JRE MMA Show #12 with Ben Askren
NaN minutesEpisode #12
Joe Rogan sits down with the founder the former ONE Welterweight Champion and the former Bellator Welterweight Champion, Ben Askren.
Watch the full episode of JRE MMA Show #12 with Ben Askren.
Episode Timestamps
Ben Askren's Journey: The Missed Opportunity of UFC Fights
- Ben Askren discusses his disappointment about never fighting in the UFC despite being a prominent figure in MMA.
- He explains the reasons behind his inability to compete against top opponents, including contract issues with Bellator.
- Askren elaborates on his undefeated record and the challenges he faced in transitioning to UFC after his release from Bellator.
The Impact of Style: How Wrestling Defines MMA Success
- Ben Askren reflects on the importance of wrestling in MMA, citing its effectiveness in controlling fights.
- He draws comparisons between his own fighting strategy and that of other successful fighters like George St. Pierre.
- Askren emphasizes the misconception about his fighting style being unattractive and discusses how it contributed to his long career with minimal damage.
The Rise and Struggles of Wrestlers: Insight from Olympic Champion Jordan Burroughs
- Jordan Burroughs recounts his experience training with championship-level wrestlers, highlighting their unmatched strength and discipline.
- The conversation reveals the transition wrestlers face when moving to mixed martial arts (MMA) and the evolving financial landscape for Olympic athletes.
- Burroughs discusses the tragic story of John DuPont and the struggles faced by wrestlers in pursuit of their sport amidst financial instability.
Dana White's UFC: The Complex Dynamics Behind Fighter Relations and Contracts
- The discussion elaborates on the perceived 'playing' of fighters by Dana White and the UFC, highlighting the complicated dynamics of contract negotiations.
- The guests share their insights on the challenges faced by fighters, such as the pressure to conform to the UFC's expectations and the struggle for freedom in their careers.
- Key figures, including Jon Jones, are discussed regarding their tumultuous relationships with Dana White and the ramifications of their actions outside the octagon.
UFC's John Jones: The Duality of Elite Athlete Mindsets
- Discussion about John Jones' behavior and mental preparation in MMA.
- Insight into the contrasting mentalities of elite athletes: ultra-preparers vs. cowboys.
- Personal anecdotes on sports psychology and managing pre-fight anxiety.
The Need for Structured Coaching in MMA: Insights from an Elite Athlete
- Exploration of the lack of structured training in MMA compared to college wrestling.
- Reflection on the coaching styles and methods in various MMA teams.
- Analysis of fighter performance and the correlation with training backgrounds.
The Wrestling Comeback: Learning from J. Ron and the Importance of Consistent Training
- Discussion about training habits three months before a fight, reflecting on the importance of routine and practice.
- Experience with J. Ron, a high-level wrestler who demonstrated the benefits of consistent wrestling training.
- The realization that to stay competitive, fighters need to immerse themselves in their training discipline consistently.
CTE Concerns: Analyzing the Impact of Contact Sports on Brain Health with Tom Petty's Tragic Legacy
- Exploration of CTE prevalence among athletes, especially football players, and its association with repetitive head trauma.
- Discussion on lifestyle factors, including drug use and mental health issues, relating to the tragic case of musician Tom Petty.
- Consideration of alternative pain management strategies in sports and the dangers of opioid prescriptions following injuries.
Joe Rogan's Harrowing Opioid Experience and the Dangers of MMA
- Joe Rogan discusses the dangers of heavy pain medications after undergoing knee surgery, highlighting the risks of opioid addiction.
- Rogan argues against recommending MMA as a career due to the high likelihood of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) among fighters.
- He reflects on the psychological patterns of extreme sports athletes, mentioning his friend Andy Stumpf's risky skydiving career.
The Divide of Political Identities and the Consequences of Labeling
- Rogan critiques the divisive nature of current political discourse and the tendency to label individuals without nuance.
- He highlights the importance of open dialogue, using examples like Milo Yiannopoulos to illustrate how conversations can reveal more than just extreme personas.
- The discussion shifts to figures like Alex Jones and Brett Weinstein, emphasizing how public perception can misrepresent complex individuals.
Exploring the Confusion Behind the Sandy Hook and Las Vegas Shootings with Conspiracies
- Discussion on the impact of conspiracy theories surrounding the Sandy Hook tragedy, highlighting the emotional turmoil for grieving families.
- Examination of the Las Vegas shooting, questioning the motives and mental state of perpetrator Steven Paddock, including his meticulous planning.
- Commentary on the media's role in shaping narratives and the lack of clarity in reporting major events, including the rapidly changing timelines of the Las Vegas incident.
Cognitive Limits: The 'Dunbar's Number' and Managing Social Connections
- Introduction to 'Dunbar's Number', explaining the limit on the number of stable social relationships a person can maintain.
- Discussion on the challenges faced by public figures and commentaries in remembering names and relationships in a fast-paced world.
- Personal anecdotes on the struggle of keeping track of friends and acquaintances over time, emphasizing the changes in social dynamics.
Evolve MMA and the Impact of Lee Kuan Yew's Policies in Singapore
- Discussion on Evolve MMA as a leading martial arts facility in Singapore and its rapid expansion.
- Insight into Lee Kuan Yew's governance and Singapore's unique system of funding education, healthcare, and housing.
- Comparison between Singapore's wealth and the economic struggles of other nations, highlighting the country's satisfied populace.
Conspiracy Theories: From 9/11 to the Gulf of Tonkin Incident
- Debate on the validity of 9/11 conspiracy theories and the skepticism surrounding official reports.
- Examination of historical conspiracies, including the Gulf of Tonkin incident and Operation Northwoods.
- Discussion on the balance between remaining open-minded and the prevalence of unfounded conspiracy theories.
Apollo 13 Missions and the Unexplored Moon: A Dive into Deep Space Challenges
- Apollo 13 was a notable mission where humans attempted deep space travel beyond 400 miles from Earth.
- Despite advancements in technology since the 1969 moon landing, human missions to the moon have not resumed due to high risk and funding issues.
- Current space exploration focuses more on robotic missions, like Mars rovers, rather than manned missions, with Mars being considered for future objectives.
Werner von Braun, Operation Paperclip, and the Conspiracy Behind the Moon Landing
- Werner von Braun, a key figure behind NASA's moon missions, was formerly a Nazi scientist involved in war crimes.
- Operation Paperclip secretly brought top Nazi scientists to the US post-WWII, which shaped the future of American space exploration.
- Many believe the moon landing was real, yet question the authenticity of some footage, suggesting a mix of truth and fabrication in documentary reporting.
The Apollo 11 Moon Landing: Unpacking Neil Armstrong's Gravity-Defying Movements
- Discussion about the slow-motion movements of Apollo 11 astronauts versus the more dynamic actions seen in later missions like Apollo 14.
- Questioning the authenticity of some moon landing footage, citing peculiar movements and the distinct lack of gravity effects.
- Mention of Werner von Braun's past as a Nazi and debates around moon landing conspiracy theories regarding the flag's movement and the footage's legitimacy.
MMA Evolution: Rory MacDonald and the Future of Grappling Techniques
- Analysis of Rory MacDonald's fight tactics and the effectiveness of guard versus wrestling in modern MMA.
- Focus on the critical importance of adapting grappling techniques in response to changing MMA dynamics.
- Discussion on the implications of performance-enhancing drugs in sports and wrestling's evolution, featuring thoughts on elite athlete Yole Romero.
Joe Rogan Discusses Safe Weight Cutting Practices in MMA with 1FC's Innovative Approach
- 1FC implements a weigh-in program that tests hydration and weight simultaneously to prevent water weight cutting.
- Champions are moved up a weight class to ensure safer competition, eliminating drastic dehydration before fights.
- Rogan highlights the importance of making weight safely to prevent injuries and improve performance.
Mental Toughness: How College Wrestling Shapes Fighters in the Octagon
- Wrestlers develop resilience through structured training, pushing through physical discomfort and injuries.
- Rogan contrasts wrestling's rigorous environment with other combat sports, emphasizing the grind faced by collegiate wrestlers.
- The mental toughness gained in wrestling translates to advantages in MMA, crucial for handling the pressures of the octagon.
Joe Discusses the Training Philosophy of Olympic Coach for Wrestlers
- Joe emphasizes the need for systematic training and drilling in wrestling compared to Jiu-Jitsu methods.
- He shares insights on effective techniques for training, including the importance of repetitive drilling in various scenarios.
- Joe illustrates the balance between mental preparation and performance during competitions through personal coaching experiences.
Exploring Mindset and Conditioning in Wrestling with Joe's Coaching Insights
- Joe sheds light on the importance of mindset in practice and competition, stressing the need for a 'beginner's mind'.
- He critiques training practices that neglect technique, sharing a story about a hardworking yet complacent student.
- The chapter focuses on the balance of strength, conditioning, and technical skill development in limited training time.
MMA Fighter Transition: From Wrestling Strength to CrossFit Training with Insights from a Personal Trainer
- Discussion on developing wrestling-specific strength that surprises opponents.
- Experience with CrossFit workouts, emphasizing high-paced, active training methods.
- Personal approach to nutrition and fitness, highlighting a disciplined diet and avoidance of supplements.
Analyzing Drug Use Among Athletes: Insights from MMA Fighter's Career and Experiences
- Insights on anti-drug sentiments and challenges athletes face in maintaining clean records.
- Observations on international athletes, particularly from Russia, in relation to performance-enhancing drug use.
- Reflection on the implications of athlete management deals, and the relationship between wrestling success and MMA performance.
Mirko Cro Cop and the Unmatched Power Dynamics in MMA
- Mirko Cro Cop's incredible speed and power enable him to quickly close the distance in fights.
- The discussion highlights the advantage wrestlers have in adapting their skills, while jiu-jitsu and striking specialists often struggle to include wrestling.
- Examples include John Jones and Stipe Miocic, who transitioned successfully from wrestling to striking.
Khabib Nurmagomedov's Dominance and Upcoming Challenges
- Khabib Nurmagomedov exemplifies the importance of wrestling in mixed martial arts and his mauling wrestling style is noted.
- His anticipated fight against Tony Ferguson poses strategic questions as both fighters have elite-level skills.
- Discussion includes the implications of Conor McGregor's title status and the potential match-up uncertainties in the lightweight division.
Ben Askren Reflects on Coaching Freedom and Challenges in Wrestling
- Ben Askren expresses his love for coaching at a high level while missing the college atmosphere.
- He discusses the bureaucratic challenges that come with working for a major institution.
- Askren emphasizes his preference for owning his own business and the freedom it provides, despite the challenges of running a business.
The T-Row and Funky Show: Ben Askren Launches Wrestling Podcast with Tommy Rollins
- Ben Askren collaborates with Tommy Rollins, a two-time NCAA champion, to create the 'T-Row and Funky Show' podcast.
- The podcast is a fun, unscripted discussion about wrestling, allowing them to engage freely without strict schedules.
- Listeners can find the podcast on various platforms, including iTunes, as both hosts share their passion for wrestling.