JRE MMA Show #164 with Israel Adesanya
JRE MMA Show #164 with Israel Adesanya
6Digest
This podcast features Israel Adesanya, a renowned MMA fighter, sharing his insights and experiences on various aspects of the sport. He discusses the importance of sponsorships for fighters, arguing for their return to MMA to provide financial benefits. Adesanya also delves into the controversial practice of weight cutting, highlighting its potential dangers and advocating for more weight classes to reduce the pressure on fighters. He criticizes the UFC's current sponsorship policy, believing it restricts fighters' freedom of expression and income potential. Adesanya also explores the influence of officials on fight outcomes, expressing concerns about potential bias and the pressure to create exciting fights. He criticizes the stand-up rule, arguing it favors strikers and hinders grapplers. He shares his own experiences with weight cutting, emphasizing the importance of finding a healthy balance and advocating for a more balanced weight class system. The podcast also delves into Adesanya's personal journey, discussing the challenges of fame, dealing with entitled fans, and maintaining authenticity. He reflects on his encounters with famous people, the pressure of being a champion, and the importance of protecting his energy and setting boundaries. He shares his plans for the future, including starting a family, creating his own production company, and exploring opportunities in acting and motion capture. Throughout the podcast, Adesanya provides a unique perspective on the world of MMA, offering insights into the sport's complexities, the challenges faced by fighters, and the importance of personal growth and self-awareness.
Outlines
Introduction and Eugene's Support
The podcast begins with a brief introduction and a story about how Eugene, a friend and supporter, helped the speaker financially when he was struggling. The speaker expresses gratitude for Eugene's consistent support.
Engage Fight Kits, UFC Sponsorship, and Fighter Expression
The speaker discusses his involvement with Engage fight kits and how they almost secured a deal with the UFC. He expresses his preference for fighters having sponsors and the freedom to express themselves through their fight gear.
The Importance of Sponsorships in MMA
The speaker argues for the return of sponsorships in MMA, highlighting the significant financial benefits for fighters. He uses the example of Shaw, who earned more from sponsors than from his fights.
MMA Uniformity and the Future of Fight Gear
The speaker discusses the UFC's preference for uniformity and the recent changes allowing some fighters to express themselves through their fight gear. He believes that this trend should continue and that fighters should have more freedom to choose their sponsors.
Alex Volkanovsky's Momentum and Fighting Style
The speaker discusses Alex Volkanovsky's fighting style and his momentum leading up to his upcoming fight. He highlights Volkanovsky's active fighting schedule and his ability to fight through injuries.
The Izzy vs. Alex Rivalry and the Power of Belief
The speaker reflects on his rivalry with Alex Volkanovsky, highlighting the intensity of their fights and the mental and physical challenges involved. He emphasizes the importance of belief in oneself, especially when facing a formidable opponent.
Microdosing, Premonitions, and the Power of the Shower
The speaker shares his experience with microdosing and how it helped him prepare for his fight against Volkanovsky. He describes the shower as a place where he can visualize and manifest his goals.
Alex Volkanovsky vs. Khalil Rountree: Fight Predictions
The speaker analyzes the upcoming fight between Alex Volkanovsky and Khalil Rountree, predicting that Volkanovsky will win due to his momentum and reach advantage. He acknowledges Rountree's speed and power but believes Volkanovsky's experience and fighting style will prevail.
The Importance of Mental Toughness and Self-Belief
The speaker emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and self-belief for fighters, particularly when facing a self-port opponent like Rountree. He believes that Volkanovsky's experience and understanding of self-port fighting will give him an edge.
The Mental and Physical Challenges of Fighting Alex Volkanovsky
The speaker discusses the mental and physical challenges of fighting Volkanovsky, highlighting the grueling nature of their fights and the mental preparation required. He acknowledges Volkanovsky's strength and resilience and the need to be mentally prepared for a tough battle.
The Impact of Time Off and the Importance of Staying Active
The speaker discusses the impact of his 11-month break from fighting and his desire to return to a more active schedule. He emphasizes the importance of staying in shape and finding ways to improve his performance.
The Importance of Strength and Conditioning in MMA
The speaker discusses the importance of strength and conditioning in MMA, highlighting the philosophy of coaches like Marv Marinovich and Nick Kershon who prioritize cardio and gas tank development. He believes that a strong cardio base is crucial for success in MMA.
The Importance of Mental Focus and Lapsen Judgment
The speaker discusses the importance of mental focus and lapsen judgment in MMA, highlighting how fatigue can affect a fighter's performance. He shares his experience with a grueling exchange with Derek Lewis and the importance of maintaining focus throughout a fight.
The Importance of Diet and Nutrition in MMA
The speaker discusses the importance of diet and nutrition in MMA, highlighting the need to adjust eating habits as a fighter ages. He shares his experience with intermittent fasting and the benefits of a healthy breakfast before training.
Hyperbaric Chambers and Telomeres
The speaker discusses the benefits of hyperbaric chambers and their impact on telomere length, which is a measure of biological age. He explains the science behind telomeres and how hyperbaric chambers can help to lengthen them.
The Importance of Finding Ways to Improve
The speaker emphasizes the importance of constantly seeking ways to improve as a fighter, highlighting his commitment to finding new methods and strategies to enhance his performance. He shares his experience with incorporating a chef into his training camp and the benefits of a healthy breakfast.
The Impact of Weight Cutting on Performance
The speaker discusses the impact of weight cutting on performance, highlighting the potential negative effects on a fighter's energy levels and mental focus. He shares his experience with Aljo, who cuts a significant amount of weight, and the potential risks associated with extreme weight cuts.
The Dangers of Extreme Weight Cutting
The speaker discusses the dangers of extreme weight cutting, highlighting the potential for dehydration and health risks. He shares his own experience with weight cutting and the importance of finding a healthy balance.
The Impact of IVs on Rehydration and Brain Function
The speaker discusses the impact of IVs on rehydration and brain function, highlighting the potential benefits for fighters who are severely dehydrated. He acknowledges the importance of rehydrating the brain but believes that extreme weight cutting is still a dangerous practice.
The Future of Weight Classes in MMA
The speaker discusses the future of weight classes in MMA, arguing for the addition of more weight classes to reduce the weight cutting burden on fighters. He believes that the current weight class system creates unnecessary pressure and health risks.
The Controversial Elbow Rule in MMA
The speaker discusses the controversial elbow rule in MMA, arguing that it is an unnecessary restriction. He believes that fighters should be allowed to use elbows from all positions and that the current rule is unrealistic and hinders the flow of the fight.
The Upkick Rule in MMA
The speaker discusses the upkick rule in MMA, arguing that it is an unnecessary restriction. He believes that fighters should be allowed to upkick from a downward position and that the current rule is unrealistic and hinders the effectiveness of certain grappling techniques.
The Soccer Kick Rule in MMA
The speaker discusses the soccer kick rule in MMA, arguing that it is an unnecessary restriction. He believes that soccer kicks should be allowed in open space and that the current rule is based on aesthetics rather than actual fighting techniques.
The Perception of Violence in MMA
The speaker discusses the perception of violence in MMA, arguing that the sport is often judged based on aesthetics rather than actual fighting techniques. He believes that the focus should be on the skill and athleticism of the fighters, rather than the perceived brutality of the sport.
The Influence of Officials on Fight Outcomes
The speaker discusses the influence of officials on fight outcomes, highlighting the potential for bias and the pressure to create exciting fights. He shares a statement from referee Herb Dean, who suggests that some officials may be pressured to influence the outcome of fights.
The Importance of Pure Fighting and the Stand-Up Rule
The speaker discusses the importance of pure fighting and the stand-up rule in MMA, arguing that fighters should be allowed to stay on the ground if they have control. He believes that the stand-up rule gives an unfair advantage to strikers and that the focus should be on allowing fighters to compete in their preferred style.
The Influence of Officials on Fight Outcomes (Continued)
The speaker continues to discuss the influence of officials on fight outcomes, arguing that referees should not be instructing fighters on how to fight. He believes that referees should focus on enforcing the rules and allowing fighters to compete fairly.
The Importance of Starting Rounds in the Same Position
The speaker argues for starting rounds in the same position that the previous round ended, believing that it creates a more fair and realistic fight. He believes that the current system, which favors strikers by starting each round standing, gives an unfair advantage.
The Importance of Tournaments in MMA
The speaker argues for the return of tournaments in MMA, believing that they create a more exciting and dramatic format. He shares his experience with kickboxing tournaments and believes that they are a great way to determine the true \"badass\" in the sport.
The Impact of Mental Weakness on Fight Outcomes
The speaker discusses the impact of mental weakness on fight outcomes, highlighting the importance of maintaining focus and composure throughout a fight. He shares the example of Tim Kennedy vs. Yoel Romero, where Romero's mental state was affected by a controversial stoppage.
The Importance of Finishing Fights and Lapsen Judgment
The speaker discusses the importance of finishing fights and the potential for lapsen judgment in the heat of the moment. He shares the example of Jalen Turner vs. Dan Hooker, where Turner had Hooker hurt but failed to finish the fight.
The Future of Dan Hooker and Bear Knuckle Boxing
The speaker discusses the future of Dan Hooker, who is currently training for a Bear Knuckle boxing match. He expresses his own preference for MMA and believes that Bear Knuckle boxing is not for him.
MMA Gloves and Eye Protection
The conversation starts with a discussion about MMA gloves, specifically the difference between old and new gloves. The speaker expresses a preference for the older gloves, citing their ability to cause more damage. The conversation then shifts to the importance of eye protection in MMA, with the speaker advocating for gloves that cover the fingers to prevent eye pokes.
Kickboxing vs. MMA
The conversation explores the speaker's decision to transition from kickboxing to MMA. The speaker reveals that they were initially hesitant to switch due to concerns about being dominated by wrestlers. However, they ultimately decided to embrace the challenge and have since become a well-rounded fighter.
Jan Blachowicz's Undeserved Lack of Recognition
The conversation highlights the speaker's frustration with the lack of recognition given to Jan Blachowicz, a highly skilled fighter who has consistently delivered exciting performances. The speaker argues that Blachowicz is being overlooked despite his impressive record and deserves more attention.
Stem Cell Treatment and Corruption in Healthcare
The conversation touches upon the speaker's experience with stem cell treatment in Mexico, highlighting its effectiveness and the limitations imposed on such treatments in the United States. The speaker attributes these limitations to corruption within the healthcare system, where pharmaceutical companies and surgeons stand to lose money if stem cell treatments become widely available.
The Epstein Case and Uncovered Conspiracies
The conversation delves into the ongoing Epstein case and the lack of prosecution of those involved. The speaker expresses frustration with the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the case, highlighting the potential for a cover-up. The conversation also touches upon the broader issue of uncovering conspiracies and the challenges faced by those who attempt to expose them.
Corruption and the COVID-19 Vaccine
The conversation explores the speaker's perspective on the COVID-19 vaccine and the surrounding controversy. The speaker expresses skepticism about the vaccine's safety and effectiveness, citing concerns about corruption and the potential for adverse side effects. The conversation also touches upon the pressure individuals faced to get vaccinated and the subsequent gaslighting tactics employed by authorities.
The Impact of Lockdowns and Mental Health
The conversation reflects on the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on mental health and society. The speaker acknowledges the potential benefits of short-term lockdowns but criticizes the extended lockdowns that were implemented, arguing that they were detrimental to both mental and economic well-being. The conversation also touches upon the divisive rhetoric that emerged during the pandemic, where individuals were pitted against each other based on their vaccination status.
The American Political Landscape and Global Perception
The conversation discusses the speaker's perspective on the American political landscape and how it is perceived by the rest of the world. The speaker highlights the chaotic nature of American politics and how it is often portrayed as a \"sitcom\" by those outside the United States. The conversation also touches upon the recent assassination attempts on former President Trump and the media's handling of these events.
The Rise of AI and the Future of Information
The conversation explores the speaker's concerns about the increasing prevalence of AI-generated content and its impact on the ability to discern truth from falsehood. The speaker anticipates a future where it will be increasingly difficult to trust information, as AI technology becomes more sophisticated and capable of creating realistic deepfakes.
The Speaker's Documentary and the Challenges of Fame
The conversation concludes with a discussion about the speaker's documentary and the challenges they faced as a result of their newfound fame. The speaker reflects on the unexpected attention they received and the importance of setting boundaries to protect their energy and mental well-being.
Dealing with Fame and Entitlement
Israel Adesanya discusses the challenges of dealing with fame and entitled fans. He shares his experiences with fans who don't know who he is, and how he prefers to meet people on a first-name basis. He emphasizes the importance of protecting his energy and setting boundaries.
Learning from Encounters with Famous People
Israel reflects on his encounters with famous people, including Snoop Dogg and Eminem. He shares how he used to feel awkward and try to document every interaction, but now he values genuine connections and enjoys the moment.
The Pressure of Being a Champion
Israel talks about the pressure of being a champion and how he feels a sense of relief after losing the belt. He explains that he's now fighting for himself and wants to have fun, experimenting with different fighting styles.
The Impact of Pressure on Creativity
Israel discusses how pressure can restrict creativity and how he's seen it happen to other fighters, including Anderson Silva. He believes that the pressure to win can lead to a desire to see someone fall, even if they are a fan.
Future Fights and Plans
Israel talks about his upcoming fights, including a potential fight with Dricus du Plessis. He discusses his preference for five-round fights and his desire to bring back his more aggressive fighting style.
Timeline for Fighting and Future Plans
Israel shares his thoughts on how long he plans to fight, aiming for three more years. He discusses his desire to start a family and his plans to create his own production company.
The Importance of Family and Personal Growth
Israel emphasizes the importance of family and how he's learned from past mistakes in relationships. He discusses his desire to be a great dad and how he's focusing on himself before starting a family.
The Demands of Fighting and Protecting Time
Israel talks about the time commitment and dedication required for fighting, and how it impacts his personal life. He compares the demands of fighting to other sports and emphasizes the mental and physical toll it takes.
The Importance of Trust and Support
Israel discusses the importance of trust and support, particularly from his father. He shares how his father helps him navigate the business side of fighting and protects him from potential scams.
A Soft-Spoken Fighter and a Confrontation
Israel shares a story about a recent encounter with a fan who challenged him to a fight. He explains how he handled the situation calmly and emphasizes the importance of protecting himself and his boundaries.
Navigating the Spotlight: Authenticity and Boundaries
Israel Adesanya discusses the challenges of maintaining authenticity and setting boundaries in the public eye. He shares his experiences with people trying to put him in a box and the pressure to conform to expectations. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to himself and protecting his energy.
Dealing with Fans and Expectations
Adesanya talks about the expectations people have of him as a successful fighter. He explains how he's learned to manage interactions with fans and protect his boundaries, even when it means appearing \"unfriendly.\" He emphasizes that he's not obligated to cater to everyone's expectations.
Love and Hate for All
Adesanya shares his perspective on humanity, acknowledging that he loves and hates aspects of every group of people. He discusses the importance of self-love and prioritizing his own well-being, even when facing criticism or judgment.
A Roadmap for Success
Adesanya reflects on his journey and the lessons he's learned. He acknowledges the importance of being honest and authentic, even when it's challenging. He believes his experiences can serve as a guide for other young fighters navigating the world of fame and success.
Keywords
MMA Sponsorship
MMA sponsorship refers to the practice of fighters wearing logos and branding from companies on their fight gear. This practice was common in the early days of MMA but was banned by the UFC in 2018. However, some fighters are now being allowed to wear sponsors on their gear, suggesting a potential return to this practice.
Weight Cutting
Weight cutting is a common practice in MMA where fighters lose weight to compete in a lower weight class. This practice can be dangerous and lead to dehydration and health risks. The UFC has implemented rules to regulate weight cutting, but the practice remains controversial.
Stand-Up Rule
The stand-up rule in MMA allows referees to stand fighters up if they believe that the fight is not progressing or if one fighter is in a dominant position. This rule is controversial, as it can give an unfair advantage to strikers and hinder the effectiveness of grappling techniques.
Hyperbaric Chamber
A hyperbaric chamber is a medical device that uses pressurized oxygen to treat various conditions, including decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning. It is also used by athletes for recovery and to improve performance.
Telomeres
Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that help to maintain the integrity of DNA during replication. As we age, telomeres shorten, which can contribute to aging and disease.
Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. It is often used for weight loss and to improve overall health.
Lapsen Judgment
Lapsen judgment refers to a temporary lapse in decision-making ability, often caused by fatigue, stress, or emotional distress. In MMA, lapsen judgment can lead to mistakes that can cost a fighter the fight.
Self-Port
A self-port is a fighter who is known for their aggressive and unpredictable fighting style. They often rely on their speed and power to overwhelm their opponents.
Authenticity
Being true to oneself, expressing genuine thoughts and feelings without pretense or conformity to external pressures. It involves embracing one's unique qualities and values, regardless of societal expectations.
Q&A
What is the speaker's perspective on the UFC's current sponsorship policy?
The speaker believes that fighters should have the freedom to advertise and express themselves through their fight gear, as it was in the past. He feels that the UFC's current policy is too restrictive and limits fighters' ability to earn income and showcase their individuality.
How does the speaker feel about the stand-up rule in MMA?
The speaker believes that the stand-up rule is unfair to grapplers and gives an unfair advantage to strikers. He argues that fighters should be allowed to stay on the ground if they have control and that the focus should be on allowing fighters to compete in their preferred style.
What is the speaker's experience with weight cutting?
The speaker acknowledges the dangers of extreme weight cutting and believes that the current weight class system in MMA is too restrictive. He argues for the addition of more weight classes to reduce the pressure on fighters to cut weight and minimize the health risks associated with the practice.
What are the speaker's thoughts on the influence of officials on fight outcomes?
The speaker believes that officials should not be influencing the outcome of fights and that referees should focus on enforcing the rules and allowing fighters to compete fairly. He is concerned about the potential for bias and the pressure to create exciting fights, which can lead to unfair decisions.
What is the speaker's perspective on the future of MMA?
The speaker believes that MMA is a constantly evolving sport and that there is room for improvement in terms of rules, weight classes, and the role of officials. He is hopeful that the sport will continue to evolve in a way that is fair, safe, and exciting for both fighters and fans.
What are some of the challenges Israel Adesanya faces as a famous fighter?
Israel faces challenges from entitled fans who demand his attention and time. He also struggles with the pressure of being a champion and the constant spotlight.
How has Israel's perspective on meeting famous people changed over time?
Israel used to feel awkward and try to document every interaction with famous people. Now, he values genuine connections and enjoys the moment without feeling the need to capture it.
What are Israel's plans for after he retires from fighting?
Israel plans to start a family, create his own production company, and explore opportunities in acting, motion capture, and voiceover work. He also wants to pursue adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving and running with the bulls.
How does Israel's father play a role in his life and career?
Israel's father is a trusted advisor who helps him navigate the business side of fighting and protects him from potential scams. He is a source of support and guidance, particularly in areas where Israel lacks experience.
What is Israel's perspective on confrontation and violence?
Israel prefers to avoid confrontation and violence, but he understands the need to protect himself and his boundaries. He shares a story about a recent encounter with a fan who challenged him to a fight, highlighting his ability to remain calm and avoid escalating the situation.
Show Notes
Joe sits down with Israel Adesanya, a mixed martial artist competing in the Middleweight division of the UFC. He is the subject of the documentary "Stylebender," available now.
www.ahifilms.nz/films/stylebender
www.ufc.com/athlete/israel-adesanya
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