🎯 All Moments (38)
Click any moment to jump to that point in the video
Endurance Cycling: The Secret to Sam Calvita's Elite Conditioning for MMA
Joe Rogan explains that elite strength and conditioning coach Sam Calvita's deep knowledge comes from his background in endurance cycling, particularly Tour de France style events. This experience, focused on peaking for long, demanding sports, provides a unique and effective approach to building incredible 'gas tanks' for MMA fighters.
The Evolution of Outdoor Fights: From Caesar's Palace to Abu Dhabi
Joe Rogan and Brendan Allen discuss the history of outdoor fights, from classic boxing matches at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas to modern MMA events in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the unique challenges posed by weather, bugs, and logistics.
Trump's White House UFC: 9 Title Fights & Security Concerns
Joe Rogan and Brendan Allen discuss Donald Trump's ambitious claim of hosting 8-9 title fights at a White House UFC event, questioning the logistics, security, and the fighter's perspective on the immense pressure and unprecedented protocols for such an event.
King of the Cage: Wet and Wild - Fighting in the Rain
Joe Rogan recounts the legendary and absurd 'King of the Cage: Wet and Wild' event where fighters had to compete in pouring rain due to financial obligations, highlighting the extreme conditions and challenges of outdoor fights.
The Deceptive 'Finesse' of Hydration Testing in MMA
Brendan Allen reveals the loophole fighters exploit in hydration testing, where they drink large amounts of water and hold it to pass tests while still being dehydrated, a practice he describes as more unhealthy than traditional weight cutting and a major factor in fighter health issues like kidney problems.
Brendan Allen's Miraculous ACL Healing and Fighting Injured
Brendan Allen recounts tearing his ACL in half during a fight with Paul Craig, only for it to miraculously reattach and heal to the bone without surgery, showcasing his incredible resilience and the extreme conditions fighters endure.
Fighting with a Thyroid Problem: Brendan Allen's Toughest Camp
Brendan Allen shares the challenging experience of fighting with an undiagnosed thyroid problem, leading to extreme fatigue, weight gain, and a compromised training camp, highlighting the hidden struggles fighters face outside the octagon.
French Commission's Dirty Drug Testing Tactics Before UFC Fight
Brendan Allen recounts a frustrating and suspicious experience with the French athletic commission, where he was subjected to immediate, prolonged drug and blood testing right after cutting weight, suggesting it was a deliberate tactic to compromise him before fighting a French opponent.
MMA Fighter Exposes Ineffective 'Unorthodox' Coaching and Gym Parasites
Brendan Allen shares a frustrating experience with an unqualified Russian coach at his gym who taught impractical, 'unorthodox' techniques that didn't work. He recounts easily countering the coach's demonstrated move, leading to 'bad vibes' and his decision to disengage. Joe Rogan then broadens the discussion to the phenomenon of 'parasitic relationships' that can emerge in elite sports and other competitive fields.
Sam Calvita: The Elite Coach Behind TJ Dillashaw's Conditioning
Joe Rogan introduces Sam Calvita, a legendary strength and conditioning coach known for his intense 'garage' gym in Orange County. He highlights Calvita's impact on elite fighters like TJ Dillashaw, whose prime conditioning was attributed to Calvita's rigorous methods, pushing athletes to their limits.
Hamzat Chimaev's Dangerous Overtraining with COVID: A Lesson in Rest
Joe Rogan shares a cautionary tale about Hamzat Chimaev's extreme dedication, leading to severe overtraining. Even while battling COVID, Chimaev refused to stop training for two and a half hours daily, breaking down his immune system and requiring hospitalization, illustrating the dangers of pushing beyond limits.
The Guillotine Mistake: Why Holding it in Side Control is a 'Death Sentence'
Joe Rogan and Brendan Allen critique a common but critical error in MMA: holding onto a guillotine choke when an opponent achieves side control. They explain that this position is a 'death sentence,' akin to giving up your back and exposing your neck, and is a fundamental mistake many fighters still make.
The 365-Day Training Rule: Why Consistent Effort Trumps Occasional Intensity
Joe Rogan explains a radical training philosophy: consistently training 365 days a year, with no days off. He argues that the cumulative effect of these extra sessions over years creates an undeniable advantage, emphasizing that elite performance isn't just physical but also involves constant mental focus, studying, and breaking down technique.
The Power of Mental Reps: How Brendan Allen Sharpens Skills Off the Mat
Brendan Allen reveals his unique training secret: performing hundreds of 'mental reps' during his time off from physical training. He meticulously visualizes correcting mistakes, like a jab returning to the chin, which translates into automatic improvement when he returns to sparring. This mental work, combined with deliberate time away from fighting, helps reinvigorate his mind.
The Eye Poke Problem: Why Stricter Penalties are Needed in MMA
Joe Rogan and Brendan Allen discuss the persistent issue of eye pokes in MMA, highlighting Balal Muhammad's history of severe eye injuries and the recent incident with Ian Garry. They advocate for an instant one-point deduction for eye pokes, arguing that current penalties are insufficient to deter fighters from repeatedly endangering opponents' vision.
The FDA is Holding Back Stem Cell Innovation
Joe Rogan voices his strong frustration with the FDA's restrictive policies on stem cell treatments in the United States, arguing that these regulations prevent countless individuals with neurological conditions and severe injuries from accessing potentially life-changing therapies that are available and showing 'outstanding results' in other countries.
TRT Vitor Belfort: The Scariest Fighter Ever?
Joe Rogan delves into the controversial topic of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) in MMA, specifically highlighting its impact on Vitor Belfort. He claims that 'TRT Vitor' was the 'scariest human being that ever stepped into that cage,' lamenting the ban and suggesting that Belfort would have been an unstoppable 'terror' if he could have continued using it, citing his unprecedented wheel kicks as evidence.
Joe Rogan's 'Crazy Fluke' Start with the UFC
Joe Rogan shares the origin story of his long-standing career with the UFC, describing it as a 'crazy fluke.' He recounts his deep passion for jiu-jitsu and the sport, even getting Direct TV to watch fights when they were banned from cable, and how a chance connection between his manager and a UFC producer led to his first gig as a backstage interviewer in 1997.
Demetrius Johnson: The Definition of a Martial Artist
Joe Rogan and Brendan Allen celebrate Demetrius 'Mighty Mouse' Johnson as the epitome of a martial artist, praising his dedication to the 'purity' of the sport over fame or accolades. They highlight his intelligence, cleverness, incredible speed, and respectful demeanor, with Joe sharing a personal story about DJ's lightning-fast knees during a casual interaction.
Should MMA Allow All Fighters to Juice?
Joe Rogan and Brendan Allen engage in a provocative discussion about whether MMA should permit all fighters to use performance-enhancing drugs to ensure an 'even playing field.' Brendan candidly admits his perspective has shifted, now believing he would use them, and shares a frustrating personal experience with inconsistent 'random' drug testing in a fight where his opponent, who cut significantly more weight, was not tested.
Barefoot Fighters Sliding in the Rain: The Chaos of King of the Cage Wet and Wild
Joe Rogan and Brendan Allen vividly describe the absurd scenes from the 'King of the Cage: Wet and Wild' fight, where barefoot fighters slipped and slid in the rain, making judging impossible and leading to hilarious attempts to clear the canvas.
Mel Gibson's Father Walked Again Thanks to Stem Cells
Joe Rogan shares a compelling personal anecdote about how Mel Gibson's nearly 90-year-old father, who was unable to walk, regained his mobility and felt '10 years younger' after receiving stem cell treatments in Panama. This story illustrates the profound impact of advanced medical procedures not readily available in the US.
The Next Generation: Young Phenoms Training with Unwavering Loyalty and Drive
Brendan Allen shares his awe for young, elite fighters like Ansar and Umran John, who embody the next evolution of the sport. He recounts their incredible story of leaving home at 17-18 to pursue MMA in America, working grueling day jobs (like moving companies) and training relentlessly every day, showcasing their unparalleled loyalty and dedication.
The Contagious Energy of Driven People: How it Reinvigorates Your Drive
Joe Rogan and Brendan Allen discuss the powerful, contagious effect of being around highly driven individuals. They explain how witnessing someone's intense work ethic, especially those balancing demanding jobs with rigorous training, can reinvigorate your own motivation and eliminate excuses, creating a powerful positive energy.
The Unrecognizable Evolution of MMA: 1994 vs. Today
Joe Rogan reflects on the drastic evolution of mixed martial arts, stating that no other sport has changed as much as MMA from 1994 to 2025. He highlights that a fighter who would have been a world champion in the early days would now be relegated to undercards, underscoring the immense increase in skill, athleticism, and technique among modern fighters.
Weight Cutting is 'Legalized Cheating': The Unhealthy Truth
Joe Rogan and Brendan Allen critically discuss the practice of extreme weight cutting in MMA, calling it 'legalized cheating' and highlighting the incredible, often unhealthy, weight fluctuations fighters like Alex Pereira undergo, raising questions about fighter safety and fairness.
Embracing the 'Demonic Side': Brendan Allen on Fighting Killers
Brendan Allen articulates his intense fighting philosophy, revealing that he thrives on facing opponents who genuinely intend to 'kill' him in the cage. He explains that this level of danger and nervousness brings out the 'best version' and even a 'demonic side' of himself, contrasting it with fighters who treat the sport less aggressively and highlighting his love for the raw, dangerous aspect of combat.
The Blessing in Losing: Why Setbacks Are Crucial for Growth
Joe Rogan passionately argues that setbacks and losses are not curses but 'blessings' in a fighter's career. He explains that experiencing failure forces critical self-assessment, ignites a 'furnace' of motivation, and ultimately leads to greater strength and improvement, unlike those who haven't faced adversity.
From Mental Shutdowns to Vulnerability: How a Sports Psychiatrist Transformed Brendan Allen's Performance
Brendan Allen opens up about battling severe mental shutdowns before fights, especially evident in his Malcoun fight where anxiety crippled his performance. He shares how working with a sports psychiatrist helped him embrace vulnerability, dissect negative thoughts, and communicate openly with his coaches, leading to a profound shift in his mental game and self-acceptance.
Squash Negative Thoughts: Don't Let Them 'Burn Your House Down'
Joe Rogan delivers a powerful analogy about the critical importance of immediately addressing negative thoughts before they escalate. He advises listeners to 'stomp out' these 'creepy demon thoughts' quickly, preventing them from running wild and 'burning your house down,' emphasizing the need for a strategy to maintain a positive mindset in challenging situations.
Compartment Syndrome: The Nastiest Injury in MMA
Joe Rogan and Brendan Allen discuss the horrific compartment syndrome injury suffered by Austin Hubbard from leg kicks, which required his leg to be sliced open to prevent amputation, highlighting the brutal reality of fight injuries.
Creatine and Hyperbaric Chambers: Boosting Recovery and Longevity
Joe Rogan and Brendan Allen discuss the significant benefits of creatine for physical and cognitive support, debunking old myths, and highlight hyperbaric chambers' role in overall recovery and even telomere lengthening, which can reverse biological aging.
The Ignorance of Not Stretching: Even World-Class Fighters Do It
Joe Rogan and Brendan Allen discuss the critical importance of stretching and flexibility, even for elite athletes, contrasting it with the 'youthful ignorance' of neglecting it. Joe also reveals his age and motivation to stay active.
The Wisdom of Taking Time Off: Lessons from Ronnie Coleman for Elite Athletes
Joe Rogan and Brendan Allen discuss the critical importance of planned rest and mental reset for elite athletes. They highlight the legendary bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman's approach to taking months off after competitions to fully recover, emphasizing that true wisdom in training involves knowing when to 'just chill' to maintain long-term performance and avoid burnout, rather than fearing loss of momentum.
Transform Your Performance: The Power of 'I Want To' vs. 'I Have To'
Brendan Allen shares a key insight from his sports psychiatrist: consciously changing 'I have to do something' to 'I want to do something.' He explains that 'I have to' acts like an emergency brake on performance, while 'I want to' frees you to perform at your best, emphasizing the profound impact of language on mindset.
The Flaws in MMA Judging: Damage vs. Control and Joe Rogan's 'No Stand-Ups' Rule
Brendan Allen expresses frustration over a controversial decision loss, highlighting the subjective 'interpretation' of unified rules and the ongoing debate between effective damage and control time in scoring. Joe Rogan expands on the critical flaws in MMA judging, including unqualified judges and the unfair financial impact of bad decisions on fighters, advocating for a strict 'no stand-ups' rule to preserve the integrity of the ground game, even if it leads to 'boring' fights.
Jocko Willink's 'Good' Philosophy: Turning Problems into Opportunities
Joe Rogan shares his favorite Jocko Willink video, 'Good,' which presents a powerful mindset shift: when faced with problems, respond with 'Good.' This philosophy encourages transforming setbacks—like injuries, missed opportunities, or cancelled missions—into opportunities for learning and growth, emphasizing that being alive means you still have a chance to fight back and find solutions.
Why Street Fights Are Never Worth It: A Fighter's Perspective on Avoiding Violence
Brendan Allen, an elite MMA fighter, reflects on his evolved mindset, emphasizing that proving oneself through physical confrontation is 'pointless' and can ruin lives. Joe Rogan strongly supports this, sharing chilling anecdotes of bar fights leading to severe injuries, death, and legal consequences, including a story about a friend of Kevin James who faced manslaughter charges. This segment serves as a powerful warning about the real-world dangers and futility of unnecessary violence.