JRE MMA Show #68 with Will Harris

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov Incident

  • Will Harris, the man behind Anatomy of the Fighter, captures footage of Conor McGregor throwing a dolly at a bus with Khabib Nurmagomedov on it.
  • Khabib Nurmagomedov acknowledges the value of the footage and suggests Will Harris should get paid for it.
  • The video footage becomes instrumental in promoting the fight between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
• 00:02:32

  Journey into MMA Filmmaking

  • Will Harris starts his filmmaking journey after a chance encounter with the Black Zillions gym in South Florida.
  • Initially focused on doing a documentary, Will Harris transitions into MMA filmmaking by creating high-quality videos.
  • Moving to Las Vegas during the Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather fight, Will Harris continues to evolve his filmmaking career.
• 00:09:55

  Professional Basketball Dreams and Injury: George St. Pierre's Surgery and Rehabilitation

  • Discussion about undergoing surgery in 2001 for a patella tendon graft like George St. Pierre.
  • Comparison between patella tendon surgery and cadaver surgery for knee rehabilitation.
  • Nostalgic reflection on basketball career post-surgery and the impact on passion for the sport.
• 00:13:10

  From Basketball to Malaysia: Quest for a Basketball Career with Troy Hudson and an Unexpected Journey to Kuala Lumpur

  • Shift in focus from basketball to online dating and chance encounter with a Canadian singer in Kuala Lumpur.
  • An adventurous tale of flying to Malaysia with minimal funds and encountering unexpected situations.
  • Anecdotes about cultural differences, a sex addict encounter, and being stranded in Kuala Lumpur.
• 00:19:46

  Stranded in Malaysia with Bobby: Kicking Doors Down for Timberlands

  • Kicked out of a house in Malaysia by someone named Bobby, leaving the person stranded.
  • Reacted by kicking the door down to retrieve belongings, specifically new Timberlands.
  • Ended up staying with Bobby for weeks, assisted by a mentor to get a ticket to Melbourne.
• 00:21:12

  Rescued by Deanna Kassar: From Australia to Las Vegas via Honolulu

  • Got stranded in Melbourne after being left by mentor due to personal issues.
  • A girl named Deanna Kassar bought a ticket from Melbourne to Honolulu to Las Vegas using her savings.
  • Preceding this, relied on strangers and angels for food, highlighting the struggles of homelessness.
• 00:28:48

  Starting with a Canon T2i: Early Days of Filmmaking

  • Bought first camera, a Canon T2i, using Pell Grant and tax returns
  • Learned filmmaking through shooting videos in garages and honing skills
  • Started by doing rap videos for free to learn and improve, eventually editing on Sony Vegas
• 00:30:47

  Dream Camera Saga: Hustle and Determination

  • Met a girl online from Denver promising a Canon 5D Mark II, which she didn't deliver
  • Got gifted a laptop instead, started editing with Sony Vegas
  • Transitioned to shooting music videos, eventually gaining popularity through high profile videos
• 00:38:04

  Life in Florida with Brother Tone, Filming Documentaries

  • Moved to Florida and lived with Tone, a Macedonian mercenary
  • Shot documentaries like Confessions of Skid Row and Confessions of Gay Pride
  • Struggled for financial stability but found comfort and momentum in 2014
• 00:40:08

  Passion for Documentaries and Filming Journey

  • Inspired by documentaries like Hoop Dreams and Pumping Iron
  • Obsessed with documentary filmmaking, not movies
  • Transitioned from weddings to pursue his passion for documentaries
• 00:46:53

  Family Struggles and Addiction Influence - Personal Story of Overcoming Challenges

  • Raised in a challenging environment with absent parents and addiction issues in family.
  • Struggle of not knowing or having a relationship with the father.
  • Finding solace and success through unexpected path of MMA and sharing personal realizations.
• 00:50:48

  Immersion in Dagestan and Understanding Cultural Differences

  • Experience sharing time in Dagestan, learning cultural norms and traditions.
  • Observing Ramadan and deepening understanding of local customs and values.
  • Respecting and acknowledging cultural practices, particularly women's roles and dress codes.
• 00:56:28

  Focus on Khabib's Unbeatable Spirit and Lifestyle in Dagestan

  • Discussion on Khabib's undefeatability and unique background.
  • Detailing the strict faith and values observed in Dagestan.
  • Observations on Khabib's mental strength and dedication.
• 00:59:07

  Personal Connection and Dedication to MMA Documentary Series

  • Creation of a series to showcase the lives of all MMA fighters, not just the top ones.
  • The passion behind telling fighter stories and the personal investment in their journey.
  • Challenges faced in funding the series and the determination to continue despite financial constraints.
• 01:06:24

  Conor vs. Khabib Fight Earnings

  • Conor made $4 million, while Khabib earned $2 million for their fight.
  • The fight also included pay-per-view points for both fighters.
  • The narrator talks about not receiving proper credit for his work on the video.
• 01:07:12

  Documentary Footage Value

  • The narrator initially had low expectations for the documentary project.
  • The footage captured includes unseen moments of Conor and other fighters.
  • Reflects on the journey from filming to capturing valuable moments in MMA history.
• 01:16:00

  Deciding Between San Diego, Denver, and Seattle for Settlement

  • Considering settling down in San Diego, Denver, or Seattle for a few years
  • Preferring San Diego or Denver due to the rainy season in Seattle
  • Discussing the relocation program to transfer within the same apartment complex to different cities
• 01:16:53

  Challenges and Insights on Downtown LA and Homelessness

  • Describing the chaotic situation in downtown LA with homeless people
  • Mentioning the practice of authorities flying and dropping off homeless people in different cities
  • Speculating on potential issues arising from decriminalization of mushrooms and future social changes in Denver
• 01:25:26

  Anatomy of a Fighter's Journey to 100,000 Subscribers

  • Started channel without much knowledge
  • Achieved goal of 100,000 subscribers with determination
  • Transitioned from weddings to full-time content creation
• 01:26:16

  Documentaries and the Real World Insights

  • Embracing real stories over Instagram's facade
  • Sharing the struggles and triumphs of individuals
  • Finding inspiration in the journey to success
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• 01:44:01

  Dr. Bohai Tower and the Crippling Incident

  • Dr. Bohai Tower allowed John to kick him, resulting in him buckling.
  • Discussed reaching a subscriber milestone on YouTube.
  • Conversations about anatomy, training, and injuries inflicted by kicks.
• 01:45:15

  Pedro Hizzo's Impact and Fighter Trust

  • Pedro Hizzo's powerful leg kicks caused severe injuries to fighters like Kevin Randerman and Randy Couture.
  • Shared appreciation for fighters who trust in the documentary process.
  • Discussing the importance of trust and respect in the MMA community.
• 01:52:47

  Playing Basketball in Dagestan with Khabib

  • Knee injury from playing basketball in Dagestan with Khabib
  • No rules basketball game, including tackling and dunking on each other
  • Khabib's aggressive playing style and wrestling during the game
• 01:53:36

  Unique Basketball Style and MMA Fighters

  • Unconventional basketball style with little bounce and unique movements
  • Transition to discussing MMA fighters playing basketball
  • Interesting interactions and humor between MMA fighters during basketball games
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• 02:11:04

  Emotional Impact of Having Children on Fighters like Uzman and Personal Life Decisions

  • Discussion on the impact of having children and the emotional connection it brings, as seen with Uzman and his daughter
  • Emotional moment when fighters like Uzman express gratitude towards their loved ones post-fight
  • Revealing the personal freedom and sense of responsibility from not having children, as shared by the speaker
• 02:12:44

  Fighters' Mental and Physical Toughness in the UFC

  • Details of fighters like Uzman and Sohoto fighting with injuries like a broken foot and ankle
  • Insight into Khabib's struggles with weight cuts and training discipline
  • Stories behind UFC fighters' dedication and mental toughness during challenges like Ramadan training
• 02:20:11

  Will Harris - The Anatomy of a Fighter

  • Will Harris is the filmmaker behind 'Anatomy of a Fighter' video series
  • Highlights the freedom and creativity enabled by the internet for independent creators
  • Discusses the challenges and sacrifices required to pursue a passion project in film
• 02:21:24

  Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko - The Battle of Champions

  • Focuses on the rise and dominance of Amanda Nunes in the UFC
  • Mentions the desire for Cyborg to rematch Nunes and potential scenarios
  • Touches on the power and impact of Amanda Nunes as a fighter in the women's combat sport
• 02:29:33

  Fight Analysis: Perry and Felder, Till and Masvidal

  • Perry possibly moving up to 170 but unlikely to face Felder due to weight difference
  • Discussion on Masvidal's impressive win against Till after two consecutive losses
  • Considerations on fighters' weight classes and potential match-ups
• 02:30:06

  MMA Evolution and Future Prospects

  • Evaluation of fighters' progress and challenges over time
  • Consideration of future of MMA with emerging talents
  • Reflection on sport's evolution and potential for cross-promotion fights
• 02:38:46

  Discussion with Dana White on Weight Classes and Rules

  • Expresses disagreement with Dana White on weight classes and certain rules in MMA
  • Acknowledges Dana White's role in his commentary career
  • Highlights differences in opinions towards various aspects of MMA
• 02:40:12

  Blood and Injuries in Bare Knuckle Fights

  • Comparing the impact of bare knuckles and elbows in cutting fighters' faces
  • Discussion on bare-knuckle fighters sustaining frequent hand injuries
  • Acknowledgment of Artem as an enthusiastic bare-knuckle fighter
• 02:48:20

  Deontay's Superpower Hits and Clock Controversy

  • Deontay's incredible punching power compared to Mortal Kombat superpower
  • Discussion on Tyson Fury knockout controversy and referee's count
  • Debate on using a clock for official count in boxing
• 02:49:40

  Boxing Judging Incompetence and Corruption

  • Discussion on incompetency and corruption in boxing judging
  • Suggestion of utilizing more judges for fair decisions
  • Examples of questionable decisions in boxing matches
• 02:56:56

  Discussing Double Champions in MMA

  • Mention of various double champions like Bader, Pitbull, and Sahudo
  • Discussion on the weight cuts in MMA
  • Speculation about an interim match in Benhamweight
• 02:57:39

  Insights on Weight Cutting and Unique Fighters

  • Concerns about extreme weight cutting in fighting
  • Anecdotes about Tony Ferguson and his unique qualities
  • Discussion on filming fighters during the weight cut process