JRE MMA Show #15 with Brendan Schaub

Episode Summary

Main Topics Discussed

• The prospect of a unique live show featuring Joe Rogan, Joey Diaz, and Yoel Romero, with Joey translating.
• Detailed analysis of Yoel Romero's fighting style, terrifying explosiveness, and surprisingly friendly demeanor outside the cage.
• Controversial moments in MMA, specifically the alleged glove-cutting incident in the Tim Kennedy vs. Yoel Romero fight, drawing parallels to Angelo Dundee's tactics for Muhammad Ali.
• Matt Brown's unconventional training camp experience in Cuba with Cuban wrestlers and boxers.
• In-depth discussion on the unique grappling strength and technique of Demian Maia, comparing it to "a snake taking out a deer."
• Rafael dos Anjos's improved performance and aggression at 170 lbs.
• Robert Whittaker's impressive resilience, particularly stuffing takedowns with a blown-out knee against Yoel Romero.
• Ben Askren's absence from the UFC, his highly effective, un-punched fighting style, and his advocacy for hydration testing in MMA (as practiced in ONE FC).
• The debate over Ben Askren's marketability versus his pure fighting talent and "best vs. best" philosophy.
• Different fighter archetypes, including brawlers like Francisco Rivera and John Lineker, and technical masters.
• Max Holloway's exceptional fight IQ and confidence, exemplified by his "come on, let's fight" gesture to Ricardo Lamas.
• Frankie Edgar's incredible toughness, long career, and training camp (Mark Henry, Marlon Moraes, Eddie Alvarez, Edson Barboza).
• Brian Ortega's elite, high-level jiu-jitsu, aggressive submission style, and evolution as a boxer.
• Khabib Nurmagomedov's overwhelming grappling pressure, comparing it to a "savage slow death," and the anticipation for his fight with Tony Ferguson.
• The potential dynamics of a Khabib vs. Tony Ferguson fight, focusing on Tony's dangerous guard work and elbows from the bottom.
• The significance of the upcoming Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier superfight.
• Jon Jones's unparalleled talent, controversial career decisions, drug test issues (tainted creatine theory), and the possibility of a heavyweight move and rematch with DC.
• Curtis Blaydes' effective wrestling-heavy style and pragmatic approach to fighting.

Key Insights & Memorable Moments

• Joe's idea for a show with Joey Diaz translating for Yoel Romero highlights the absurdity and entertainment potential of such a crossover.
• The description of Yoel Romero being calm then exploding, and telling opponents he loves them post-KO, paints a terrifying and memorable picture.
• Rogan's recount of Matt Brown's "white ass" training in Cuba for six weeks underscores the dedication and unconventional methods some fighters employ.
• The concept of "Ben Askren strong" illustrates a non-aesthetic, functional strength specific to high-level grappling that is deceptively effective.
• Brendan's preference for a quick Francis Ngannou KO over a "savage slow death" by Khabib Nurmagomedov vividly describes the psychological toll of Khabib's style.
• Joe's strong belief that Frankie Edgar *was* concussed against Gray Maynard, despite Frankie's personal denial, shows his experience and concern for fighter safety.
• The detailed breakdown of Brian Ortega's jiu-jitsu, including his willingness to jump guard and execute flying triangles, showcases a rare and exciting approach in MMA.
• The discussion about Jon Jones's ability to dominate even with minimal training or "high off his ass" emphasizes his generational talent.
• The insight into Curtis Blaydes' mentality: "I don't enjoy getting punched in the face" – a pragmatic truth for many wrestlers in MMA.

Notable Quotes or Revelations

• "Joey says 'grow up' and talking to him, I love this [expletive] guy... We have an amazing podcast you and me, you thrown the questions at him, if [expletive] gets weird, I'll come to him with Spanish, we'll understand each other better. It's a brilliant idea." - Joe Rogan on Joey Diaz's Yoel Romero show idea.
• "His white ass was in Cuba with the wrestling team for six [expletive] weeks from one of the camps for one of his fights." - Joe Rogan describing Matt Brown's training.
• "It was like watching a goddamn snake. It was like watching a snake take out a deer who's terrified slowly get to that Baptist tighter and tighter." - Joe Rogan on Demian Maia's submission game.
• "I haven't been punched in the face in three years." - Ben Askren (as quoted by Joe Rogan).
• "Frankie, look at me when I tell you this, you had brain throwing that fight man." - Joe Rogan (recounting an imagined conversation with Frankie Edgar about concussions).
• "He's a [expletive] killer on the ground dude. He cinch his [expletive] up at one of the highest levels I've ever seen." - Joe Rogan on Brian Ortega.
• "I'd rather just get murked real fast by Francis than fighting Khabib, it's a savage slow death." - Brendan Schaub comparing different knockout styles.
• "Who's Tony Ferguson off his back is a monster." - Joe Rogan on Tony Ferguson's ground game.
• "That just shows you how [expletive] great Jon Jones is, that's the whole top of the pyramid... Jon and John trained for one week and was high off his ass." - Brendan Schaub on Jon Jones's talent.
• "I don't enjoy getting punched in the face. I'm not trying to get punched in the face now." - Curtis Blaydes (as quoted by Joe Rogan).

Overall Themes

• The Art and Science of MMA: The podcast delves deep into fighter techniques, strategies, and physical attributes, from grappling mastery and wrestling to striking and fight IQ. It highlights the intricate details that separate elite fighters.
• Fighter Psychology and Resilience: A recurring theme is the mental aspect of fighting, including the impact of "swagger" (Luke Rockhold), the incredible toughness of fighters like Frankie Edgar, and the psychological warfare employed by dominant grapplers like Khabib.
• Talent vs. Marketability: The discussion around Ben Askren brings up the eternal debate in combat sports: should the focus be purely on the best fighting the best, or on promoting marketable personalities and exciting styles?
• The Evolving Landscape of MMA: The conversation touches on potential rule changes (hydration testing), fighter transitions between weight classes (Luke Rockhold, Rafael dos Anjos), and the continuous evolution of training camps and techniques.
• The Complexities of Legacy: Figures like Jon Jones, with immense talent yet plagued by controversies, spark discussions about how personal decisions impact a fighter's overall legacy and career trajectory.