JRE MMA Show #66 with Michelle Waterson

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Introducing California and the Stealth Bomber Sighting

  • Listener brought brother-in-law to California, stationed at Air Force base.
  • Describes sighting of stealth bomber resembling a UFO, post-9-11 filming.
  • Details of family history with military background, parents' meeting in Germany.
• 00:02:14

  Transition to Martial Arts and MMA Journey

  • Introduction to martial arts through karate and transition to MMA.
  • Encounter with Donald Cerrone marks start of MMA training in Colorado.
  • Decision to drop out of college to pursue martial arts, including Thai boxing and grappling.
• 00:10:13

  Fighter narrates winning strategies and challenges in UFC bouts

  • Narrates experience of using stand up and grappling in a UFC fight
  • Discusses the unpredictability of UFC rankings and bizarre fighter cuts
  • Shares goal of becoming the first ever mom to secure a UFC title
• 00:15:40

  Discussion on Muay Thai and MMA; UFC fighter safety and development

  • Dialogue about sharp differences between boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA fighting
  • Critiques the distribution of mainstream recognition and resources in the fighting world
  • Analyzes recent fights within martial arts and safety concerns for young fighters
• 00:21:08

  Bob Sapp's Impact on Minotaro and Illegal Slamming

  • Discussion about one of the worst landings involving a bad slam in MMA
  • Impact of slam on Minotaro similar to Bob Sapp's fighting style
  • Analysis of illegal slamming in MMA and comparison with Minotaro vs. Bob Sapp fight
• 00:22:12

  Minotaro's Shocking Victory over Bob Sapp

  • Bob Sapp's background of steroid use and impact on MMA
  • Description of Minotaro's incredible victory despite significant weight difference
  • Analysis of Minotaro's technique triumphing over Bob Sapp's size and strength
• 00:32:17

  Discussion on Competitive Sports and Gender Identity

  • Debate on the inclusion of transgender individuals in competitive sports.
  • Importance of recognizing physiological differences between genders in athletics.
  • Consideration of fairness and advantages in sports related to gender divisions.
• 00:36:16

  Controversies and Challenges in Drug Testing in Athletics

  • Issues of performance-enhancing drugs and doping in athletes.
  • Complexities of modern drug testing methods and detection mechanisms.
  • Implications of drug scandals on athletes' careers and public perception.
• 00:41:58

  Anderson Silva, Ronda, and Machita: Pioneers in Evolving Fighting Styles

  • Anderson Silva, Ronda, and Machita are credited for revolutionizing fighting styles with their movements, techniques, and attitude.
  • Their innovative approach opened up new possibilities for other fighters to learn and evolve.
  • The evolving styles of these fighters have greatly influenced the MMA landscape.
• 00:43:14

  Mighty Mouse's Mastery and Evolution in MMA

  • Mighty Mouse showcased exceptional skills, leaving a lasting impact on the MMA community.
  • His ability to adapt and perform flawlessly made him a standout fighter.
  • The continuous evolution in MMA, influenced by great fighters like Mighty Mouse, reflects the sport's growth and diversity.
• 00:51:27

  MMA Fight Lesson: Overconfidence leads to defeat

  • Fighter shares a story of facing a skilled boxer in MMA
  • She becomes overconfident and decides to challenge the boxer in striking
  • Refuses to stick to her strengths, gets cracked and eventually TKO'd
• 00:55:08

  Dehydration and Weight Cut Challenges in UFC

  • Fighter describes brutal weight cuts to reach lower weight classes
  • Shares experience of severe dehydration and its effects
  • Discusses the impact of weight cutting on health and performance
• 01:01:19

  Mixed Martial Arts Weight Classes Discussion featuring Valentina

  • Debate about the weight classes in MMA, emphasizing the differences in body weight percentages
  • Mention of Valentina and her struggles at 115 pounds
  • Advocacy for more weight classes in MMA to address the weight cutting issue and potential steroid abuse
• 01:02:19

  Challenges and Training at Jackson Winkle John Gym

  • Discussions on the challenges and skill development at Jackson Winkle John gym
  • Insights into the intense training regimen and sparring sessions at the gym
  • Focus on the structured training approach, the presence of savage fighters, and the transition of amateurs to pros
• 01:11:36

  Training Regimen with Cold Plunge and Extreme Hills

  • Discussion about using infrared sauna and cold plunge for training
  • Description of challenging hills like the one Coach Jackson loves
  • Emphasis on the rigorous hill climbing exercises for physical and mental strength
• 01:15:18

  Mental Endurance and Psychological Training for Fighters

  • Importance of mental endurance and psychological strategies in fighting
  • Insights into psychological training with sports psychologist Dr. Shandon
  • Explanation of mental visualization and power words for mental strength
• 01:24:32

  Life as a Fighter and Mom: Juggling Challenges and Pursuing Dreams

  • Becoming a mother at 25, facing challenges of postpartum depression and pregnancy
  • Returning to fighting just 10 months after giving birth while breastfeeding
  • Balancing motherhood and training, and the supportive environment at the gym
• 01:28:36

  Overcoming Physical and Emotional Struggles: Bouncing Back and Adapting

  • Struggles with post-baby body changes like gestational diabetes and weight gain
  • Transitioning back to training, overcoming physical limitations through swimming
  • Dealing with emotional challenges and adapting to new lifestyle as a professional fighter and mother
• 01:35:59

  Michelle's Journey in the Starweight Division

  • Michelle expresses her desire to fight for the belt in the UFC Starweight division
  • Discusses prominent fighters like Jessica Andrade, Yawana, Tatiana Suarez, and Nina in the division
  • Shares frustration about rankings and emphasizes on wanting a shot at the championship belt
• 01:38:18

  Analyzing Strengths and Challenges in the Women's 115-pound Division

  • Reflects on the dangers and talent within the 115-pound women's division in UFC
  • Discussion around techniques and power of fighters like Andrade, Rose Namajunas, and Yawana
  • Emphasizes the excitement and mix of talents in the division
• 01:46:57

  Michelle Waterson's Approach to Fighting - Compared to Andraj and Yohana

  • Michelle is known for her willingness to take risks in fights
  • Contrasted with Yohana, who is stubborn and sticks to a specific game plan for wins
  • In a recent fight, taking risks did not pay off for Michelle
• 01:48:22

  Michelle Waterson's Motivation as Champion and Defending the Belt

  • Discussion on the motivation of becoming a champion and defending the title
  • Implementing visualizations of defending the belt with a sports psychologist
  • Emphasizing that staying a champion is harder than becoming one