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A guest recounts an extreme experience where they were hospitalized just three days before a fight because they couldn't eat or drink for two weeks due to nausea. Despite needing an IV, they still flew out to compete, showcasing an incredible level of dedication and resilience.
The hosts discuss the possibility of Francis Ngannou returning to the UFC, with Joe Rogan recalling Dana White's strong statement that the chance of Ngannou's return is "one in a billion." This highlights the ongoing tension and business dynamics between the former champion and the promotion.
The hosts debate the upcoming Canelo vs. Crawford fight, with predictions leaning towards Canelo by decision due to the weight jump. They also discuss Crawford's impressive physique and the potential impact of Errol Spence's severe car accident on his performance against Crawford, highlighting the physical toll on fighters.
The discussion delves into the demographics of French MMA fighters, noting that many are immigrants, and then shifts to the incredible and controversial fact that a fighter like Shavkat Rakhmonov (referred to as "Sher Bullet") is competing at a high level with only one eye, raising questions about commission oversight.
Brian Callen shares a personal, darkly humorous anecdote about forgetting his father had passed away when he wanted to share a car video with him. The conversation touches on the unreality of death and the strange ways people cope with grief.
The hosts marvel at Alex Pereira's ability to make 185 lbs despite his natural size, and recall Anthony "Rumble" Johnson's incredible feat of cutting from 235 lbs down to 170 lbs, calling it "the craziest [__] ever" and highlighting the extreme physical demands on fighters.
Joe Rogan and his guests discuss their skepticism about the current vaccine schedule, linking it to the pharmaceutical industry's immunity from lawsuits since the 1980s. They argue that profit motives, rather than public health, drive vaccine policies and schedules, contributing to a rise in autoimmune issues and autism.
Gordon Ryan controversially states that jiu-jitsu belts are irrelevant, emphasizing that true skill and understanding of the art matter more than rank. He illustrates this with an anecdote about an elite Division 1 wrestler who, despite being a blue belt, could dominate black belts due to his innate ability to control and move his body.
Joe Rogan and his guests emphasize that wrestling and grappling are the most crucial bases in MMA because they allow a fighter to dictate where the fight takes place. They use the example of Chaos Williams, a terrifying striker, being completely dominated and ragdolled by a grappler, highlighting the supreme importance of control over striking power.
Joe Rogan expresses his deep admiration for the ZR1 Corvette, detailing its incredible 1100 horsepower, handling, and mid-engine design. He shares his experience driving it and his desire to own one, highlighting the car's exceptional performance.
Joe Rogan and guests discuss the extreme weight cuts in MMA, using examples like Michael Chiesa who walked around at 200 lbs to make 155 lbs. They also delve into the controversial Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Gleison Tibau fight, suggesting Tibau was significantly larger and could have won, highlighting the physiological toll on fighters.
Joe Rogan and Gordon Ryan express their regret that fans never got to witness a prime Cain Velasquez face off against a prime Fedor Emelianenko. They deem this hypothetical matchup the 'real travesty' and the greatest missed fight in heavyweight MMA history.
The discussion critiques the current state of boxing, highlighting the prevalence of exhibition fights involving legends like Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather, and social media stars like Jake Paul. The hosts express skepticism about the "realness" of these bouts, viewing them primarily as money grabs rather than true competitive fights, though admitting they will still tune in.
The discussion highlights a concerning trend in youth sports: as kids specialize earlier and push themselves harder, there's been an alarming 80% increase in severe injuries like Tommy John surgery among children under 13 years old, raising questions about the long-term health implications.
Gordon Ryan, a grappling expert, outlines a rigorous training regimen for Dricus Du Plessis to become competitive against grapplers like Hamzat. He emphasizes the need for DDP to prioritize grappling seven days a week, acknowledging the current "discrepancy" in his skills, and suggests how this intense focus could dramatically improve his ability to defend takedowns and maintain position.
Brian Callen shares his personal experience treating a staff infection without oral antibiotics. He explains how he used topical clintomycin pads combined with a heating pad, as staff bacteria struggle to replicate above body temperature, successfully clearing the infection in two weeks.
The hosts discuss iconic, brutally violent MMA fights (Ferguson-Gaethje, Lawler-MacDonald, Ortega-Volkanovski, Edgar-Maynard) that should have been stopped earlier, highlighting the incredible toughness of fighters, the role of corners in protecting them, and the long-term health consequences.
The hosts propose a clear solution to persistent eye pokes and other fouls in MMA: an automatic point deduction for any eye touch, nut shot, or fence grab. They argue that this strict, black-and-white rule would immediately deter fighters from these illegal actions, which currently go unpunished too often.
Joe Rogan analyzes what makes Alex Pereira's striking uniquely devastating, highlighting his 'crazy power' and the 'finality' of his knockouts that set him apart from other elite fighters.
The hosts discuss the evolving physical limits of MMA fighters, questioning if we've reached the peak of human performance or if new training methods (like those seen in Morab) will continue to push boundaries. Gordon Ryan then presents a vision for the "finality of MMA," where a generalist fighter could compete at a high level against specialists in every martial art, a concept met with some skepticism but passionately defended.
The hosts describe the intense and cutthroat world of European professional soccer, where kids as young as six attend special schools solely dedicated to the sport. They share a personal anecdote about a seven-year-old picked up by Manchester United's feeder program, highlighting that despite early talent and dedication, most don't make it to the Premier League, illustrating the harsh realities of pro sports.
The hosts introduce "Moses" (Jared Anderson, based on context), a 20-year-old heavyweight boxing sensation, praising his incredible speed and skill that allows him to move like a middleweight. They highlight his dominant performance against Dillian Whyte, marking him as a significant problem for the division.
The hosts analyze Michael 'Venom' Page's unique fighting style, noting his difficulty to take down due to his "down block hands" and his incredible speed and accuracy. They also recall a funny moment where MVP told his opponent to "chill" after punching him, showcasing his entertaining persona.
A guest shares a cautionary tale about driving his distinctive orange Ford Lightning to Mexico to pick up car parts. He was warned by a local shop owner that his social media posts and unique car made him a target, advising him "Don't come back here, man," highlighting the dangers of travel in cartel-influenced areas.
Joe Rogan and guests discuss Carlos Prates, a fighter known for his "degenerate" persona of smoking cigarettes and drinking, yet impressively boasts over 100 fights in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA, all while being under 30, highlighting his unique path and incredible experience.
The discussion highlights a concerning trend in England where people are being arrested for social media posts, particularly regarding immigration. Joe Rogan mentions Elon Musk's comments and the case of Tommy Robinson, who was arrested for a documentary about mosques and grooming gangs, raising alarms about censorship.
Joe Rogan and guests discuss Austin's homeless problem, particularly the ironic and problematic placement of a homeless shelter "a block away from the biggest party [__] street in all of Texas." They highlight the poor city planning that centralizes homelessness near a vibrant nightlife, creating a "mess."
The hosts react with skepticism and dark humor to the news of a $65 million transgender homeless shelter opening in New York, questioning the allocation of such a large sum and wondering how many transgender homeless individuals would actually utilize such a specific, expensive facility.
The hosts mock Los Angeles's approach to mountain lion management, where they collar and release large predators instead of removing them, even as these animals kill pets. They highlight a famous photo of a collared mountain lion with the Hollywood sign, calling it "how goofy that town is" for prioritizing conservation over public safety.
Joe Rogan and guests discuss Michael Bisping's incredible career, highlighting his severe injuries, including a fused neck and one functional eye, yet his unwavering determination to fight and win a world title. This moment showcases extreme dedication and mental toughness in the face of adversity.
Bryan Callen comically recounts a moment with Joe Rogan where he completely misunderstands car terminology, specifically "dual aspiration," leading to a humorous interpretation of a car having "two lungs instead of one."
The hosts discuss a hypothetical (or reported) scenario where Trump's administration considers taking away gun rights from transgender people, creating an "ultimate trap" where liberals would be forced to defend gun rights. This highlights a perceived irony and strategic political move.
The hosts react to the surprising news that Conor McGregor is reportedly polling at 60% for the presidency of Ireland, drawing comparisons to Arnold Schwarzenegger's political career and highlighting the significant public support for the UFC star.
The hosts discuss an absurd climate change policy in Canada that led to a hiking ban and exorbitant fines. A veteran recounts being threatened with a $28,000 fine for merely stepping a few feet into the woods, illustrating what they see as government overreach and a "mess" in Canada.
The discussion covers how illegal immigration impacts US congressional seats by inflating census numbers, potentially rigging swing states. It then shifts to the UK, where a significant percentage of immigrants are on welfare and a perceived lack of assimilation, with concerns raised about the goal of creating a caliphate and even a UK official advocating for Sharia law.
The hosts critique a common tactic in political discourse where, instead of debating legitimate issues, opponents are "diagnosed" with labels like "Islamophobic," "xenophobic," or "racist." This strategy, they argue, prevents genuine conversation and creates an environment where common ground cannot be found, ultimately leading to societal division.
The hosts discuss the alarming prevalence of social media bots, citing an FBI analyst who claimed as many as 80% of Twitter posts are bots used to spread political, climate, race, and gender disinformation to divide the populace. They also mention how companies can be paid to launch targeted attacks, highlighting the pervasive nature of digital warfare.
The discussion raises concerns about China's advancements in AI, alleging they steal data from US companies like Open AI and infiltrate labs with Chinese nationals. They describe it as an "AI race" and an "arms race," emphasizing that China's government and corporations are in lockstep, posing a significant national security threat to America.
The hosts argue that government actions are primarily driven by self-interest – getting elected, raising money, and gaining control – rather than improving citizens' lives. They cite instances like the FBI influencing social media to suppress the Hunter Biden laptop story and COVID-19 information, and creating issues like mass immigration to then offer solutions that increase their control, such as digital IDs.
Drawing from a podcast with Ed Calderon, the hosts paint a grim picture of Mexico, revealing 37 assassinations in recent elections and the deep infiltration of cartels into politics and police. They conclude that Mexico is "fucked," with cartels so ingrained that a civil war-like approach would be needed to combat them.
The hosts discuss the shocking statistic that one in 20 deaths in Canada is now due to assisted suicide, a policy legalized in 2016. They express concern over the high number (15,300 last year) and the broad criteria, which includes long and complicated illnesses significantly impacting quality of life, raising ethical questions.
Gordon Ryan, an elite grappler, explains why jiu-jitsu with no wrestling or striking is the 'worst background' for MMA. He details how the jiu-jitsu point system, which rewards minimal work and stalling, actively discourages fighters from developing the crucial skills of holding opponents down and finishing, effectively 'ruining' its effectiveness for MMA.
Bryan Callen shares a powerful analogy from a friend who contemplated suicide: "Think of being in a sauna and you can't stand another second... Think of being that with no doors all the time for your whole life." This vivid description provides profound insight into the constant, inescapable suffering some people experience.
The hosts share Tim Dillon's famously cynical and hilarious take on Austin, Texas, where he sarcastically claims there are only "two good restaurants" and the live music scene consists of "six buskers on heroin." This clip captures Dillon's unique comedic style and his critical, yet funny, observations about the city.
Joe Rogan discusses his perspective on the link between mental illness and gender dysphoria, critiquing legislation that prevents therapists from questioning gender confusion. He also humorously proposes a 'transgender gun club' to challenge political narratives.
Joe Rogan and his guests express awe at the unique, 'one in a million' power of Alex Pereira, describing him as 'built like an alien' and a 'legitimate Amazon warrior.' They highlight his incredible striking ability, stemming from his family's Amazonian tribe roots, and recount his devastating power, even with his non-dominant hand.
The hosts discuss the incredible work ethic of fighters like Morab, who was running the day after winning a title. Daniel Cormier's explanation for the dominance of Dagestani fighters is highlighted: it's not superior athleticism, but a lack of other options in their home countries that fuels an unmatched hunger and drive to succeed, training their 'ass off because they have to.'
Gordon Ryan reveals the core of his grappling philosophy that sets him apart from traditional jiu-jitsu practitioners: the ability to hold opponents down and finish them. He emphasizes that classical jiu-jitsu often neglects this crucial skill, making it ineffective in MMA where fighters can easily stand up.
Joe Rogan and Jamie delve into the incredible background of UFC fighter Ben St. Denis, revealing his past as a French Special Air Service Operator who fought terrorist groups in West Africa. This elite military experience sheds light on his unique intensity and composure in the cage, explaining his rapid rise in combat sports despite starting MMA late.
Gordon Ryan outlines a key distinction in MMA careers: while grapplers generally achieve higher success and winning percentages, strikers consistently become bigger stars due to their highlight-reel knockouts, appealing more to casual fans.
The hosts debate the common argument for 50/50 fighter pay in the UFC, comparing it to other sports leagues and explaining why the UFC's unique profit model and the trade-off between higher pay in other promotions (like PFL) versus UFC stardom and sponsorship opportunities make it a complex issue.
The hosts discuss the immense physical toll of an MMA career, comparing fights to car accidents and detailing how training camps ("the camp [ __ ] you up") can be as damaging as fights. Brendan Schaub shares personal stories of being knocked out days before major fights, highlighting the extreme risks and lack of knowledge about brain health in earlier eras of the sport.
The hosts laud Robbie Lawler as one of the toughest human beings in MMA history, citing his legendary game and prime performances. A memorable anecdote is shared about Lawler's calm and intimidating presence during a protest where a bus full of UFC fighters was surrounded, showcasing his unique character.
The hosts explain that Dagestan's dominance in fighting stems from its unique cultural environment where young men are not drawn to mainstream American sports like football or baseball. Instead, wrestling is deeply embraced as a national sport, leading to a concentrated talent pool solely focused on combat sports from a young age.
The hosts share incredible anecdotes about strongman Brian Shaw's immense strength, including him effortlessly lifting and slamming a 330lb man (Big Dan) and a 285lb Derek Wolf during grappling drills. They then reveal that Shaw's bone density is so unique it's "one in 500 million people," making him a true biological anomaly.
The hosts delve into groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology, discussing a new peptide that builds muscle without endocrine changes by blocking myostatin, Crispr-Cas9's potential to eliminate high cholesterol through gene editing, and Stanford research on a cream that could make skin immune to sun radiation. These discussions highlight a future where human biology is significantly modified.
The hosts discuss the incredibly wealthy Steiner family, who own the largest cattle ranches and are all "beautiful people" and "cowboys." They detail the family's unique lifestyle, including a nephew who is a world champion bucking bronco rider and the son, Shane, who exclusively travels by helicopter, even landing it in a detention pond for daily workouts.
The hosts discuss the alarming size of mountain lions in states like Idaho and Colorado, and the disturbing fact that in California, up to 50% of a problem mountain lion's diet in urban areas consists of pets. They recount historical stories of missing children in the Hollywood Hills likely attributed to these predators and a terrifying account of a six-year-old being snatched by a mountain lion while hiking.
The hosts share a story about boxing legend Wayne McCullough teaching a disrespectful, much larger fighter a brutal lesson in gym etiquette. After the fighter repeatedly knocked out his sparring partner with excessive force, McCullough stepped into the ring without headgear and delivered a debilitating liver shot, emphasizing the consequences of violating unspoken rules in a combat gym.
Gordon Ryan recounts his experience grappling with Hafþór Björnsson ("Thor" from Game of Thrones), describing the immense and suffocating pressure from the 400lb strongman. He humorously details how he had to quickly sweep and mount Thor within 30 seconds to avoid being "fixiated," highlighting the unique challenges of rolling with such a massive opponent.
Joe Rogan hilariously recounts an intense mushroom trip where he took a "god dose," describing visions of being in "mother earth's vagina" and then in "hell," where he spent four hours asking to speak to a manager. Bryan Callen adds to the humor by describing Joe in a fetal position, farting and screaming.
The hosts recount a hilarious and cautionary tale of a socially awkward, overly aggressive new guy with "double knee braces" joining a sparring session with Tim Kennedy and other black belts. After the new guy started going too hard, Tim Kennedy stepped in to "annihilate him" in a controlled manner, teaching him a lesson about gym etiquette and the dangers of underestimating experienced martial artists.