Joe Rogan Experience #871 - Brendan Schaub

Episode Summary

Main Topics

This episode extensively covers the immediate aftermath and societal reactions to Donald Trump's presidential election, including widespread celebrity outrage and "virtue signaling." A significant portion is dedicated to a detailed breakdown of UFC 205, particularly Conor McGregor's historic performance, his future demands, and the controversial Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson draw. The hosts also delve into the evolving landscape of the podcasting industry, discussing Brendan Schaub's experience with Fox Sports and the movement towards independent, creator-driven networks, alongside the dangers of extreme weight cutting in MMA.

Key Discussion Points

• Post-Election Political Climate: Joe Rogan and Brendan Schaub discuss the intense public and celebrity reactions to Donald Trump's election. They criticize "virtue signaling" on social media and recount a specific protest experience in New York where Rogan witnessed a wealthy liberal screaming anti-Trump slogans. Amy Schumer is mentioned for having audiences walk out of her shows due to her political rants, and the hosts bring up the controversial "Rape Melania" signs and the ironic strictness of Canadian immigration policies for those threatening to move.
• Eddie Bravo's Conspiracy Theories: The conversation frequently circles back to Eddie Bravo's increasingly outlandish conspiracy theories. Specific examples include Flat Earth (with the "Flat Earth denial money" joke), the Moon landing being faked, dinosaurs not being real, and the Beatles being a CIA creation. Rogan and Schaub highlight Bravo's passion and the difficulty of engaging with his deep-seated beliefs, even mentioning how his past legal gun possession record makes travel to Canada difficult due to "conspiracy" flags.
• UFC 205 & Conor McGregor's Dominance: The hosts provide a comprehensive breakdown of UFC 205, hailing it as the best UFC event ever. Conor McGregor's "magical" and "bizarre" performance against Eddie Alvarez is analyzed in depth, emphasizing his precision, power, and calm demeanor. They discuss his unprecedented career trajectory, his ambition for multiple belts (including potential fights with Nate Diaz again or even Tyron Woodley), and his groundbreaking demand for a share of UFC ownership, fueled by his girlfriend's pregnancy announcement.
• Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson: The welterweight title fight, which ended in a majority draw, is thoroughly dissected. Rogan and Schaub praise Woodley's incredible power, particularly his straight right hand, and Wonderboy's surprising toughness in absorbing severe damage and a deep guillotine choke. They discuss the strategic elements, Woodley's choice to fight against the cage as a counter-striker, Bruce Buffer's "Steve Harvey moment" in announcing the decision, and the implications for a rematch.
• Miesha Tate's Retirement & Analyst Career: Miesha Tate's sudden retirement after her loss to Raquel Pennington at UFC 205 is discussed. Both hosts express respect for her decision, attributing it to her performance on the night and cumulative punishment. They agree that Tate is an exceptionally articulate and intelligent individual with a bright future as a female MMA analyst, especially given the upcoming changes in the UFC's broadcast deals, and advise her to leverage her unique position.
• The Evolving Podcasting Industry: Brendan Schaub shares insights into his podcast, "The Fighter and The Kid," and its challenging relationship with Fox Sports. He recounts instances of network interference, such as censoring language and controlling social media accounts, leading to a decision to pursue greater independence. Joe Rogan echoes these sentiments, advocating for an "organic network" of comedian friends and criticizing traditional media for capitalizing on creative work without providing commensurate value.

Notable Moments

• Joe Rogan's New York Protest Experience: Rogan vividly describes being trapped in a dense crowd during a New York protest. He recounts an encounter with a "wealthy liberal character" screaming anti-Trump epithets, who then overtly shouted "Black Lives Matter" upon spotting a black man, which Rogan considered a clear act of "virtue signaling."
• Conor McGregor's Demands for UFC Ownership: Following his historic UFC 205 victory and the announcement of his girlfriend's pregnancy, Conor McGregor made headlines by demanding a significant ownership stake in the UFC. He declared he wouldn't fight again unless he was financially set for life and received a "piece of the pie," making his next "fight" with WME, the UFC's new owners.
• Bruce Buffer's Scorecard Mishap: During the announcement of the Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson fight at UFC 205, Bruce Buffer incorrectly declared it a "majority decision" for Woodley instead of a "majority draw," prompting widespread confusion and boos from the audience, which Joe Rogan likened to a "Steve Harvey moment."

Key Takeaways

The episode highlights the unprecedented cultural and political divisiveness following the 2016 US election, particularly how it permeated entertainment and social media. It underscores Conor McGregor's unique and transcendent superstar status in MMA, demonstrating his unparalleled drawing power and his bold demands for equity in the sport. Furthermore, the discussion reveals a significant shift in media, where independent creators in podcasting are challenging traditional network structures for greater autonomy and fair compensation. Finally, the dangers of extreme weight cutting in combat sports are brought to the forefront, prompting a call for fundamental changes to improve fighter safety and performance.