JRE MMA Show #110 with Craig Jones & Alex Volkanovski
NaN minutesEpisode #110
Joe is joined by top ranked jiu jitsu grappler Craig Jones & UFC Feather Champion Alex Volkanovski.
Episode Timestamps
Life on the Road and Performing in Clubs vs. Theaters
- Joe Rogan discusses his love for being on the road and performing in clubs
- Exploration of the difference in experience between clubs and theaters for comedians
- Anecdote about a drunk fan at a show in Dallas
Audience Dynamics and Female Fans
- Conversation about audience demographics and female fans of Joe Rogan's podcast
- Mention of female fighters and their impacts on changing public perception of fighting
- Joe Rogan's observations on camaraderie in team sports and competitive environments
Instagram Troubles and Controversial Filming
- Discussion on shadow banning on Instagram and experiences with other UFC names
- Incident in a unique store and filming controversy involving Nazi symbols
- Exploration of historical symbols and their modern implications
Personal Thoughts and Fight Preparations
- Opinions on a colleague and strategies for upcoming fight
- Reflections on being an underdog despite being a champion
- Discussion on dealing with COVID-19 during fight preparations
Training with COVID and Vaccine Side Effects
- Riddell discusses training hard in Vegas even while potentially having COVID symptoms
- Mentions experiencing headaches and eventually testing positive for COVID
- Talks about high-intensity training sessions and the impact of COVID on fighters like Cody Garbrandt
Vaccine Reactions and Impact on Training
- Riddell shares his experience getting vaccinated and the subsequent side effects
- Discusses lymph nodes swelling and stomach issues post-vaccination
- Explains the decision to avoid the second shot to prevent further disruptions to his training
Evolving World of Leg Locks in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA
- Discussion about the evolution of leg locks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA
- John Danaher's influence on developing a system based on leg locks
- Impact of notable fighters like Gary Tonan and Gordon Nicky in popularizing leg locks
Controversies and Risks Associated with Leg Locks
- Reflections on leg lock controversies and injuries in grappling tournaments
- Examples of fighters like Paulo Harris and Leandro Lo refusing to tap, leading to serious injuries
- Personal encounters with intense moments during grappling matches involving severe leg injuries
Discussion on Grappling Moments and Fighter Reactions
- Recollection of a grappling match incident involving a broken leg
- Explanation of priorities and concerns of the fighter and his wife
- Observations on the rarity and impact of such leg break incidents in UFC history
Training Philosophy and Evolution Between Fights
- Insights into training under an innovative coach focusing on eliminating guesswork
- Discussion on experimenting and learning from forgotten moves
- Importance of continuous learning and evolution in between fighting camps for personal growth and tactical development
Fight Preparation and Training Structure
- Discussion on the structured approach to training for a fight over an eight-week period
- Example of mapping out training sessions daily in preparation for the fight
- Adaptation of training schedules to match the fight time, even when in different time zones
Nutrition and Performance Optimization
- Importance of strict meal plans and nutrition during training camp for optimal performance
- Effect of expert nutritionists and strength conditioning coaches in solving performance issues
- Significant improvement in back issues and recovery time due to expert guidance and training routines
Professional Grappling vs. MMA Preparation
- Comparison between the preparation of professional grapplers and MMA fighters
- Discussion on the importance of stretching and warm-up routines for longevity in the sport
- Anecdote about Hoyler Gracie and Eddie Bravo's intense grappling match
Evolution of No Gi Grappling and Impact on Training Methods
- Exploration of the transition from gi-based jiu-jitsu to no gi grappling in elite competitions
- Influence of John Jock Machado's style on effective no gi techniques
- Discussion on the advancements and changes in ADCC competitions over the years
Training Methods and Recovery
- Discussion about training methods and injury prevention in mixed martial arts
- Observations on the bodybuilding workouts of fellow athletes and their impact on training
- Exploration of recovery strategies and the importance of balancing strength training with MMA practice
Optimizing Strength Workouts and Recovery Time
- Explanation of the importance of rest periods and avoiding failure during strength training sessions
- Incorporating longer breaks between sets to maintain quality reps and prevent muscular exhaustion
- Adoption of a skill-based approach to weightlifting for improved strength gains and reduced muscle fatigue
Elite Training and Work Ethic in Preparing for Fights
- Discussion on the importance of maintaining a ferocious pace throughout a fight and avoiding fading
- Emphasis on training to push beyond comfort zones to prepare for challenging situations in the ring
- Insight into the mindset of accepting discomfort during training to build resilience
Strategies for Endurance and Overcoming Challenges in Fighting
- Exploration of the need for endurance and explosiveness in fighting
- Comparison of different fighter backgrounds and their impact on performance
- Insights into energy management, willpower, and adaptability in facing adversities
Philosophy of Technique and Defense in Grappling
- Discussion on the importance of having perfect position and technique in grappling
- Emphasis on the balance between offense and defense in combat sports like MMA
- Anecdote about how excellent defense can lead to more offensive opportunities
Diet, Weight Division Choices, and Culinary Preferences
- Conversation around the impact of diet choices on performance and skill execution in competition
- Preference for facing larger opponents over cutting weight for specific divisions
- Exploration of cooking styles, meat preferences including kangaroo and elk, and the significance of natural ingredients
Emus and Kangaroos: The Wildlife Encounters
- Discussions about emus and kangaroos, including their behavior and potential for consumption
- Anecdotes about kangaroos displaying aggression and physical features like strong muscles and claws
- Exploration of kangaroos' fighting techniques in the wild and the potential dangers they pose
Strategic Evolution in MMA: Versatility and Training with Experts
- Adaptation of fighting styles in MMA based on opponents' unexpected shifts in approach
- Importance of being well-rounded in skills and using the right techniques at the right moment
- Discussion on the transformation of the fighter's image from wrestler to striker and the impact of specialized training
Rivalry and Competitive Insights from Fights
- Discussion on the importance of having a rival like Muhammad Ali had Joe Frazier in fighting
- Insights into the nuances and adjustments made during close fights like the 10-round bouts
- Exploration of the chessmatch aspect in fights that many viewers may miss
Behind-the-Scene Pranks and Understanding the Business Side of Martial Arts
- Anecdotes about pranks and camaraderie between fighters on a reality TV show
- Insights into the entertainment and business aspects of martial arts, contrasting with traditional views
- Example of Conor McGregor's strategic provocations and financial success in the fighting business
Weight Classes in UFC and Discussion on Moving Up
- Conversation about the weight disparity between UFC weight classes
- Discussion on the challenges of moving up in weight class, using examples like John Jones and Francis Ngannou
- Anecdote about concerns regarding COVID-19 exposure before a fight
Recovery Techniques and Mental Strength in Athletics
- Explanation of recovery methods like sauna and hot baths in daily workouts
- Discussion on endurance benefits of heat exposure and its impact on recovery
- Anecdote about a surfer with exceptional mental strength and physical resilience
Dealing with Infections and Impact on Training/Fighting
- Discussion about dealing with staff infections in the context of training and competing
- Personal experiences with Mercer infection and cellulitis and their effects on the body and training regimen
- Anecdotes about staff infections leading to serious consequences and precautions taken to avoid infections in martial arts environments
Health Challenges During Training Camps and Fights
- Narrative about training with injuries like broken fingers and infections while preparing for fights
- Experiences with Mercer infection, the need for medical intervention, and the impact on fight preparations
- Discussion about enduring injuries during fights and postponing surgeries until after the matches
Infections and Immune System Vulnerability
- Discussion about avoiding infections and sanitizing practices
- Anecdotes about implications of infections and apologies for spreading them
- Observations on immune system vulnerability and the impact of training intensity
Physical Health and Training Limitations
- Exploration of the effects of environment on physical health, particularly skin conditions
- Mentions of strategies to prevent infections and improve immune system resilience
- Personal experiences with training, injuries, and long-term physical limitations
Discussion on Back Injuries and Innovative Treatments
- Joe Rogan and guests talk about athletes with replaced discs and the risks associated with such procedures
- Exploration of innovative treatments like stem cell injections and procedures in countries like Colombia and Panama
- Personal anecdotes and experiences with back injuries and treatments, including the use of new devices for neck strengthening
Professional Athlete's Training Methods and Learning Approaches
- Conversations about professional athlete's training regimes and approaches to mobility and injury prevention
- Joe Rogan and guests discuss the importance of studying film, techniques, and applying them in training
- Personal stories shared on learning from limited exposure to high-level talent and the willingness to compete globally
Traveling Challenges and Quarantine Issues
- Discussion about the challenges of traveling during camps and returning home
- Debate on the necessity and duration of quarantine periods
- Personal anecdotes about individuals contracting COVID multiple times
Health Strategies and Fighter Conditioning
- Insights into the impact of testosterone levels on COVID symptoms
- Discussion on low testosterone levels due to rigorous training and subsequent health concerns
- Explanation of the balancing act required in fighter conditioning and immune system challenges
The Rise of UFC and Evolution of MMA
- Fratidas invested heavily in UFC despite being in financial trouble, leading to the success of the Ultimate Fighter and pivotal fights like Bonner vs. Griffin
- Discussion on Chuck Liddell's impact on the sport and the appeal of his aggressive style
- Exploration of the history and significance of Pride rules and fighters like Fedor Emelianenko
Evolution of Fight Formats and Fighter Compensation
- Debate on the preference for longer rounds and history of fight durations
- Insight into fighter compensation and comparisons between UFC and Bellator pay structures
- Acknowledgment of talent across various MMA organizations and the impact on the sport's growth