JRE MMA Show #63 with Jorge Masvidal

Episode Summary

Main Topics Discussed

• Jorge Masvidal's Career Resurgence: Discussion surrounding his decisive victory over Darren Till and its impact on his career trajectory.
• MMA Judging & Scoring System Flaws: Critical analysis of the 10-9 boxing-based scoring system, perceived biases in judging (especially overseas), and calls for reform like hydration tests and more weight classes.
• History and Evolution of MMA Promotions: Recounting experiences with defunct organizations like Bodog and Affliction, their financial models, and lavish perks for fighters.
• Training and Longevity in MMA: Masvidal's approach to maintaining a long career, emphasizing natural training (no steroids), strong defense, and dedicated coaching.
• Weight Cutting: The severe impact of drastic weight cuts on fighter performance and health, advocating for changes to eliminate the practice.
• American Top Team (ATT): Praise for the premier gym, its coach Dan Lambert, and its dominance in producing world champions.
• Personal Philosophy: Masvidal's "Resurrection" mindset, involving cutting out distractions and focusing 100% on fighting.
• Lighthearted Anecdotes: Ranging from presidential secrets (aliens, Tupac) to Florida's unique culture and weather, and Donald Trump's past in MMA.

Key Insights & Memorable Moments

• Masvidal deliberately sought a definitive knockout against Darren Till due to his distrust of local judging, proving the "holy shit" moment he envisioned.
• Rogan reminisces about first encountering Masvidal in bare-knuckle backyard fights during the Kimbo Slice era, highlighting Masvidal's long and gritty career path.
• Bodog Fights was an early MMA promotion known for extravagant spending, rumored to have blown $100 million in 2-3 years on fighter perks and exotic event locations (e.g., beach fights).
• Donald Trump was an early, well-liked figure in MMA promotions like Affliction, a stark contrast to his later, more divisive public persona as president.
• A humorous hypothetical where President Masvidal's first order of business would be to inquire about aliens, Elvis, and Tupac.
• Masvidal's coach, Paulino Hernandez, developed the specific technique (switching stance to blitz left hand) that led to the Till knockout, refining it over time.
• Dan Lambert, head of American Top Team, is celebrated for his unparalleled dedication to the gym, evidenced by massive fighter knockout photos adorning his home instead of family pictures.
• Masvidal attributes his longevity and power increase at welterweight to healthier weight management and avoiding severe water cuts.
• Masvidal's "Resurrection" signifies a profound personal change, consciously eliminating past "stupid shit" like excessive partying to achieve peak focus and performance.

Notable Quotes or Revelations

• Masvidal on the Till KO: "I was going for that moment... I knew a decision wasn't gonna come my way... I don't like the judging over there."
• Joe Rogan on MMA scoring: "MMA is so much different than boxing and to adopt this scoring system just because it already existed for boxing... that's like adopting the rules of tennis for ping pong."
• Masvidal on Bodog's lavishness: "They used to pay me really good and give us super perks... take us to exotic locations to fight... I heard that they blew out 100 million in three years."
• Masvidal's hypothetical presidential priority: "Number one number one number one I wanna know about aliens... what do you got see what's going on here with these green fellas."
• Masvidal describing Florida: "It's almost like going to another country... you go to the gas station trying to put gas what language are you speaking nobody speaks English there."
• Masvidal on Dan Lambert's dedication: "He's got a really nice house... you don't see any pictures of his kids... but you do see pictures massive pictures... of his fighters knocking people out."
• Masvidal on his longevity: "One thing I definitely attribute to is uh not taking steroids man."
• Masvidal on his "Resurrection" and past behavior: "I've done a lot of stupid [ __ ] in my career... I could party all night long and park the car at the gym at six a.m... and then kick everybody's ass."
• Masvidal on his natural talent: "my most gifted ability that god said here is boxing since the first day I walked into the boxing ring."

Overall Themes

• Authenticity and Resilience: Masvidal's journey from backyard brawler to UFC star exemplifies raw passion for fighting, enduring career highs and lows, and a commitment to self-improvement.
• Critique of MMA Infrastructure: A recurring theme is the need for fundamental changes in judging, scoring, and weight class structures to ensure fairness and fighter well-being.
• The Human Element of Combat: The discussion highlights the blend of innate talent, dedicated coaching, strategic game-planning, and profound personal sacrifice required to succeed at the highest levels of MMA.
• The Price of Success and Fame: Insights into the pressures of professional sports, the allure of past lavish promotions, and the necessity of discipline to maintain a long and successful career.
• MMA as a Unique Sport: Emphasizing that MMA requires its own distinct rules and systems, rather than simply adapting from boxing, to truly capture its unique challenges and demands.