage the brain and how this damage may not fully heal over time. They also touch upon the potential benefits of stem cell therapy for healing head injuries. The conversation shifts to comparing the risks of MMA and football. The speakers agree that football poses a greater risk of brain damage due to repeated head impacts. They discuss studies on CTE in football players and how prevalent it is, even at the high school level. The conversation turns to Quentin Jackson's fighting style, particularly his defensive approach and his powerful leg kicks. The speakers discuss how Jackson's leg kicks were often overlooked and how he could have benefited from throwing them more often.

01:18:16

The Evolution of MMA and the Idea of a Legends League

The conversation explores the evolution of MMA and how the sport has changed significantly over time. The speakers discuss how fighters today are more versatile and skilled in multiple disciplines, compared to the early days of MMA when fighters often specialized in one art. The conversation explores the idea of a legends league for older fighters. The speakers discuss how older fighters still love to fight but may not be able to compete with younger fighters due to age and injuries. They agree that a legends league could provide a platform for these fighters to continue competing.

01:24:50

The UFC Performance Institute and the Rise and Fall of Pride FC

The conversation focuses on the UFC Performance Institute and its importance for fighters. The speakers discuss how the institute provides fighters with access to world-class training facilities, nutritionists, and medical professionals. They also highlight the institute's commitment to helping fighters heal and improve their performance. The conversation delves into the history of Pride FC, a Japanese MMA organization that was once more popular than the UFC. The speakers discuss how Pride's popularity in Japan was immense and how the organization was able to sell out stadiums with 90,000 seats. They also discuss the factors that led to Pride's decline, including the loss of its contract with Fuji TV.

01:32:58

The Debate Over MMA Gloves and Eye Pokes

The conversation focuses on the debate over MMA gloves and eye pokes. The speakers discuss how the UFC has changed its gloves over time and how Trevor Whitman's gloves, which are designed to keep the hand curled, could be a safer option. They also discuss the issue of eye pokes and how a glove design that covers the fingertips could help reduce the number of eye pokes.

01:37:48

The Ethics of Fighting and the Importance of Respect

The conversation explores the ethics of fighting and the importance of respect. The speakers discuss how fighters should respect their opponents and not intentionally try to hurt them. They also discuss how fighters should be mindful of the risks of fighting and how important it is to protect their health.

01:41:06

The Alter Ego of a Fighter and Mental Strength

The conversation delves into the mental aspect of fighting and how fighters can develop an alter ego to help them perform under pressure. The speakers discuss how some fighters are able to transform into a different persona when they fight, and how this can help them overcome fear and anxiety. They also discuss the importance of mental strength in healing from injuries and overcoming adversity.

01:57:05

Max Holloway's MMA Career and the Most Well-Rounded Fighter

This chapter discusses Max Holloway's MMA career, highlighting his early fights, his win streak after losing to Conor McGregor, and his recent fights. The conversation shifts to discussing the most well-rounded MMA fighter, with Sean O'Malley being mentioned as a strong contender due to his diverse skillset.

01:59:06

Marab's Fighting Style and Sean O'Malley vs. Marab

The discussion focuses on Marab's aggressive fighting style and his upcoming fight against Sean O'Malley. Marab's relentless pressure and ability to withstand punishment are highlighted. The speakers analyze the potential matchup between Sean O'Malley and Marab, recognizing Marab's strengths in grappling and his ability to pressure O'Malley.

02:02:56

Aljamain Sterling's Comeback Potential and Potential Fights

The conversation turns to Aljamain Sterling's potential comeback at 145 pounds, discussing his size and strength, and his impressive back control. The speakers express interest in seeing a fight between Sean O'Malley and Corey Sandhagen, highlighting the potential for an exciting matchup.

02:09:31

Lennox Lewis, Legends Boxing, and Age Limits in Combat Sports

The conversation shifts to Lennox Lewis and a potential Legends Boxing event in Saudi Arabia. The speakers discuss Lewis's potential opponents and the possibility of a fight against Mike Tyson. The speakers discuss the age limits in combat sports, particularly regarding fighters over 55 years old. They argue for allowing fighters to compete if they pass medical examinations.

02:12:22

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Vitor Belfort's Career

The speakers discuss the potential for a fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, acknowledging the age difference and Tyson's physical condition. The conversation focuses on Vitor Belfort's career, highlighting his early fights, his UFC debut, and his fighting style.

02:19:13

The Next Generation of Fighters and the UFC's Dominance

The speakers discuss the potential for a reality show featuring the children of famous fighters, highlighting the talent of AJ McKee and the challenges faced by fighters in smaller organizations. The speakers discuss the UFC's dominance in the MMA industry, comparing its viewership and revenue to other organizations like Bellator and PFL.

02:28:31

Realizing Potential in Combat Sports and Chael Sonnen's Experience with Jail

The speakers discuss the challenges of realizing potential in combat sports, highlighting the importance of mental strength and the impact of losing streaks. Chael Sonnen shares his experience with jail and how it helped him control his temper and change his life.

02:31:56

Chael Sonnen's Childhood and Controlling Temper

Chael Sonnen shares a pivotal moment in his childhood when a friend warned him about the dangers of his lifestyle and the potential consequences of going to prison. Chael Sonnen discusses the importance of controlling temper in combat sports, particularly during sparring, and how his experiences in jail helped him develop this skill.

02:42:29

Joe Rogan's Experience with Ivermectin and Reasons for Not Taking the Vaccine

Joe Rogan shares his personal experience with Ivermectin, a drug he took to treat COVID-19. He describes his rapid recovery and praises the drug's effectiveness. He also discusses the controversy surrounding Ivermectin and the government's attempts to suppress alternative treatments. Joe Rogan explains his decision not to take the COVID-19 vaccine, citing concerns about its safety and effectiveness. He criticizes the government's handling of the pandemic and the suppression of dissenting voices.

02:48:26

Vaccination Controversy and Joe Rogan's Thoughts on UFOs

Joe Rogan discusses the controversy surrounding vaccination during a pandemic, highlighting the potential for vaccine-induced variance and the silencing of experts who hold dissenting views. Joe Rogan shares his thoughts on UFOs and extraterrestrial life, expressing his belief in the existence of other life forms in the universe. He discusses the possibility of extraterrestrial life originating from the ocean and the government's potential involvement in covering up UFO sightings.

02:53:27

The Bermuda Triangle and the Impact of Technology on UFO Sightings

Joe Rogan discusses the Bermuda Triangle and its mysteries, exploring various theories about its unusual occurrences. He mentions the possibility of underwater bases and the government's potential involvement in covering up information about UFO sightings. Joe Rogan discusses the impact of technology on UFO sightings, noting the increased ability to capture evidence with cell phone cameras and the potential for the military to use UFO sightings as a cover-up for their own advanced technology.

02:56:41

Joe Rogan's Fear of Space Travel and Views on Human Exploration

Joe Rogan expresses his fear of space travel, citing the risks involved and the potential for disaster. He compares the experience of space travel to the tragic fate of the Titan submersible. Joe Rogan shares his views on human exploration, arguing that there are certain places and activities that humans should avoid. He expresses his disapproval of skydiving and the risks associated with extreme sports.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the supplements found in the F3 energy drink?

  The F3 energy drink contains supplements like BCA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) and ginseng, which are believed to have benefits for brain function and energy levels.

• What was the speaker's first professional fight, and what happened?

  The speaker's first professional fight was against Marvin Eastman, a kickboxer. The speaker was misled about Eastman's fighting style and lost the fight.

• Why did Dana White buy the WFA organization?

  Dana White bought the WFA organization to acquire the speaker after he left Pride FC. He was hoping to bring the speaker to the UFC.

• What was the speaker's experience with the Yakuza in Japan?

  The speaker encountered the Yakuza during his time in Japan and was shocked by their intimidating presence and the respect shown to them by everyone present.

• What is the Yakuza practice of finger cutting, and why is it done?

  The Yakuza practice of cutting off fingers is a form of punishment for mistakes. It is believed to be a way for members to show remorse and to avoid further punishment.

• What is the speaker's famous slam of Sakuraba, and why is it considered one of the greatest knockouts in MMA history?

  The speaker's slam of Sakuraba is considered one of the greatest knockouts in MMA history because of the force and technique involved. The slam sent Sakuraba flying through the air and resulted in a devastating knockout.

• What are some of the potential reasons for Japan's declining population?

  Some potential reasons for Japan's declining population include the increasing popularity of video games, the fear of rejection, and cultural factors that discourage marriage and childbirth.

• What is Fight Circus, and what makes it unique?

  Fight Circus is a unique fighting event held in Thailand that features unconventional fighting styles and rules. It is known for its high-energy and entertaining matches, often featuring two-on-one fights and other unusual challenges.

• What are some of the key aspects of Alex Pereira's fighting style that make him so dangerous?

  Alex Pereira is known for his powerful striking, particularly his left hook. He also has a knack for luring opponents into exchanges and is willing to take a shot to give a shot.

• What is the speaker's personal experience with weight cutting and its impact on his health?

  The speaker believes that his weight cutting practices, particularly in the later stages of his career, contributed to his health problems, including hypothyroidism.

Show Notes