Joe Talks About TJ Dillashaw's Comeback Fight with Chad Mendes

Episode Summary

Main Topics Discussed

• The significant impact of coach Duane "Bang" Ludwig on fighters, particularly TJ Dillashaw, and the drama surrounding his departure from Team Alpha Male.
• A detailed breakdown and analysis of the TJ Dillashaw vs. Cory Sandhagen comeback fight, including its controversial nature and close decision.
• TJ Dillashaw's severe knee injury sustained during the Sandhagen fight, how it occurred (a heel hook), and its potential long-term implications for his career.

Key Insights & Memorable Moments

• Joe Rogan and Chad Mendes both expressed regret over the split between Duane Ludwig and Urijah Faber, acknowledging the tangible and noticeable improvements Ludwig brought to fighters' striking and footwork.
• TJ Dillashaw was highlighted as the fighter who benefited most from Ludwig's coaching, excelling due to his obsessive personality, meticulous note-taking, and exceptional ability to remember and execute complex combinations.
• During the Sandhagen fight, Joe vividly recalled Sandhagen having TJ in a fully locked-up triangle choke early on, making him believe TJ would tap.
• The Dillashaw vs. Sandhagen fight was described as an "incredibly close-ass fight," with valid arguments for either fighter winning based on whether one prioritized damage inflicted (Sandhagen) or control (Dillashaw). Joe admitted he typically leans towards damage.
• A major revelation was TJ Dillashaw sustaining "several major tears" in his knee from an "inside heel hook" applied by Sandhagen. Despite the severity, TJ "didn't tap" and remarkably "played it off well," continuing to fight and secure the win.
• It was noted that the knee injury likely impacted TJ's balance, contributing to him being dropped in the second round.

Notable Quotes or Revelations

• "I feel like the improvement that everybody was making under Duane was tangible, it was noticeable."
• "TJ for sure was the most he benefited the most... like a duck to water."
• "I was worried for TJ going into that fight... the only guy who's ever really destroyed [Sandhagen] was Aldo."
• "It's close to the decision as you're ever gonna see... you can make an argument that that Sandhagen did more damage and you can make an argument that Dillashaw controlled them more."
• "I'm a damaged guy, I lean towards damage always."
• On TJ's injury: "He has like several major tears in that knee... that is the worst kind of heel hook, the inside heel hook... TJ just didn't tap and he just tore his [expletive] apart."
• Prediction: "I guarantee they're going to run it back."

Overall Themes

• The Unsung Hero of Coaching: The discussion highlights the profound, sometimes understated, impact a dedicated and skilled coach like Duane Ludwig can have on fighter development and performance.
• Unwavering Fighter Resilience: TJ Dillashaw's ability to absorb complex training and, more strikingly, to continue fighting and win despite a severe, in-fight knee injury, underscores the incredible toughness required in MMA.
• The Nuances of Fight Judging: The close Dillashaw vs. Sandhagen decision emphasizes the subjective nature of judging, particularly when weighing factors like damage versus control, and the desire for clear outcomes.
• The Brutality of Combat Sports: The detailed account of TJ's knee injury serves as a stark reminder of the extreme physical toll and long-term consequences fighters endure in the pursuit of victory.