Fight Companion - January 14, 2018

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Jimmy Smith, Eddie Bravo, and the UFC: The Rise of Francis Ngannou

  • Discussion about the upcoming UFC fight between Do Ho Choi and Jeremy Stevens.
  • Eddie Bravo shares insights on Michael Johnson's transformation after moving to a lower weight class.
  • Talks about the tragic weight cut issues of Yoel Romero and the impact of Robert Follis's death on the MMA community.
• 00:04:17

  Francis Ngannou's Incredible Journey from Homelessness to Heavyweight Contender

  • Overview of the heavyweight title fight between Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou.
  • Ngannou's remarkable story of overcoming homelessness and physical struggle while training in MMA.
  • Exploration of Ngannou's potential and the challenges he faces in refining his ground game.
• 00:11:57

  Darren Elkins Shocks Michael Johnson with Stunning Comeback Victory

  • Darren Elkins faces Michael Johnson in an intense UFC match.
  • Elkins, initially taking heavy hits, demonstrates remarkable resilience and skill.
  • The fight culminates in a stunning submission as Elkins catches Johnson in a rear-naked choke.
• 00:19:17

  MMA Scoring Systems Revisited: The Debate with Jimmy Smith

  • A discussion unfolds about the inadequacies of the traditional 10-point scoring system in MMA.
  • Proposed improvements include a more comprehensive scoring system considering various fight aspects.
  • Jimmy Smith critiques decision-making by judges and suggests the inclusion of more experts to eliminate biased judgments.
• 00:22:49

  Eddie Bravo Revolutionizes Jiu-Jitsu with Combat Techniques and Rear Naked Chokes

  • Eddie Bravo discusses the switch from body triangles to rear naked chokes in Jiu-Jitsu training.
  • Wagner Rocha becomes notable for achieving the first TKO in Jiu-Jitsu using combat techniques.
  • Emphasis on adapting Jiu-Jitsu methods to be more effective in competitive scenarios, particularly in ground combat.
• 00:31:49

  Kamaru Usman: The Unstoppable Force in MMA and the Rise of Amil Mech

  • Kamaru Usman is highlighted as a dominant force that opponents avoid facing in the octagon.
  • Amil Mech is characterized as a fierce competitor with a strong record, known for his striking capacity.
  • Discussion of competitors in MMA, emphasizing the differences between skilled fighters and those who instill fear due to their fighting style.
• 00:33:50

  The Turbulent Childhood of Jake Shields and the Eye Gouging Incident

  • Jake Shields faced intense criticism following an eye gouging incident during a fight.
  • Discussion of Shields' horrific childhood, involving hard labor and lack of care after a serious injury.
  • Controversy surrounding referee Steve Mazzagatti's handling of the situations during Shields' fights.
• 00:40:32

  Kamaru Usman's Wrestling Prowess Against Amil Mech

  • Kamaru Usman showcases his grappling skills while facing Amil Mech, a formidable opponent from Norway.
  • Focus on Usman's wrestling background, including his title as a two-time NCAA All-American.
  • A detailed analysis of the fight dynamics and strategies employed by Usman during the match.
• 00:43:48

  Kamaru Usman vs. Amiel Mech: A Battle of Grit and Strategy

  • Kamaru Usman showcases grappling dominance over Amiel Mech while battling for control in the ring.
  • The intense physical battle raises questions about each fighter's endurance and strategy.
  • Mech's striking skills, including a notable spinning back fist, highlight the fight's shifting dynamics.
• 00:52:38

  Round Three Revelations: Usman's Dominance Amidst Mech's Composure

  • Both fighters demonstrate resilience as the fight progresses into the third round.
  • Usman's ability to maintain top position allows him to secure significant strikes over Mech.
  • The ongoing debate about the effectiveness of different fighting techniques emerges, particularly regarding grappling versus striking.
• 00:54:26

  Kamaru Usman's Dominance Over Travis Brown in the Octagon

  • Kamaru Usman showcases his superior wrestling skills against Travis Brown, controlling the fight.
  • Usman demonstrates his striking power with effective body shots and right hand punches.
  • Travis Brown struggles to implement his game plan while Usman avoids danger in stand-up exchanges.
• 01:03:21

  Future Considerations: Kamaru Usman vs. Kelvin Gastelum Showdown

  • Discussion on a potential fight between Kamaru Usman and Kelvin Gastelum, highlighting Gastelum's abilities.
  • Analysis of the fight dynamics, emphasizing Usman's wrestling advantages against Gastelum's striking.
  • Speculation on how Gastelum's return to welterweight could impact rankings and title contention.
• 01:04:59

  Robert Whittaker's Tough Knee Injury Complicates His Fight Plans

  • Robert Whittaker suffered a significant knee injury during his fight with Yoel Romero, impacting his training and fight readiness.
  • Despite his injury, Whittaker demonstrated remarkable toughness by continuing to fight effectively.
  • The discussion highlights the long-term implications of knee injuries in combat sports, referencing other fighters like Javier Vasquez who faced similar issues.
• 01:10:33

  Hilarious Dental Horror Stories: Abscesses and Bad Breath

  • The group shares humorous anecdotes about dental emergencies, including a dentist who vomited upon discovering a severe mouth infection.
  • The conversation shifts to addressing bad breath, with an emphasis on the need for honesty among friends about personal hygiene.
  • They discuss societal issues regarding communication about unpleasant health conditions, especially in intimate situations.
• 01:13:47

  Page Van Zant's Intense Fight with Jessica Clark: A Battle of Skill and Toughness

  • Page Van Zant is highlighted for her dynamic fighting style, showcasing powerful kicks and techniques.
  • Jessica Clark is noted for her clean striking and effective counters during their bout.
  • The commentary discusses the tactical aspects of grappling, emphasizing the importance of position and guard defense in MMA.
• 01:56:12

  Eddie Bravo on Preparing Fighters Like Tony Ferguson for High Pressure Showdowns

  • Eddie Bravo shares insights on training strategies to combat tough opponents, including Habib Nurmagomedov.
  • The conversation shifts to fighter resilience, focusing on Page Van Zant's determination and toughness under pressure.
  • A discussion on various grappling techniques and their applications highlights the complexity of MMA training.
• 01:13:47

  Ben Saunders vs. Brian Baker: A Fight of Missed Commitments and Tactical Errors

  • Commentary on Ben Saunders' fight against Brian Baker and the flaws in his technique.
  • Discussion about the importance of committing to a singular move rather than transitioning between multiple techniques.
  • Insights into strategic fighting, focusing on transitioning and the mental commitment needed to execute moves effectively.
• 02:30:19

  Page VanZant's Combat Techniques: A Beautiful Savage in the Cage

  • Analysis of Page VanZant's unique jumping roundhouse kick and her athletic style.
  • Discussion of her toughness despite facing injuries, including a broken arm during a fight.
  • Comparison of her fighting technique to other well-known fighters, emphasizing her signature moves and strategy.
• 01:37:57

  Tim Sylvia and the Shocking Leg Breaks: Corey Hill's Tragic Fall in the Ring

  • Tim Sylvia recalls the infamous leg breaks of Corey Hill and Anderson Silva during fights.
  • Corey Hill's devastating injury was worsened by the referee's inability to react quickly due to his positioning.
  • Corey Hill tragically passed away years later, leaving a lasting impact on MMA discussions.
• 01:56:12

  The UFC Performance Institute: Innovations and Big John McCarthy's New Role

  • Discussion about the impressive features of the UFC Performance Institute, including advanced training and recovery tools.
  • Celebration of Big John McCarthy transitioning from UFC referee to a new role, praised for his extensive experience.
  • Insights into injury prevention and neck strengthening techniques crucial for grapplers shared during the conversation.
• 01:08:16

  Jeremy Stevens and Cortisone Shots: The Cost of Athletes' Recovery

  • The speaker discusses personal experiences with shoulder injuries and the impact of cortisone shots, initiated by a doctor’s recommendation.
  • Famous UFC fighter Jeremy Stevens is mentioned, emphasizing his strength in the 145-pound weight class and notable knockouts, including against Gilbert Melendez.
  • The conversation touches on the complexities of injuries within the sport, including common issues faced by many fighters.
• 01:15:07

  The Impact of Weight Classes in UFC: The Insight from California's Athletic Commission

  • Discussion on recent changes in weight classes in California's UFC regulations and the health implications for fighters struggling with weight cuts.
  • Marlin Moraes's situation is highlighted, showing the challenges of weight management in professional fighting.
  • The importance of responsible weight management for athlete safety is emphasized, along with proposed measures for fighters who miss weight.
• 01:13:47

  Jeremy Stevens vs. Choi: A Savage Showdown with Unmatched Ferocity

  • Jeremy Stevens showcases his relentless fighting style, emphasizing his desire for payback when attacked.
  • Choi displays remarkable technique and footwork, countering Stevens' aggressive attacks.
  • The chapter analyzes the evolution of fight formats in MMA, advocating for more five-round bouts despite the toll they take on fighters.
• 01:26:14

  Heavyweight Title Fight Anticipation: Ngannou vs. Miocic's Epic Clash

  • Discussion shifts to the upcoming heavyweight championship bout between Francis Ngannou and Stipe Miocic.
  • Analysis of the fight's significance and its potential to be historic in the heavyweight division.
  • Comments on notable fighters and matchups, including Daniel Cormier and Volkan Oezdemir, highlighting emerging talent in the UFC.
• 01:13:47

  Eddy's Scoring System Revolutionizes Fight Commentary

  • Eddy develops a detailed scoring system for fight commentary that categorizes takedowns and strikes.
  • The narrator struggles with remembering fight details and emphasizes the importance of note-taking.
  • The chapter also highlights the common mistakes commentators make, including revealing the wrong names during post-fight interviews.
• 01:56:12

  Challenges of Post-Fight Interviews and the Role of Commentators

  • Interviewing fighters is identified as a challenging aspect of a commentator's role, requiring quick thinking and specific questions.
  • Commentators often deal with the pressure of remembering fighter names and delivering accurate information.
  • The chapter discusses the distinction between play-by-play and color commentators, emphasizing their different roles in providing fight analysis.
• 01:13:47

  The Humorous Trials of Commentating MMA: Dawn 'The Dragon' Wilson and My Ridiculous Blunders

  • Discussion of the challenges of being a dual commentator and color commentator in MMA.
  • Mention of notable fighters like Henzo Gracie and his infamous injury against Kazushi Sakuraba.
  • Reflections on the hilarity and unpredictability of live commentary, with anecdotes about dramatic fight moments.
• 01:56:12

  The Evolution of MMA: From Old School Fights to Modern-Day Stars

  • Insight into the early days of MMA, resembling the boxing history and discussing figures like Jack Johnson.
  • Memories of navigating the underground MMA scene before the internet made information accessible.
  • A nostalgic recount of fights, training experiences, and the growth of fighters from the past to the current era.
• 01:53:25

  Fabiano's Arm Bar and Eddie's Knee Injury: The Highs and Lows of MMA

  • The narrator shares their experience of competing in jiu-jitsu for the first time and achieving a quick victory with an arm bar, inspired by coach Fabiano.
  • Discussion about the camaraderie and respect for Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners among American fighters, highlighting the deep impact of Brazilian culture in the sport.
  • Eddie suffers a serious knee injury and shares his previous experiences with surgeries, illuminating the physical toll that athletes endure in MMA.
• 01:58:48

  Comical Perspectives on Sports Commercials and UFC Commentary

  • A humorous breakdown of a commercial featuring big athlete Frank Thomas, showcasing the over-exaggerated admiration from fans and commentators.
  • Engaging debate on essential wrestling moves in MMA, with insights into their effectiveness and rarity in professional fights.
  • Conversations about the UFC commentary team, with admiration for figures like Big John and Mike Goldberg, and highlights of their roles in enhancing the viewing experience of MMA events.
• 01:13:47

  The Unmatched Commentary Skills of Joe Rogan and Eddie Bravo's Journey in MMA

  • Joe Rogan's spontaneous commentary approach contrasts with Eddie Bravo's rigorous preparation.
  • Eddie Bravo highlights the importance of studying fights and being genuinely invested in the match.
  • The significance of understanding fight dynamics and the ability to adapt commentary on the fly is emphasized.
• 01:56:12

  Navigating the Challenges of MMA Commentary: Insights from Eddie Bravo and UFC's Evolution

  • Eddie Bravo shares experiences from early commentary challenges with unrecognized fighters.
  • Discussion of the 'Hitman Show' incident showcasing the blending of reality and staged fights.
  • The conversation emphasizes the personal connections and mutual respect between Eddie Bravo and fellow MMA commentators.
• 01:13:47

  Eddie Bravo and Jimmy Smith Discuss Knee Surgery and Coaching

  • Eddie Bravo contemplates knee surgery, encouraged by Jimmy Smith to take action sooner rather than later.
  • The conversation highlights the challenges of rehabilitation and the importance of prompt medical intervention.
  • Bravo expresses his commitment to coaching and returning to work despite facing injury.
• 01:56:12

  Eddie Bravo's Exciting Release of Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds on YouTube

  • Eddie Bravo announces the release of 'Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds' on his YouTube channel, making it available for free.
  • The event took place roughly six weeks prior, showcasing notable matches in jiu-jitsu.
  • Bravo reveals his busy schedule, including a doubleheader event featuring John Donahue.