JRE MMA Show #24 with Kevin Lee

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Kevin Lee's Thrilling Victory Over Edson Barbosa: A Masterclass in Wrestling and Strategy

  • Kevin Lee reflects on his exhausting fight with Edson Barbosa, highlighting post-fight adrenaline and sleeplessness.
  • The bout showcased Lee's exceptional wrestling skills, successfully taking down the notoriously difficult Barbosa.
  • Lee discusses his strategy of being a well-rounded fighter capable of adapting to various fighting styles.
• 00:05:32

  Kevin Lee on Training Techniques: Tribute to Robert Follis and Innovative Conditioning Methods

  • Lee shares insights into his training camp, crediting late coach Robert Follis and emphasizing teamwork in his preparation.
  • He discusses his unique strength and conditioning approach, eschewing traditional weightlifting for calisthenics and yoga.
  • The importance of keeping his body fresh and injury-free is stressed as he prepares for future fights.
• 00:09:41

  MMA Fighter Discusses Sparring Techniques with Former Champion Vitor Belfort's Mishap

  • MMA fighter explains his sparring routine, including the preference for high-level partners.
  • Mentions Vitor Belfort's injury due to a careless sparring partner, highlighting risks in training.
  • Emphasizes the importance of mixing technical sparring with realistic fight scenarios.
• 00:15:12

  Intense Barboza Fight: MMA Fighter Reflects on Recovery and Coaching Decisions

  • Fighter recalls recovering from a debilitating kick from Edson Barboza during their match.
  • Critiques Barboza's corner for their coaching decisions during the fight.
  • Discusses the challenges of endurance in MMA and the importance of controlling the fight pace.
• 00:18:51

  Josh Rosen and MMA Referees: The Balancing Act of Tough Decisions

  • Discussion about the retirement of John McCarthy and the standards of MMA refereeing.
  • Game-changing insights into the responsibility of coaches to protect fighters like Valentina Shevchenko during intense fights.
  • Highlights the struggles of fighters in weight management and the effects on performance, emphasizing Josh Rosen's weight-cutting process.
• 00:26:20

  Tony Ferguson Fight: Josh Rosen's Battle with a Deceptive Staph Infection

  • Description of Josh Rosen's experience dealing with a staph infection leading up to his fight against Tony Ferguson.
  • Frustration from wearing makeup to hide the infection and its impact on his weight cut.
  • Challenges faced during the weigh-in process that ultimately affected his performance in the fight.
• 00:28:13

  Fighter Mentality: Overcoming Staph Infections and Divorce Stress Before the Tony Fight

  • Discusses the physical and mental challenges faced before a major fight, including managing a staph infection and dealing with a divorce.
  • Explores various natural remedies for infections, highlighting the effectiveness of garlic, as shared by Dr. Rhonda Patrick.
  • Recounts the emotional pressure of preparing for a world title fight against Tony, including personal and professional stressors.
• 00:35:56

  Analyzing Fighting Styles: Critique of Khabib and Gagey's Combat Approach

  • Analyzes Khabib's fighting techniques, noting perceived weaknesses despite his success in the octagon.
  • Expresses admiration for Justin Gagey while critiquing his lack of tactical movement and reliance on brute force.
  • Reflects on the importance of adapting fighting styles and strategies based on coaching advice and personal growth.
• 00:39:36

  Edson Barboza's Explosive Kicks: A Fighter's Perspective

  • The speaker recalls discussions around fighting Edson Barboza and the importance of staying focused during the match.
  • Barboza's kick is described as one of the fastest in the sport, even compared to elite fighters.
  • Insights are shared about training with high-level kickboxers to prepare for Barboza's explosive style.
• 00:43:42

  Tony Ferguson's Injury: A Career-Defining Moment

  • Discussion revolves around Tony Ferguson's leg injury and its potential long-term effects on his career.
  • The speaker expresses sympathy for Ferguson's situation, indicating he may never return to his previous form.
  • Contemplation on the implications of Ferguson's injury on the fight landscape, particularly against fighters like Khabib and Conor McGregor.
• 00:49:47

  Conor McGregor's Controversial Rise: A Fighter's Experience and Racial Dynamics

  • Discussion on Conor McGregor's fighting style and his impact on MMA pay-per-view events.
  • Exploration of race and support in the fighting community, contrasting support for fighters from different ethnic backgrounds.
  • Comparison between McGregor's popularity and the challenges faced by Black fighters in America.
• 00:51:45

  Navigating Fame: The Mentality of Fighters in the UFC Landscape

  • Insights into the pressures fighters face to promote themselves and hype fights.
  • Reflection on the contrasting styles of trash talk among various fighters, including Rose Namajunas's unique approach.
  • Discussion on personal growth and confidence developed through high-profile fights and media appearances.
• 00:59:06

  Georges St-Pierre's Life Lessons: Overcoming Fear and Faking Confidence Before Fights

  • Georges St-Pierre provides reassuring advice to the narrator before a fight with Barboza.
  • The narrator discusses how he learned to embrace confidence and stand out, contrasting his upbringing in Detroit.
  • Reflecting on his past, the narrator realizes his journey to confidence began after wrestling competitively with peers who had more experience.
• 01:02:35

  Struggles and Success: The Power of Positive Role Models and Community

  • The narrator attributes his success to the lack of positive role models in his early life and emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with hard-working people.
  • Through integration and exposure to peers from different backgrounds, the narrator gains confidence and a desire to excel.
  • He shares reflections on his financial struggles during college and how they shaped his determination and motivation to succeed.
• 01:13:47

  From Wrestling to UFC: The Journey of an Underdog Fighter Inspired by George St-Pierre and BJ Penn

  • The speaker became interested in MMA after watching legends George St-Pierre and BJ Penn at age 15.
  • Initially focused on wrestling, he later transitioned to MMA by signing up for a jiu-jitsu tournament at 18, despite having no prior striking training.
  • After receiving a call from the UFC while balancing school, the speaker made a quick leap into professional fighting, attributing his success to consistency and passion for the sport.
• 01:56:12

  Artistry in MMA: Analyzing the Delicate Balance of Technique and Mental Resilience in Fighters Like Ronda Rousey

  • The speaker discusses the perception of fighting as an art form, emphasizing the intelligence required in martial arts and personal expression in the ring.
  • He reflects on Ronda Rousey's rise and fall, highlighting how distractions and lack of preparation can lead to unexpected defeat.
  • The importance of visualization and mental preparation is stressed, with anecdotes about seeing potential losses as a strategy to adapt and overcome in fights.
• 01:13:47

  Fighter's Journey: Overcoming Doubts Against Leonardo Santos

  • The fighter reflects on his experience against Leonardo Santos, a multiple-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion.
  • He learned valuable lessons from his defeat, realizing the importance of having a coach's guidance in combat.
  • Recognizes the need for mental sharpness and humility in the face of tough competition.
• 01:56:12

  Navigating Media and Balancing Training in Combat Sports

  • Discusses the dual pressures of media obligations and maintaining a rigorous training schedule.
  • Shares insights on endurance training and the necessity of smart preparation for high-stakes fights.
  • Highlights the importance of diversifying skills and being adaptable in the face of different fighting styles.
• 01:30:39

  Edson Barboza's Striking Dominance Over Taekwondo Fighters in MMA

  • Edson Barboza showcases exceptional speed and power in his striking style.
  • Muay Thai is highlighted as a more effective martial art compared to Taekwondo in MMA.
  • Taekwondo fighters struggle against Muay Thai techniques, especially when leg kicks are involved.
• 01:35:51

  Demetrius Johnson and the Debate on the Greatest MMA Fighters

  • Demetrius Johnson's fighting style is praised but seen as not the best due to lack of explosive opponents.
  • The conversation contrasts Johnson's skills with those of legends like Georges St-Pierre and Jon Jones.
  • Upcoming fights involving TJ Dillashaw and their potential implications on Johnson's legacy are discussed.
• 01:39:50

  John Jones: Controversies and Comebacks in MMA

  • Discussion on John Jones's media presence compared to his opponents and the pressures it brings.
  • Controversial incidents in Jones's career, including car accidents, failed drug tests, and his controversial statements.
  • Reflections on Jones's potential return and impact on the MMA scene, despite previous setbacks.
• 01:07:22

  Finding Balance: Lessons from Rob and Personal Growth

  • Mentions of Rob's influence in guiding the speaker towards self-awareness and truth.
  • The importance of balancing various interests and seeking personal fulfillment over conventional safety.
  • Insights on how different training methods and activities, like yoga, enhance overall athletic performance and body awareness.
• 01:50:57

  Dan Henderson's Unique Fighting Style and Training Insights

  • Discussion on Dan Henderson's body kick mechanics and unusual flexibility.
  • Insights into the importance of diverse training regimes, focusing on grappling and calisthenics.
  • Emphasis on the significance of leg strength and conditioning for fighting performance.
• 01:58:09

  The Vegan and Carnivore Ideological Divide: A Conversation on Diet and Health

  • Analysis of veganism as an ideology and the tribalism associated with dietary choices.
  • Mention of protest actions against a Toronto restaurant and the tensions surrounding animal rights.
  • The importance of open dialogue and finding common ground between differing dietary ideologies.
• 01:13:47

  The Impact of Cultural Disconnect Highlighted by Rosa Parks’ Legacy

  • Discusses the influence of environmental factors and childhood experiences on individuals, especially regarding crime and cultural identity.
  • Reflects on the historical context of racism and its lasting effects within the African American community, citing Rosa Parks as a pivotal figure.
  • Emphasizes the necessity for greater understanding and empathy between different cultural groups to combat stereotypes and false narratives.
• 01:56:12

  The Cultural Pride and Identity of Black Americans vs. African Americans

  • Explores the differences in identity between Black Americans and Africans, suggesting a preference for recognition as Black Americans.
  • Analyzes the effects of popular culture, such as the movie 'Black Panther', on racial identity and pride within the Black community.
  • Argues for the celebration of diverse cultures while advocating for integration and mutual respect among different ethnic groups.
• 01:13:47

  Joe Rogan Discusses Cultural Perspectives and Racism with Kevin

  • Joe Rogan emphasizes the importance of understanding different cultures while traveling with the UFC.
  • He shares personal insights on overcoming racism by being open and having honest conversations about race.
  • The discussion highlights Puerto Ricans' unique challenges in America, emphasizing their cultural contributions and sense of disconnection.
• 01:56:12

  Kevin McDonald Reflects on Fighting Culture and National Pride in Brazil

  • Kevin describes his experience fighting in Brazil and the intense local support for Brazilian fighters.
  • He recounts a particular fight against Frisco Trinado, detailing the crowd's passionate reaction.
  • The conversation explores how different countries appreciate martial arts as a reflection of their culture, contrasting it with America's more transactional view of sports.