JRE MMA Show #22 with Bas Rutten

Episode Summary

Main Topics

This episode of the JRE MMA Show #22 features legendary fighter Bas Rutten discussing a wide range of topics, opening with a personal anecdote about a recent hand injury he sustained punching a table during a grueling commercial shoot. The conversation delves deeply into the world of fighter injuries, contrasting old-school approaches with modern medical advancements like artificial discs and stem cell therapy, with specific examples like Pat Miletich, Kurt Angle, and Don Frye. A significant portion is dedicated to "Karate Combat," a new promotion Bas is involved with, examining its unique rules, pit fighting environment, biometric heads-up display, and potential for mainstream success. The hosts also critique the current combat sports landscape, analyzing the UFC's cage design, the underappreciation of Glory Kickboxing, and the controversial Conor McGregor bus incident, offering insights into fighter psychology and the consequences of fame.

Key Discussion Points

• Bas Rutten's Injury and Recovery: Bas recounts breaking his pinky knuckle by punching a table out of frustration during a 12.5-hour commercial shoot, describing the "boxing fracture" and his lack of immediate pain. He details his ongoing recovery from bicep atrophy, mentioning the experimental BPC 157 peptide suggested by Ben Greenfield for tendons and nerves. This leads to a discussion of severe neck and back injuries in wrestling, referencing Pat Miletich's naturally fused discs, Kurt Angle's extreme neck atrophy leading to shrunken arms, and Don Frye's extensive 10-disc spinal fusion after two operating table deaths.
• Modern Fighter Treatments and Stem Cells: The conversation explores advancements in spinal surgery, specifically artificial disc replacement, citing Braulio Estima and Eddie as recipients, and Bas's hope for future 3D-printed spinal solutions. They highlight the impact of the Bush administration's ban on stem cell research and the current use of mesenchymal stem cells from fat and bone marrow for injury repair, with Bas having recently undergone bone marrow stem cell treatment for his knees.
• Karate Combat Promotion: Bas provides an in-depth look at "Karate Combat," a new promotion featuring a pit fighting surface with 45-degree angled walls, allowing fighters to use the environment strategically. Key rule discussions include the initial ban on short hooks (later reversed), the exclusion of elbows and knees to prevent cuts, and a unique 5-second ground strike rule. The promotion is noted for its Bitcoin sponsorship and an innovative heads-up display providing biometric data like heart rate and respiratory rate live. Bas believes its simplicity and emphasis on striking technique, akin to Olympic karate (returning in Tokyo 2020), will appeal to a broader audience.
• Combat Sports Rules and Mainstream Appeal: The hosts debate the ideal fighting environment, criticizing the UFC cage for trapping fighters and obscuring views, preferring Karate Combat's open pit design. They discuss the issue of eye pokes in UFC gloves and propose immediate point deductions for fouls without warnings. The segment also touches upon the lack of mainstream success for Glory Kickboxing, despite its world-class talent like Rico Verhoeven and Giorgio Petrosyan, and a hypothetical Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather MMA fight with specific rule modifications, emphasizing the game-changing nature of clinch striking.
• Fighter Psychology and Consequences of Actions: The episode delves into fighter behavior outside the ring, particularly Conor McGregor's bus attack. Joe and Bas discuss the immense pressure and "yes-men" surrounding successful fighters, but also emphasize the need for accountability for actions that caused serious injuries, such as Ray Borg's corneal abrasions and Michael Chiesa's cuts. They draw parallels to Russell Crowe's phone incident, highlighting the severe career implications of felony charges and the financial settlements required.

Notable Moments

• Interesting Story/Anecdote: Bas Rutten shares a highly personal story of knocking out a training partner who had ignored his advice about avoiding a bachelor party before a fight, describing his deliberate intent to teach a "lesson" due to frustration with the fighter's lack of discipline.
• Surprising Fact/Revelation: The discussion reveals that Eric 'Butterbean' Esch, despite his appearance, once had "the best blood pressure and cholesterol" among all boxers on a fight card, surprising medical staff and the commission.
• Memorable Exchange: Joe and Bas react incredulously to a video of "X-Arm wrestling," a bizarre sport where participants' arms are taped together, forcing them to punch each other while attempting an arm-wrestling pin, calling it "so stupid."

Key Takeaways

Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the physical demands and risks involved in professional fighting, understanding both the devastating impact of injuries and the cutting-edge medical advancements supporting athletes. The episode offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and innovations in combat sports promotion, particularly with the detailed breakdown of "Karate Combat." It provides a thoughtful analysis of fighter celebrity, the pressures that come with it, and the crucial importance of personal responsibility for actions both inside and outside the arena.