Schaub on Bryan Callen Trying to Get Him to Fight Derrick Lewis in Bareknuckle MMA

Episode Summary

Main Topics

This episode centers on Bryan Callen's persistent and seemingly serious attempts to convince Brendan Schaub to participate in a bare-knuckle MMA fight against the formidable UFC heavyweight Derrick Lewis for a "multiple seven figures" payout. This extraordinary proposition naturally leads to a deep dive into the extreme and brutal rulesets of bare-knuckle fighting, particularly mentioning head stomps and soccer kicks, contrasted with modern UFC. A significant portion of the conversation also explores the historical evolution of MMA rules, detailing how the outlawing of headbutts and elbows to the back of the head fundamentally reshaped fighting techniques and strategies in the sport.

Key Discussion Points

• Bryan Callen's Bare-Knuckle Fight Proposition: Brendan Schaub details how Bryan Callen has been relentlessly trying to get him to accept a bare-knuckle MMA fight against Derrick Lewis, even contacting Schaub's manager. What started as a joke, with Schaub suggesting he'd fight other comedians like Louis C.K. or Tim Dillon, escalated into Callen seriously pushing for Lewis, a "free agent." Schaub reveals the proposed payout is "multiple seven figures," a sum he acknowledges as a compliment to his ego, yet dismisses the idea as "out of his mind" given the required four-month training camp and the immense danger.
• Extreme Bare-Knuckle Rules: The discussion highlights the extreme rules of the potential bare-knuckle fight, specifically mentioning it would take place in Denver where head stomps are permitted. The hosts ponder if soccer kicks and knees to the head on the ground would also be allowed, referring to these as a "good trifecta" for brutal combat. Schaub emphasizes the stark contrast and increased peril compared to the regulated UFC fights he participated in a decade prior, stressing the severity of such a "bare knuckle MMA" environment.
• Impact of Outlawing Headbutts in MMA: The conversation delves into historical MMA rule changes, particularly the outlawing of headbutts. Schaub explains that when headbutts were legal, fighters like Igor Vovchanchyn adopted a unique "guard" with hands low to protect against them, effectively changing their stance. The prohibition of headbutts fundamentally altered defensive strategies, allowing fighters to "open up a little bit" and move away from the constant head protection.
• Evolution After Outlawing Elbows to the Back of the Head: Another pivotal rule change discussed is the outlawing of elbows to the back of the head. Schaub recalls a period where fighters, once they secured an opponent's back, could land "three elbows" to the back of the head, often leading to an immediate tap, citing examples like Renzo Gracie and John Lewis. This rule change was deemed a significant turning point, forcing fighters to develop sophisticated choke holds and submission techniques rather than relying on quick, brutal elbows.
• Renzo Gracie's Controversial Fight: A specific anecdote is shared about Renzo Gracie's fight (likely against Maurice Smith or an early Vale Tudo opponent) where he utilized elbows to the back of the head. The story provides context, revealing the opponent had been "talking a lot of shit" and calling Renzo's hotel room "all throughout all hours of the night," preventing sleep. Additionally, fans allegedly pulled the fire alarm, impacting both fighters, showcasing the chaotic and often unsportsmanlike environments of early MMA.

Notable Moments

• Interesting Story/Anecdote: The specific tale of Renzo Gracie's fight, where his opponent's constant harassment via late-night phone calls and fans pulling fire alarms added a dramatic, personal element to Renzo's eventual use of controversial elbows to the back of the head during the fight.
• Surprising Fact/Revelation: The revelation that early MMA fighters, when headbutts were legal, universally adopted a distinct "guard" focused on protecting their heads with low hands, a technique that became obsolete once headbutts were outlawed, fundamentally changing fight stances.
• Memorable Exchange: The incredulous exchange detailing Bryan Callen's persistent and seemingly serious efforts to broker a bare-knuckle MMA fight between Schaub and Derrick Lewis for a "multiple seven figures" deal, despite Schaub's strong and repeated rejections of the dangerous proposition.

Key Takeaways

This episode offers a unique glimpse into the lucrative yet perilous world of bare-knuckle fighting, highlighting the extraordinary sums involved and the extreme dangers compared to regulated combat sports. Listeners will gain insight into how subtle rule adjustments, like those concerning headbutts and elbows to the back of the head, have profoundly impacted the evolution of MMA techniques and fighter strategy. It also provides an entertaining and somewhat absurd look at the dynamic between Callen and Schaub, with Callen's persistence despite the obvious risks, and a valuable historical perspective on the brutal early days of mixed martial arts.