JRE MMA Show #142 with Matt Serra, Din Thomas & John Rallo
NaN minutesEpisode #142
Matt SerraDin ThomasJohn Rallo
Joe is joined by retired mixed martial artists Matt Serra, Din Thomas & John Rallo. Matt is the co-host of the "UFC Unfiltered" podcast with Jim Norton, and founder and lead instructor of Serra BJJ. Din is the co-host of "After TUF" and host of the "Din's Got Answers" podcast. John is the owner and head coach at Ground Control mixed martial arts academy in Baltimore.
www.serrabjj.com
www.ufc.com/athlete/din-thomas
Episode Timestamps
Life on the Road and Training Experiences
- Joe Rogan reminisces about the early days of training with friends and living a Spartan lifestyle for MMA
- Discussion on the dedication required in the early stages of MMA, including living in a car at times
- Reflection on the financial aspects and hard work needed to succeed in the sport
The Evolution of UFC and Fighters' Health
- Conversations about the early days of UFC and the uncertain future of the sport
- Joe Rogan discusses the impact of injuries and health issues on retired fighters
- Reflection on memorable fights and standout fighters in the history of UFC
Injury Before Fight with Matt Hughes and Experience with Chiropractic Practices
- Joe Rogan talks about having to pull out of a fight with Matt Hughes due to a back injury
- Discussion on the physical training approach and its impact on the injury
- Humorous anecdote about a chiropractic session gone wrong
Discussion on Chiropractic Origins and Therapeutic Benefits
- Exploration of the origins of chiropractic practices from a spiritual and questionable historical perspective
- Joe Rogan shares thoughts on the efficacy of deep tissue massages and chiropractic adjustments
- Reflections on personal experiences with misdiagnosis and effective treatments for injuries
UFC Memories and Commentary Origins
- Recollections of past UFC events and fights, including encounters with notable fighters like Eve Edwards and Masvidal
- Reflections on early career fights and interactions with UFC personalities like Dana White
- Beginning of commentary career and anecdotes about early interactions with colleagues like Jim Norton
Adapting During the Pandemic and Podcast Dynamics
- Transition to virtual podcasting during the pandemic and adjustments to daily routines
- Discussion on podcasting dynamics, including remote collaborations and technological changes
- Personal anecdotes about hosting podcasts and maintaining relationships with co-hosts like Jimmy Norton
Discussion on Choking Incidents, Legal Ramifications
- Exploration of a recent incident involving choking and legal implications
- Debate on the severity of different types of chokes and potential risks involved
- Anecdotes about past cases of choking incidents and public reactions
Controversial Choking Techniques and Safety Concerns
- Analysis of controversial choking techniques demonstrated by individuals
- Observations on incorrect application of choking methods and potential dangers
- Discussion on responsible behavior when engaging in physical confrontations
Encounter at Red Rock Casino and Dealing with Drunken Aggression
- Joe Rogan narrates an incident at the Red Rock Casino involving a hostile drunk individual
- Rogan's instinctive response to defuse the escalating situation
- Emphasis on the importance of standing up against unnecessary aggression and the universe teaching lessons
Quality of Life, Retirement, and Managing Negativity
- Discussion on retirement as a concept and the importance of quality of life
- Rogan's perspective on handling negativity and removing toxic influences
- Reflecting on balancing work, personal interests, and the significance of surrounding oneself with positive individuals
Henzel's Influence on Jiu-Jitsu Community and John Danaher's Unique Approach
- Discussion about Henzel's impact on the Jiu-Jitsu community and his non-traditional teaching style
- Anecdote about Henzel encouraging the practical application of Jiu-Jitsu moves over theoretical discussions
- Introduction to John Danaher's unorthodox teaching methods and his transformation of the Jiu-Jitsu game with focus on leg locks
Evolution of Jiu-Jitsu Techniques and John Danaher's Dedication to Combat Sports
- Change in Jiu-Jitsu techniques over time, particularly the rise of the leg lock game
- Emphasis on John Danaher's profound dedication to Jiu-Jitsu and his unconventional lifestyle
- Insight into John Danaher's role as a striking coach and his unique approach to coaching despite lacking a striking background
Health Issues and Dietary Adjustments
- Discussing medical condition and treatments related to colitis
- Experimenting with gluten-free diet to manage symptoms
- Sharing experiences of hospitalization and dietary changes for health improvement
Fitness and Lifestyle Adjustments
- Exploring intermittent fasting for health benefits
- Adopting new eating habits for weight management
- Reflecting on staying in shape and maintaining a balanced diet amidst tempting food choices
Recollections of Past Fights and Training
- Discussion on past fights and experiences, including an illegal move incident
- Reflection on early street fighting days and tough man contests
- Narrative of training philosophy shift towards Jiu-Jitsu and focus on adapting strategies
Adapting Training Strategies and Overcoming Injuries
- Adaptation of training methods for a specific fight with a torn meniscus
- Struggle with injuries and preparations before fights
- Recounting the use of unique training items like a medicine ball and specific strategies with the coach
Epidural for Back Injuries and Recovery
- Discussion about epidural for back injuries and sciatica
- Experience with anesthesia injections for spine pain relief
- Impact of back injury on movement and recovery process
Fighter's Perspective on Win Bonuses and Judging in MMA
- Critique of win bonuses in MMA and their impact on fighter motivation
- Concerns about judging accuracy and career implications
- Opinion on ensuring fair payment for fighters based on fighting and contractual agreements
UFC Fighter Pay and Weight Cut Dangers
- Discussion on the impact of judges' decisions on fighters' pay in the UFC
- Concerns about dehydration and weight cuts affecting fighter performance and health
- Anecdote about Travis Looter's extreme weight cut and its consequences
MMA Techniques and Fighter Stories
- Overview of Kevin Holland's talent in MMA as discussed by Travis Looter
- Analysis of Wonder Boy's fighting style and effectiveness of the sidekick technique
- Recollection of Jon Jones's impressive use of the front leg sidekick in fights
Tragic Boxing Incidents and Panama Lewis Scandal
- Discussion about the Louis Resto fight and the removal of padding from the gloves resulting in serious injuries to Billy Collins Jr.
- Panama Lewis' involvement in controversial incidents in boxing, including the scandal of removing padding from gloves
- Impact of the scandal on the young boxer's vision and tragic outcome of becoming an alcoholic leading to suicide
Evolution of Boxing and Joe Rogan's Preference for MMA
- Insights into the intensity of boxing sparring sessions, with mentions of Givante Davis and Mayweather's training approach
- Comparison of the health risks between boxing and MMA; preference for MMA due to lesser head trauma
- Casual conversation about virtual reality gaming and the excitement around VR boxing and Taekwondo versions
Virtual Reality Training and Gaming
- Discussion on using virtual reality for training and gaming
- Exploration of using VR for combat sports training and technique development
- Anecdotes about personal experiences with VR gaming, including boxing and MMA simulations
Fight Analysis and Predictions
- Analysis of upcoming fights and fighters in the MMA world
- Discussion on Yair Rodriguez and Alexander Volkanovski's fighting styles
- Prediction and discussion on potential outcomes of the upcoming matches
The Exciting Journey of Matt Fervola and Wasted Talent
- Introduction to Matt Fervola and his impressive fighting skills discussed by Joe Rogan
- Anecdotes about Dave Dolan and his influence on Joe Rogan's introduction to Matt Fervola
- Discussion on wasted talent in various fields, including comedy and fighting
Reflections on Fighters' Careers and the Impact of Injuries
- Conversation about fighters facing challenges under the lights despite being talented in gyms
- Examples of fighters like Cain Velazquez and King Mo facing career challenges due to injuries
- Reflection on Fedor Emelianenko's prime and his legendary fights in MMA
The Tale of the Hairy Fighters
- Discussion about a fighter with excessive body hair in the UFC and the challenge of dealing with it
- Mention of another fighter, Dave Herman, who transformed drastically in appearance based on his hair grooming
- Conversation about hairy Russians and their perceived strength in combat sports like MMA
Reflections on Jiu Jitsu and Combat Sports
- Transition to discussing Jiu Jitsu and its relevance in modern MMA competition
- Reflection on the evolution and current state of Jiu Jitsu as a martial art
- Personal anecdote shared about the significance of Jiu Jitsu techniques in both offensive and defensive situations during fights
Discussion about Food Safety and Meat Consumption
- Conversations about food poisoning and the risks associated with certain foods like salads
- Insights on salmonella outbreaks and the importance of proper food handling and cooling
- Exploration of the intricacies of preparing venison and the potential risks if not done correctly
Weight Management and Methods like the Carnivore Diet
- Joe Rogan's experience with different diets and observations on appetite control
- Discussion on medication-induced weight loss and its potential drawbacks
- Personal anecdotes about weight cutting for fights and insights on physical training
Joe Rogan's Weight Cutting Experience and Weight Class Discussion
- Joe Rogan shares a story about cutting weight for a fight and getting sick afterwards
- Discusses the issue of weight cutting in MMA and suggests that fighters should compete at higher weights if cutting becomes a struggle
- Proposes the idea of additional weight classes to make the competition more fair and mentions the challenges of being a 'tweener' between weight classes
The Impact of TRT on Fighters and Evolution of MMA Athletes
- Joe Rogan talks about the difference in fighters before and after the implementation of USADA and the effects of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy)
- Discussion on the unfairness of fighters like Vitor Belfort having to go off TRT abruptly for a fight and its impact on performance
- Reflects on the physical changes in fighters due to TRT usage and the shift in athleticism and performance in MMA
The Story of Vitor Belfort's Trainers and Training Methods
- Discussion about Vitor Belfort's weightlifting coach, a Brazilian bodybuilder nicknamed 'garden hoses'
- Reflections on the early days of UFC and the prevalence of performance-enhancing drugs
- Details about a trainer who worked with Vitor Belfort, his untimely death at 36, and their unconventional strength training methods
Benefits of Cold Plunges and Sauna Therapy
- Joe Rogan's routine of cold plunges after Jiu-Jitsu training and how it affects his body
- Discussion on the benefits of sauna therapy, including heat shock proteins, reduced mortality rates, and cardiovascular effects
- Comparison of sauna versus steam baths for overall well-being and cardiovascular health
Benefits of Sauna & Cryo Therapy on Training Performance and Health
- Discussion on the use of sauna as part of training regimen for its cardio-like benefits and heat shock benefits
- Anecdote about Eddie Bravo using cryo sessions after workouts for improved training capacity
- Conversation on the importance of holistic health assessments and blood work for optimizing nutrient levels and overall well-being
Personal Stories & Reflections on Relationships and Life Choices
- Reflections on the impact of a supportive partner on personal growth and life choices
- Humorous exchange on knowing when to move on from toxic relationships and staying true to oneself
- Anecdotal recollection of avoiding potential dangers in life, including risky situations like street fights
Discussion on Injuries and Recovery
- Joe Rogan talks about his knee injury and the challenges he faced with it
- Conversation about quad tear and the impact on mobility
- Anecdote about a friend tearing his quad from a leg kick during a physical activity
Physical Fitness and Calisthenics
- Exploration of calisthenics and its impact on strength and conditioning
- Discussion on gymnastics and its benefits for overall fitness
- Mention of George St. Pierre's training routines and interest in UFOs and Star Wars
Nick the Tooth's Misunderstandings and Grappling Match Drama
- Discussion of Nick the Tooth's misunderstandings and reactions during the show 'Dana White looking for a fight'
- Details about the grappling match setup and Nick the Tooth's unfounded claims
- Recount of the aftermath where Nick the Tooth tried to prevent footage of the match from being aired
Shark Encounter and Submarine Incident
- Humorous account of swimming with sharks and the unconventional behavior to attract them
- Reflections on the misleading information given about diving in a protective cage
- Brief mention of a conspiracy theory related to a submarine incident involving the inventor
Deep Sea Diving and Encounters with Sharks
- Discussions about the challenges of deep-sea diving and the controversy surrounding the hull design
- Anecdotes about real-life encounters with sharks and the fear they instill
- Recounting a near miss with a shark while in the water
Fear Factor Stunts and Facing Risks
- Recollections of daring stunts on Fear Factor and the risks involved
- Stories of bull riders and dangerous experiences on the show
- Reflections on the fun and challenges of past experiences and how they shaped current perspectives
Reunion and Gratitude
- Joe Rogan expresses gratitude for being invited and considers it a bucket list moment.
- Acknowledgment of the success of the host and appreciation for the opportunity.
- Warm farewell and expressions of thanks to all involved in the reunion.