JRE MMA Show #62 with Brendan Schaub

Episode Summary

Main Topics Discussed

• UFC Event Technical Issues: Joe and Brendan opened by discussing the widespread problems with ESPN+ during the recent UFC event, leading many fans to seek illegal streams.
• Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier Fight: A detailed breakdown of the fight, Max Holloway's move to 155 lbs, Dustin Poirier's impressive performance, and Holloway's legacy as the greatest 145 lb fighter. The discussion touched on size differences and power dynamics between weight classes.
• Kelvin Gastelum vs. Israel Adesanya Fight: Both hosts lauded this fight as one of the best ever, analyzing Adesanya's resilience in the face of adversity and Gastelum's incredible toughness, despite the loss.
• MMA Weight Classes & Scoring: Extensive discussion on the need for more weight classes (e.g., 165 lbs) to better accommodate fighters, considering examples like Gastelum (small 185er) and Max Holloway (big 145er attempting 155). The controversial scoring system, particularly for rounds with significant damage but no finish, was debated.
• Fighter Spotlights:

  • Khalil Rountree Jr.: His impressive performance and transformation attributed to training in Thailand.
  • Johnny Walker: His potential as a light heavyweight contender, alongside concerns about his post-fight celebration injury.
  • Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dustin Poirier: Anticipation and early predictions for their potential matchup.
  • Justin Gaethje: His confidence in his grappling ability against Khabib.

Key Insights & Memorable Moments

• ESPN+ Woes: The technical difficulties highlighted how crucial reliable streaming is for major events and how quickly fans resort to illegal streams when faced with issues.
• Holloway's 155 lb Challenge: The Poirier fight served as a stark example of how moving up a weight class isn't always easy, even for a dominant champion, particularly concerning power output and absorption. Max Holloway's stock, however, remained high due to his character and willingness to learn.
• Gastelum vs. Adesanya - A Classic: The consensus was that this fight pushed both fighters to their limits, revealing Adesanya's ability to overcome significant adversity and solidifying Gastelum's status as an incredibly tough and exciting fighter.
• The Weight Class Dilemma: The conversation underscored the persistent issue of fighters being either too big for one class or too small for the next, advocating for intermediate weight divisions like 165 lbs to optimize fighter performance and safety.
• Scoring System Critique: The hosts expressed frustration with how the current 10-point must system sometimes fails to adequately reward rounds where one fighter inflicts significant damage or nearly finishes their opponent, suggesting more emphasis on these moments.
• Khalil Rountree Jr.'s Thailand Transformation: Rountree's success after training in the "motherland" of Muay Thai was celebrated as a testament to the benefits of dedicated, culturally immersed training.
• Johnny Walker's Risky Celebration: The concern over Walker's shoulder injury during a post-fight "worm" celebration emphasized the fine line between showmanship and self-preservation in combat sports.
• Brazilian MMA Nationalism: Joe recounted observations about Brazilian fighters (e.g., Anderson Silva) being reluctant to fight other Brazilians, suggesting a form of nationalistic respect.

Notable Quotes or Revelations

• Brendan Schaub's retort on fashion: "Girls also like dick though, man."
• Joe Rogan on Max Holloway's character: "Max is the he loses better than anyone on the planet." (Later clarified to mean he learns from both wins and losses).
• Joe Rogan on Gastelum vs. Adesanya: "Best title fight for me I've ever watched ever." and "It's one of the best fights of all time."
• Joe Rogan on Adesanya's adversity: "I think it's the best thing that happened to him."
• Brendan Schaub on weight classes: "I just think there should be more weight classes."
• Joe Rogan questioning judging: "If you're watching a fight and one guy is really fucking a guy up and the other guy never does that, who do you think won that fight?"
• Brendan Schaub on Justin Gaethje's confidence: (Paraphrasing Gaethje) "He's like what's [Khabib] going to do to me? ... I can wrestle my ass off and I scramble."

Overall Themes

• The Pursuit of Excellence: Fighters like Max Holloway, Israel Adesanya, and Khalil Rountree Jr. demonstrate constant evolution and a commitment to improving their craft.
• The Physical Demands of MMA: The intense physical toll of weight cutting, fighting, and injuries was a recurring subject, emphasizing the extreme athleticism required.
• The Art vs. Sport Debate: The discussion on scoring highlighted the tension between MMA as a brutal combat spectacle (where damage matters greatly) and a structured sport (where cumulative rounds are scored).
• The Fan Experience: From the frustration of technical issues to the exhilaration of legendary fights, the podcast underlined the highs and lows of being a modern MMA fan.
• Global Influence: The success of fighters training internationally (e.g., Rountree in Thailand) and the diverse backgrounds of top contenders underscore MMA's global reach and interconnectedness.