JRE MMA Show #179 with Josh Thompson & "Big" John McCarthy
In a Nutshell
Big John McCarthy and Josh Thompson emphasize that weight cutting is MMA's most dangerous practice, with fighters losing 30+ pounds in 24 hours and risking brain damage from repeated knockouts without proper recovery time. Refereeing and judging remain deeply flawed, with bad decisions, inconsistent rules across commissions, and judges having obstructed views. The conversation highlights Khabib's unmatched discipline versus the career-shortening effects of partying, PEDs, and fighters refusing to retire, while praising emerging talents like Gable Steveson and Carlos Prates.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Joe Rogan welcomes Josh Thompson and "Big" John McCarthy to the JRE MMA Show. McCarthy stepped back from podcasting when he resumed refereeing because referees are restricted from discussing promotions, fighters, and potential changes. Thompson created McCarthy Mondays as a workaround to keep McCarthy involved, focusing on topics like the Joe Schilling situation that can be discussed openly.
Rogan expresses appreciation for McCarthy's return to refereeing but wishes he could continue both roles. McCarthy argues transparency is important and referees should be able to share their perspectives on incidents. Concerns arise that referees speaking too openly leads to backlash, requiring commissions to respond and fighters to criticize them.
Good public discussion leads to rule improvements, such as eliminating the "one hand down" downed opponent rule and re-legalizing 12-to-6 elbows (except in New Jersey). McCarthy helped write these rule changes, which were approved by the ABC with a six-month implementation period to allow fighters training time. The inconsistency of different rules by location creates unfair complications for fighters and referees.
Discussion addresses whether 12-to-6 elbows are too dangerous. Dan Cormier expressed concerns about their danger. Rogan counters that if anything should be banned for knee safety, sidekicks to the knees would be more justifiable than 12-to-6 elbows. The group agrees that blown-out brains from head kicks are worse than blown-out knees, and unnecessary damage should be avoided while acknowledging fighters accept some damage as part of the sport.
Rogan advocates for knees on the ground, noting it's easier to avoid them in a ring due to mobility. McCarthy opposes stomps, arguing they are never effective unless the opponent is already seriously hurt. Examples include Sakuraba's stomps after hurting opponents and fights involving Minotauro Nogueira and Phil Baroni, as well as Shogun and Ninja Rua.
Shogun Rua's fight against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson is highlighted as a coming-out party where Shogun's lethal striking was on display. The Chute Boxe team's hyper-aggressive style is noted. Ninja Rua was equally dangerous until facing bigger heavyweights affected his chin.
Alexander Shlemenko is described as off and crazy. His back tattoo depicting death holding a baby with a sword and crown is discussed as Russian prison-style artwork done with ballpoint pen and sewing needle. Fedor Emelianenko is contrasted as a good guy without such tattoos. James Thompson, built like a Greek god, faced Shlemenko and appeared extremely hyped while Shlemenko remained completely stoic.
Fedor's explosiveness, speed, and Russian-style movement with relaxed posture followed by sudden bursts are analyzed. His hands-down stance makes shots hard to see. He doesn't tire easily, forcing opponents to match his high RPM. His standup was exceptional, including the Crocop fight which was mostly standup. Fedor wrote the blueprint for beating Crocop by backing him up and using the threat of grappling.
Cro Cop's left kick is considered the best in MMA history, with no clear second place. His explosiveness allowed one-shot threats like nuclear missiles, differing from rhythm-based strikers like Peter Aerts. Maurice Smith is credited as the first to transition kickboxing to MMA with explosiveness, with Cro Cop following in Pride.
Edson Barbosa's switch kick is mentioned as potentially second-best. When Barbosa entered the UFC, his standup ability, primarily kicks, was next-level. Jose Aldo's takedown defense is rated among the best, possibly behind only BJ Penn in his prime. Penn's balance was exceptional, and he avoided takedowns from Chad Mendes despite 90+ attempts in their fight.
Aldo's elite soccer background is credited for his leg power, movement, and footwork. Professional soccer requires constant sprinting without breaks, translating to MMA through stop-and-go patterns similar to fight dynamics. Wrestling and soccer are highlighted as ideal base sports for MMA due to grinding cardio, mental toughness, and understanding of suffering.
Weight cutting is described as the grossest and most dangerous aspect of MMA. Fighters are starved and dehydrated 24 hours before the most physically demanding sport. Every other sport provides team chefs and nutrition support, yet MMA deprives athletes before competition. Even same-day weigh-ins wouldn't stop fighters from cutting weight. Random weigh-ins are proposed as a potential solution, with a mandate that fighters cannot exceed a certain weight above their division on any given day.
Athletic commissions face significant challenges enforcing weight management across fighters located worldwide. For a commission like California or Texas to conduct weigh-ins, fighters must be licensed in that specific state for that year. If the UFC adopted stricter weight policies, most organizations would likely follow, though the UFC has the financial resources to implement such changes while smaller promotions cannot afford the costs.
An athletic commission could theoretically limit fighters to weighing no more than five pounds above their weigh-in weight, but this creates two major problems. First, promotions would lose fights when athletes miss weight. Second, fighters might remain dehydrated throughout their entire camp to stay within that five-pound window, creating greater health risks during competition.
Random testing would be necessary to prevent fighters from staying dehydrated throughout training camps. However, any effective system would need to operate sport-wide rather than promotion by promotion, making implementation nearly impossible. The process would require significant time to develop properly without causing fight cancellations.
Many fighters fail to train consistently, which complicates enforcement. Jon Jones reportedly did not train for approximately 10 days before his first fight against Gustafsson. Michael Morales walks around at 205-212 pounds while fighting at 170. Gregory Rodriguez presents similar issues, with observers questioning how he ever makes 185 pounds.
Alex Pereira weighed 185 pounds at middleweight despite being significantly larger. At 205 pounds, he appears as a 226-pound fighter. He currently weighs 250 pounds, representing nearly a 70-pound increase from his UFC debut. While moving up in weight eliminates dangerous weight cuts, the added muscle creates diminishing returns regarding performance benefits.
The point of diminishing returns applies when fighters cut excessive weight. Fighters who are naturally larger for their weight class gain strength advantages but lose speed. In MMA with grappling involved, a larger opponent on top eliminates speed advantages within the first three to four minutes of a fight.
Conor McGregor at 145 pounds was fast but appeared severely dehydrated during weigh-ins. He would lose substantial weight to make the division, looking physically depleted. Despite this, he maintained remarkable speed once competition began. Age limits this approach, as fighters reach points where excessive weight cutting damages their careers.
Max Holloway demonstrated the benefits of moving up in weight after years of severe cuts. His first attempt at 155 pounds involved improper weight gain, but his second attempt with proper weight management showed significant improvements in power, mobility, and movement, particularly evident in his BMF fight against Justin Gaethje.
Max Holloway faced criticism for returning to 145 pounds for a title fight against Ilia Topuria after successfully competing at 155. The argument centered on whether accepting a world title opportunity justified the dangerous weight cut, especially since he had earned number one contender status by defeating Justin Gaethje at 155.
Islam Makhachev presents significant challenges due to his smothering grappling style and dangerous striking, including a head kick against Volkanovski. His standup includes a sneaky high kick that catches opponents off guard.
Max Holloway weighed 178 pounds in street clothes the night after weighing in at 145 pounds for his first title fight against Jose Aldo. Even accounting for approximately 10 pounds of clothing weight, this represents over 30 pounds of actual weight difference.
At a recent MVP event in California, fighter Namo Fazil recorded a 27.2-pound weight gain at 170 pounds, coming in at 197 pounds. Anthony Rumble Johnson previously demonstrated similar extreme weight differences, weighing 230 pounds while competing at 185.
AJ struggled with consistent weight cutting throughout his UFC career, sometimes making weight and sometimes missing. His approach involved severe dehydration methods that he never needed to employ. He successfully competed at heavyweight, defeating Andrei Arlovski in the World Series of Fighting.
The science of proper weight cutting requires systematic approaches that many fighters lack. AJ's background as a Division II wrestler gave him weight-cutting experience, but the extreme methods required for 170 pounds caused ongoing problems.
Andrei Arlovski began his UFC career at UFC 28 and continues competing today. He transitioned from being a power puncher to a volume fighter after experiencing multiple knockouts, reducing damage taken while maintaining success. He defeated Travis Browne during Browne's prime and dominated Ben Rothwell.
Rothwell weighed close to 400 pounds and presented a terrifying presence with his size and punching power. Arlovski's technical, slick approach and volume striking proved more effective than power-based strategies against such opponents.
Arlovski's adjustment involved fighting either all the way in or all the way out rather than engaging in the pocket where he could absorb big shots. This adaptation prevented the repeated knockouts he experienced during his power-punching phase. His sustained enthusiasm for competition remains evident even in exhibition matches against influencers.
Rico Verhoeven, considered the greatest kickboxer of all time with over 10 years of undefeated competition, fought Oleksandr Usyk in a boxing match. Despite expectations that Usyk's experience would eventually overwhelm him, Verhoeven fought cleverly by closing distance repeatedly and maintaining high pace throughout.
Verhoeven was reportedly winning 8-2 on scorecards when the fight ended in the 11th round. The stoppage occurred after Verhoeven was knocked down, lost his mouthpiece, and required time to retrieve and rinse it from his corner. The referee allowed approximately 30 seconds for this process before stopping the fight while Verhoeven remained standing and moving.
Current boxing rules differ from historical practices regarding mouthpiece handling. Previously, mouthpieces hitting the ground required rinsing at the corner before replacement. Modern rules, influenced by MMA practices, allow referees to replace mouthpieces immediately without rinsing.
The Verhoeven stoppage was criticized because the referee permitted corner recovery time after the knockdown, then stopped the fight at the round's end despite Verhoeven showing movement and defensive capability. The mandatory eight-count and recovery period should have been sufficient if the fighter demonstrated recovery.
Referees working major international fights sometimes lack updated training on current mouthpiece procedures. When UFC events occur in countries without athletic commissions, they bring experienced referees like Herb Dean to ensure consistent rule application.
Verhoeven's mouthpiece fell out multiple times during the fight, which is unusual for a world-class kickboxer. The incident highlighted how proper mouthpiece fitting prevents such occurrences during competition.
Steel cups remain legal in competition despite safety concerns about potential shattering if struck directly. Fighters who have worn steel cups throughout their careers express surprise that others do not use them, though the metal-over-genital protection presents obvious injury risks.
North-south position creates opportunities for illegal techniques using protective cups. Renan Barão once mounted an opponent and applied pressure with his cup against the sternum, nearly causing a tap. Frank Mir used his cup positioning to break Tim Sylvia's arm during an armbar attempt.
Big John McCarthy was sitting in Tim Sylvia's corner during the fight against Herb Dean. From his vantage point alongside Jeremy Horn, Matt Hughes, and Pat Miletich, he could see Sylvia's elbow positioned away from the hip during an armbar attempt. When Herb stopped the fight, Sylvia's corner erupted in protest. McCarthy immediately went into the octagon and asked Herb what he saw. Herb responded that Sylvia's arm broke, stating he both heard and saw it. McCarthy noted that the vibration was visible in the replay.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission's medical staff initially stated there was nothing wrong with Sylvia's arm. Herb's response was memorable because he rarely curses. He said, "X-ray that motherfucker. It's broken." The X-ray confirmed a straight break across both bones in the forearm. The replay showed two distinct pops and highlighted the forearm bending like a piece of plastic.
Herb Dean has broken multiple arms in fights. He previously broke Nogueria's arm with a spiral fracture from a kimura. When people question why he stopped the Sylvia fight, McCarthy emphasizes that Herb was getting booed out of the arena. Sylvia was complaining and wanted to continue fighting with a broken arm, which could have led to amputation or permanent damage.
McCarthy stresses that referees must protect fighters from themselves. He notes that losing a fight is not life and death. He references Carlos Oldberg knocking out Yuri Prohaska with a clearly blown-out knee, and Thiago Santos fighting Jon Jones with two torn ACLs or PCLs, giving Jones a competitive split decision fight.
The conversation shifted to boxing judging issues, including the Usyk fight where judges didn't have the opponent ahead. McCarthy mentions money and undefeated records potentially influencing decisions. He references a female judge who scored the Pacquiao versus Tim Bradley fight controversially, along with other questionable decisions. The issue of betting props creating incentives for split decisions was discussed, where one bad judge can create outcomes that benefit bettors.
McCarthy states the UFC has a real problem with judging, with the FBI investigating multiple fights. He notes that fighters and officials constantly text him asking about decisions. He explains that judges have the worst seats in the house, sometimes with posts blocking their view, and that the monitor now provided helps but wasn't always available.
McCarthy argues that judging is the hardest job after being a fighter. He notes that split decisions aren't always bad. When asked about five judges versus three, he says having worked with five judges, it doesn't change outcomes and the real issue is eliminating bad judges. He acknowledges that local judges used on the road sometimes have issues, comparing it to bad cops or bad dentists existing in every profession.
McCarthy mentions Verdict MMA, noting their scoring accuracy at approximately 99 percent, with him agreeing with their scores most of the time. He discusses the need for more referees for big fights where mistakes cannot be made. He emphasizes that judging is not as easy as people think, requiring intense focus and accountability since judges sign their names to scorecards.
McCarthy strongly opposes win bonuses, stating fighters should get paid to compete regardless of outcome. He argues that bad decisions causing fighters to lose half their purse is robbery. He suggests an 80/20 split between show money and win bonus, plus finish bonuses. Joe Rogan agrees that fighters don't fight harder for win bonuses and that elite fighters are motivated by pride and ego, not money.
McCarthy notes that fighters mentally spend their win bonus before fights. He praises Sean Strickland for being frugal, wearing the same Wranglers and white beater daily while saving money, in contrast to fighters buying unnecessary cars and luxury items. He references Rampage owning eight cars and questions how many vehicles one person needs. McCarthy advises fighters to follow Forest Griffin's example of driving his Scion from The Ultimate Fighter into the ground.
McCarthy mentions that Frank Mir breaking his femur kept him from getting a motorcycle license. He references two friends who crashed, with one injuring his shoulder. The old saying about motorcycle riders—those who have been down and those who are going down—was mentioned. Rogan notes he already risks injury doing jiu-jitsu and doesn't want additional risk.
McCarthy discusses how comforts and luxuries can slow fighters down. He references Arman Tsarukyan as an exception, noting the rich kid fights like a demon and is built like a Greek god. Tsarukyan is constantly competing in wrestling and was scheduled to wrestle at Rough Wrestling in Arlington.
McCarthy believes not getting a title fight was the best thing for Tsarukyan. He references the headbutt incident with Dan Hooker that nearly caused the fight to be pulled. Tsarukyan's work with Rough and with Nina Drama was praised. McCarthy calls him the most interesting contender for Ilia Topuria besides Justin Gaethje.
McCarthy questions why people are overlooking Gaethje against Topuria. Gaethje has heavy leg kicks, a great uppercut, is a bigger guy, excellent wrestler, and nasty striker. McCarthy describes Gaethje as a real savage who walked down Michael Johnson in his UFC debut and Patty Pimblett, choosing to blast rather than fight cleanly. This being Gaethje's last dance means hyperfocus.
Topuria knocked out three great fighters in a row: Max Holloway, Alexander Volkanovski, and Charles Oliveira. McCarthy notes an asterisk on some wins. Volkanovski was coming off a headkick knockout loss and shouldn't have taken the fight. Holloway cut from 155 to 145. Oliveira is the only one without an asterisk. McCarthy states no one should have let Volkanovski take the fight against the scariest puncher in the division four months after being knocked into a coma.
McCarthy emphasizes that after a knockout, fighters need family members who are honest about recovery. Going straight into camp without resting the brain causes damage, especially when body temperature rises. He notes Volkanovski got kicked by Islam, who is huge for 155 at 6'1", and took the fight on 11 days notice while eating barbecue and drinking Fosters.
McCarthy calls Volkanovski an all-time great who was the first to figure out Max Holloway and cleaned out the division. He would never have advised the short-notice Islam fight. Jon Jones was referenced as an example of proper preparation, refusing to fight Chael Sonnen without a full camp. Volkanovski came into the second Islam fight softer, not in shape, and his mind wasn't right. The weight cut difference was significant, with Islam fully rehydrated the second time.
The brain lacks nerve endings, so fighters cannot feel damage the way they can with a broken hand. Symptoms like headaches, sensitivity to bright lights, and unexplained irritability emerge only after concussions occur. These signs indicate the need to step away from training and competition for recovery.
Travis Lutter fought Marvin Eastman and caught him with what appeared to be a regular punch that barely moved him. Eastman fell straight back. It was later revealed he had been knocked out twice in training by Tito Ortiz. His brain was already damaged, making him vulnerable to a shot that normally would not have hurt him.
Fighters need 45 days up to 6 months for full brain recovery. Recommended nutrition includes eating more fats and avocados to support healing. Juan Manuel Marquez was told by trainer Freddy Roach to take a full year off after being knocked out by Manny Pacquiao. Roach enforced the year-long rest, and Marquez returned with his chin recovered.
Freddy Roach had a solid amateur record and was doing well professionally. His trainer Eddie Futch, who worked with Joe Frazier after Yank Durham died and was in the corner for the Thriller in Manila, told Roach he was taking too many shots and not responding the same way. Futch advised him to stop fighting. Roach fired Futch, continued his career, and suffered repeated knockouts that ended his fighting days.
Freddy Roach's brother Pepper took fewer head shots than Freddy but ended up in worse condition. Pepper is now deceased. The discussion emphasizes that repeated head trauma without adequate rest and healing burns careers and causes lasting damage that is difficult to detect.
Many fighters appear fine when met backstage but struggle with memory issues, repeating statements, and cognitive problems. Joey Beltran, a former UFC and bare-knuckle fighter who is now a trainer, demonstrates visible changes—he navigates stairs one step at a time with each foot, indicating lasting effects from accumulated damage.
Fighters are compared to high-performance vehicles like Ferraris or Lamborghinis. Care must be taken with what goes into the gas tank. Jon Jones has shared stories about substances he used. The point is that vehicles can only be crashed so many times before becoming irreparable, just as fighters cannot sustain repeated damage indefinitely.
Some coaches who have never competed themselves continue pushing fighters because they fear losing them. This creates a problematic dynamic. Healthy relationships require honest conversations at critical decision points, framing retirement not as the end of life but as the start of the next chapter.
Dustin Poirier was told he was one fight away from another title opportunity, but he chose to retire because it was simply time. He is now enjoying time with his wife and two children, lifting weights, and embracing the next phase of his life.
Khabib Nurmagomedov rejected substantial financial offers to return, stating his career was done. Critics who claim he could have accomplished more are dismissed as fools. Khabib dominated fighters who had never been dominated before. He is the only UFC fighter to never bleed inside the Octagon and never visibly bled, suffered severe bruising, or was knocked down during his professional MMA career.
Michael Johnson was the only fighter observed to hurt Khabib during competition. During their fight, Johnson landed shots that caused visible reactions, though Khabib recovered quickly. After the fight, Khabib told Johnson he had not been hurt.
While dominating Michael Johnson, Khabib repeatedly told him to tap, stating he needed a title shot and it was his destiny. He asked Johnson if he agreed while continuing to control him. Against Conor McGregor, Khabib said "Let's talk now" while punching him in the face.
Khabib's success stemmed from never missing training and maintaining the same lifestyle after becoming champion. Unlike many fighters who accept promotional obligations, travel, and events that disrupt training schedules, Khabib stayed disciplined. His religious beliefs and work ethic kept him balanced and humble. He also elevates the people who helped him, organizing travel, housing, and logistics for his team.
At a Bellator event in Chicago, the Dagestani fighters headed to the gym after the event while others went to the bar. They rode bikes and lifted weights for two hours. They never allow themselves to get out of shape. During morning training at American Kickboxing Academy, they would jog with stations for sit-ups and push-ups, covering two to three miles before gym sessions at noon. They avoid clubs, drinking, and smoking.
Drinking is identified as the factor that damages fighters more than anything else. Fighters who went out Saturday night would appear destroyed on Monday, still recovering days later. While younger fighters might get away with it to some degree, performance suffers—they get hit with shots they otherwise would avoid and get submitted when they normally would not. Khabib's early UFC fights showed poor striking that improved dramatically over time.
During the Khabib vs. Conor McGregor fight preparation, conversations with Ariel Helwani emphasized that Conor's fear of the takedown would make him hesitant and create openings for Khabib to land strikes. Kevin Randleman knocked out Mirko Cro Cop partly because Cro Cop was preoccupied with defending takedowns rather than flowing naturally. The threat of wrestling prevents fighters from reaching a comfortable flow state.
Alex Pereira fights without any wrestling threat, allowing him to focus entirely on striking. The 205-pound and heavyweight divisions lack wrestlers capable of competing with him on the ground. Prospects like Azamat Murzakanov and Gable Steveson are entering the heavyweight division.
Curtis Blaydes fought Tom Aspinall in a war that left both fighters with significant hand swelling. Blaydes had only seven weeks to recover before facing Derek Lewis, the most prolific knockout artist in heavyweight history. Blaydes showed tremendous heart and refused to lose despite the damage. After the fight, he acknowledged talking significant trash during the buildup.
Paulo Costa talks trash across multiple weight classes and pushes buttons to create controversy. He is compared to a kick streamer who generates conflict for engagement. The UFC benefits from personalities who create storylines, similar to how Chael Sonnen pioneered the approach and Conor McGregor elevated it.
Gable Steveson is described as a potential nightmare matchup, comparable to Mike Tyson at age 20. He is fast, has shown a chin by absorbing a significant kick to the head and neck area, and is an Olympic gold medalist. At 250 pounds, he is shorter but extremely wide and powerful. He performed a double knockout in one fight by striking an opponent and immediately taking him down as he fell. His prospect status is considered the most impressive currently, though he needs development time. The shallow heavyweight division could see him fighting for a title within a year or two.
Francis Ngannou is considered the best and scariest heavyweight on the planet. Efforts were made to negotiate his return and arrange a meeting with Dana White, but White was not interested due to interpersonal issues. Ngannou's positive personal interactions are noted, including an incident where his shadow loomed over a group during a photo. The 265-pound weight limit is questioned as arbitrary, originally implemented to avoid having overweight fighters rather than for competitive reasons.
Nikolai Valuev, the seven-foot Russian heavyweight who fought Evander Holyfield, is referenced. David Haye defeated Valuev. The absence of a super heavyweight division is accepted, but merging weight classes or allowing larger fighters is suggested as preferable to the current 265-pound limit.
David Haye was a small heavyweight in comparison. Holyfield fought Value and David Haye beat him. Vander Holyfield was a cruiserweight when he fought Dwight Muhammad Kawi who was 5'7". Kawi was a 57 cruiserweight who would get underneath and move like a nightmare to deal with. He was described as a mini Joe Fraser and a tank. Kawi would pull his trunks way up during fights.
Holyfield won a major highly disputed majority decision. At the time of that fight, Evander was 46 years old.
Yoel Romero is described as built differently than every other human being. During one of his fights where he had broken his orbital, the UFC brought him to a doctor who told the UFC he had never seen a human built like this before. The doctor stated his tendons in his eye were three times larger than a normal person's and the orbital bone was already healing without needing medicine.
The conversation noted that Cubans are very connected to the Russians who are very connected to science. It was suggested that if you knew a kid was going to be wrestling and trained him specifically from a young age, you could make a totally different kind of kid.
A story was shared about a dad taking testosterone cream who was hugging his baby bare chest to bare chest, transferring the testosterone. The baby started showing androgenic effects very early including his genitals growing and getting hair.
Andre Smay is a hybrid bodybuilder, powerlifter, strongman, and arm wrestler. He weighs 350 lbs with 27 inch arms. His hands are so big they look like catcher mitts. His hands grew huge because of growth hormone. He takes a thousand units of growth hormone a day, which is 10 vials.
He does one arm pull-ups at 350 lbs. He has a regular factory job and is not doing it for money. He looks like he's 50 years old at age 27. In 2016 he looked like a normal athlete, and by 2026 he had become an immense freak. He takes everything available including a lot of testosterone which caused him to lose his hair.
Tom Haviland is 6'8" and around 330-390 lbs. He doesn't do normal workouts but does basic farm stuff including farmer walks with ridiculously heavy objects and picking up axles. He was trying to get to 400 lbs but shredded and preposterously strong. He is always working out when you can't see him. He always wears clothes and occasionally shows his body, building what appears to be a masterpiece he wants to reveal when complete.
The idea was proposed that 225 lbs should be a weight class and then chaos should begin after that, letting the freaks in. The most entertaining fights in Pride were the freak fights. These enhanced athletes would melt a piss cup in testing. In Pride, everybody was juicing.
The Enhanced Games only had one world record broken in the 50 meter swim, and the swimmer was wearing an illegal suit that makes you slippery. The swimmer had already beaten the world record years before. The games were not that successful.
The reason for the Enhanced Games is that the company puts out monthly TRT and testosterone products. The games were essentially an advertisement for people to see that being enhanced is better, with the enhanced program costing $399 a month.
When opening PED use to everyone, it's different in fighting because you're beating on another human being and creating damage. Enhancing someone increases their ability to take damage. On EPO you get hit with less shots because you have more endurance. The strokes you get on EPO are described as the best.
There may be a way to do these things if monitoring blood work carefully without going crazy. Human nature means one step leads to another. If a guy like that has skills, it would be remarkable.
The hypothetical was raised of offering Fedor the ability to keep fighting by making him 32 again biologically. This would include hyperbaric chamber sessions every day for 2 hours, testosterone in the morning, lunch, and night, plus growth hormone all day to get him to 290 lbs shredded with peptides.
Part of Fedor's attraction was his belly. Lorenzo Fertitta did everything he could to get Fedor to fight in the UFC.
Fedor was negotiating with dangerous characters. Dana White had to increase security because it was getting heavy with those guys who wanted a piece of the promotion. It wasn't about Fedor or the money he wanted. Vadim Finkelstein was Fedor's manager with M1 and wanted a co-promotion with UFC, which UFC refused to do.
This meant missing out on the greatest matchup of all time between prime Cain Velasquez and prime Fedor, which would have been nuts. Cain has no equal in terms of gas tank.
Cain Velasquez is completely checked out of fighting and trying to get his life back. He is doing a great job training guys. The one fight that would have been wanted to see him come back for was against Fedor.
Everyone talks about Brock Lesnar vs Fedor, but that probably wouldn't have been a good fight because Brock would have had such a hard time standing up with Fedor.
Alistair Overeem was at his most enhanced during his UFC run, described as eating horse meat and everything. He was a monster with world class kickboxing. Now he is a vegan and doesn't look anything like he did, back to his Pride days, slowing down and looking good.
Overeem has been knocked out a ton of times but seems fine, doing commentary and speaking smoothly and articulately.
There is a gene called APOE4. If you have it, you have increased risk of severity of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in people with significant repetitive head impacts. It is a modifier of risk, not a cause by itself. A large postmortem study of 364 people with RH showed that APOE4 was associated with more advanced CTE stage and higher tau protein burden in the frontal lobe, mainly in those older than 65.
A study found that nine out of ten people had some level of CTE whether high school kids, college kids, or other groups. This is not just NFL or college players but includes high school kids.
More is known now about fighter safety than before. Previously, when asking if a guy gets hit with a shot, goes down, and then gets hit again, could that wake him back up, the answer was always no because it would only intensify the effects. Now it is understood that the human body does weird things in traumatic situations.
Being able to hit someone and separate synapses that are connected means there is no difference in being able to hit them and put them back together. They can get snapped the same way.
In MMA, referees have less time to make decisions than in boxing because fighters move toward the downed opponent to do more damage rather than going to a neutral corner. There have been fights where a fighter is going down, the referee moves in to stop it, the fighter starts sitting up, and then gets hit again and goes out.
In the Hermes Franca fight at UFC 46 in the third round, McCarthy caught Franca's leg. Franca threw a loopy shot and dropped him. McCarthy had the leg in his hand and could see his face headed toward the canvas with his eyes wide open but could not put his hands in front of his face. His face bounced off the canvas which woke him up, then he started fishing for legs.
He could see everything and hear everything but could not put his hands in front of his face. After his face hit the canvas he woke back up.
There was a stereotype that good looking guys can't fight because they don't want to get messed up. This is not true. Rico Verhoeven is a model and a murderer who trained with Cain Velasquez and DC. He has no fear of being taken down and would fight them to the death defending takedowns.
Rico Verhoeven was offered Derrick Lewis but then the Usyk fight came up for $15 million. In most people's eyes he won most of the rounds against Usyk.
In Francis Ngannou vs Tyson Fury, the scoring was examined. In Conor McGregor vs Mayweather, McGregor won the first couple rounds because Mayweather didn't throw any punches. Judges have admitted making mistakes in that fight by giving credit where they shouldn't have.
It is easier for heavier weights to go up to boxing and have success than smaller guys. Terence Crawford is one of the greatest ever with insane hands. Crawford could go to MMA and wrestle.
Crawford is done fighting, having accomplished everything including becoming a multiple division champion, going undefeated, making a ton of money, and beating Canelo.
Crawford was seen at Gleason's Gym boxing guys and just playing without trying to hurt anyone. He is one of the best switch hitters ever, comparable to Hagler. He can box southpaw and suddenly switch to orthodox. He does lateral movement that leaves opponents wondering where he is, then lands clean shots.
Crawford hit Canelo with a straight left, Canelo went to counter, and Crawford turned his extended hand into a left hook. Canelo got dinged with the left hook showing incredible speed and precision.
Josh Thompson described sparring with Robert Guerrero, noting how the former world champion would use him for the first four rounds of a 12-round session. Guerrero would rotate in a new training partner every four rounds and would piece Thompson up using touch-and-move techniques, slipping to the side repeatedly. Thompson, who was in peak fight shape for upcoming UFC bouts, found himself exhausted by round four despite Guerrero barely touching him.
The conversation emphasized how massive the gap is between high-level strikers and everyone else. Thompson noted that watching Jack Della Maddalena fight Carlos Prates showed the difference in levels, with Prates appearing completely untouchable. Prates' elite Muay Thai background gives him an understanding of positioning and technique that fighters who train multiple disciplines cannot match. Thompson highlighted Prates' step-in tomahawk elbow as an example of this specialized skill.
Prates was described as exceptionally slick, making even dangerous strikers like Jack Della Maddalena look ineffective. His physical attributes were discussed, with the group noting his unusual length despite claiming to be 6'1". His reach was described as remarkable, with long arms and legs that create constant problems for opponents. Prates uses calf kicks to slowly break down opponents while setting up other strikes, and his jab-like knee was singled out as particularly effective.
The group analyzed Ian Garry's fight with Prates, noting that Garry was competitive in the final round. They observed that if the fight had gone five rounds, it would have been much more difficult for Garry. The performance was used to highlight how good Garry actually is, given the stylistic problems Prates presents.
Thompson discussed Pereira's knockout of Leon Edwards, noting that he expected a more technical, competitive fight given Edwards' slickness, but Pereira dominated completely. The conversation turned to Edwards' struggles since losing the title to Muhammad, with confidence cited as a major factor. The group also discussed Sean Brady's dominant performance against Edwards, comparing it to Brady's mauling of Joaquin Buckley.
The Brady-Craig Jones grappling match was analyzed, with the detail that Jones was not allowed to use leg locks. Thompson compared this restriction to fighting Ernesto Hoost while only being allowed to kick above the waist. Despite the limitation, Brady's ability to hold Jones down was described as shocking, with Brady appearing to do conditioning drills on a heavy bag while mounted.
Thompson suggested that while fights like Ian Garry vs. Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates vs. Makhachev would be difficult, adding Sean Brady to the mix would create even more problems for the champion. Styles make matchups, and Brady's grappling presents a unique challenge. Michael Morales was also discussed as a potential threat, with his size, athleticism, power, and wrestling background (Ecuadorian national champion) noted as factors that could trouble Makhachev.
Makhachev's unorthodox takedowns were discussed, including his use of foot sweeps and judo techniques rather than traditional wrestling entries. His ability to transition immediately after punches into inside trips or singles and doubles was highlighted, along with his world championship experience and years training with Khabib.
The group expressed excitement about Myktybek Orolbai at 170 pounds, describing him as the real deal with elite wrestling, grappling, and submission skills comparable to Sean Brady.
Jason Jackson was identified as the only fighter to beat Orolbai. Jackson recently defeated MVP in 22 seconds. He has a wrestling background but prefers to stand and fight. Despite having multiple jobs including a coconut stand and car wash, he remains highly talented. Jackson was part of The Ultimate Fighter with Blackzilians versus ATT and has been on the cusp of returning to the UFC.
Sergey Bilstinov was discussed after his knockout of Hamon Ferrer. As one of Fedor Emelianenko's fighters, he was described as extremely muscular, fast, and powerful. Vadim Nemkov was also mentioned as a top heavyweight outside the UFC, noted for his athleticism, lateral movement, hand speed, beautiful kicks, and wrestling ability despite his smaller size for the division.
The conversation touched on the rigorous training environment in Dagestan, where fighters live at Khabib's camp with no parties, requiring snow tires, thick clothing, and minimal comfort including sleeping on futons.
Amosov was praised for his performance against Joel Alvarez, with particular emphasis on the ease and spectacular technique of his takedowns, including an airborne finish. His training partnership with Jack Della Maddalena was noted, with the two going after each other daily. Johnny Eblen was mentioned as another training partner who gives Della Maddalena significant problems in sparring.
Della Maddalena's wrestling ability was highlighted through his past fights, including a hip toss against three-time national champion Ed Ruth and competitive exchanges with six-time state champion Logan Storley. He actively chases submissions including anacondas, D'Arce chokes, and knee bars.
The discussion covered how bringing in talent from other promotions like Strikeforce historically created great fights. Adding fighters like Michael Chandler, Patricio Pitbull, and Aaron Pico creates hype, motivates existing UFC fighters, and gives new arrivals something to prove. This cross-pollination was said to spark divisions and create better overall cards.
Pico's improvement was noted, particularly his performance against Pitbull where his boxing flowed, transitions were smooth, and he fought intelligently. His first UFC fight against Andre Lima was contrasted as one where he was pressing too hard and making his intentions too obvious. The need for Pico to relax and let fights come to him was emphasized.
Pico's multiple KOs were discussed, including losses to Boris and Corrales where he was winning before being stopped. His hyper-aggressive style was identified as both a strength and a liability. His left hook to the body was compared favorably to Paul Daley's, described as extremely smooth with a whipping technique.
Big John McCarthy provided a detailed breakdown of the Joe Schilling fight stoppage. After Schilling was headbutted, referee Mike Beltran called timeout, took a point from the opponent, and asked Schilling whether he wanted to restart standing or on the ground. Schilling chose to return to the ground in the same position. As the opponent began placing hands on Schilling's biceps instead of under the shoulders, Schilling became frustrated and quit, saying he was done.
McCarthy explained that when a fighter is fouled, they are given the choice of where to restart. Normally the fight would be stood up, but if the fouled fighter requests to return to the ground, they restart in the same position. The opponent's hands should have been placed under the shoulders, not on the biceps. Schilling never gave Beltran time to properly reset the position before quitting.
At 42 years old, Schilling was described as fighting for money rather than a title. McCarthy suggested Schilling expected a professional, fair fight and became frustrated when fouled, particularly when he felt the position was not being properly reset. The emotional response led him to quit rather than continue.
The headbutt was confirmed as intentional and malicious rather than incidental positioning. Using the head as a striking instrument is a foul, though it can be used as a steering tool or third arm for positioning and pressure.
The group discussed the Mike Perry versus Nate Diaz fight, noting Diaz had not fought MMA since 2022 when he beat Tony Ferguson. Perry was described as having found his sport in bare-knuckle fighting.
Mike Perry beat Tony Ferguson four years ago. Stylistically, fighting bare knuckle and boxing represents the best career move for him. Perry is uniquely talented at bare knuckle. John McCarthy used him as a demonstrator when dealing with Andy Foster, the executive officer in California who did not initially like bare knuckle.
John McCarthy wrote the rules for bare knuckle long ago after Dave Felman approached him to help legalize the sport. McCarthy provided two pricing options: one where Felman would not reveal who wrote the rules, and another where the authorship would be credited. McCarthy anticipated backlash for writing rules for bare knuckle. He explicitly declined to write rules for slap fights, stating he hates them.
The only rule in slap fighting is that you cannot defend yourself. The format where participants run at each other was described as even worse, with the name "Run it" given to that variation.
The core challenge involves getting athletic commissions to understand bare knuckle fighting. McCarthy noted the inconsistency where MMA permits shin strikes to the head, knee strikes to the head, and elbow strikes even when the head is against the ground, yet bare fists are treated as a major problem. This stems from perception issues where people believe the narrative that bare knuckle is horrible.
McCarthy presented the case to Andy Foster by comparing fighters made for specific disciplines. He cited Floyd Mayweather, Terrence Crawford, and Canelo Alvarez as examples of boxers made for boxing, and George St. Pierre, Alexander Volkanovski, and Islam Makhachev as fighters made for MMA. McCarthy argued that Mike Perry was not made for MMA but was made for bare knuckle, allowing him to make a living, support his family, become a star, and secure sponsors for long-term financial stability. Foster ultimately agreed with this assessment.
Being released from the UFC was described as the best thing that could have happened to Perry's career trajectory.
Andy Foster has implemented a license plate program in California to generate retirement funds for fighters. Boxers already have an established retirement system. For fighters like Josh Thompson who competed 19 times in California, this provides access to actual retirement benefits, which can fund trade school, home purchases, or serve as down payments rather than monthly stipends. Assembly Bill 2130 was proposed to allocate 75% of sponsor revenue from officials' shirts to retired fighters and 25% to training judges and referees, with zero taxpayer money involved. The bill was rejected by a staffer.
The stated opposition in California was that sponsors might claim association with the state through their contributions. Both speakers noted they now live in Texas. McCarthy referenced his father defining "politics" as "many blood-sucking little insects."
Assemblyman Heath Flora is advancing a bill to protect individuals who intervene to protect others from civil lawsuits when acting against someone committing harmful acts.
Scott Coker is returning to MMA with $60 million in funding. While the amount seems substantial, the costs of producing MMA events, television production, fighter pay, venues, and full-time staff make it challenging. Coker previously ran Glory and Bellator successfully. More competition and options for fighters are viewed positively, especially with the MVP and Netflix developments bringing additional money into the sport. Fighters need more money overall, and additional promotions help build experience and high-level competition.
The UFC brand itself draws viewers even when individual fighters on cards are unknown. Marketing fighters has become more difficult due to the high volume of events. Fight nights often go unnoticed by casual fans. Some cards rate low on paper but deliver high entertainment value upon viewing. The UFC benefits from a strong hardcore fan base, but casual viewers drive broader success. Ronda Rousey was credited with effectively drawing mainstream attention and achieving 17 million viewers for certain events.
The upcoming Conor McGregor fight in July against Michael Chandler is expected to generate massive interest due to McGregor's personality. McGregor has not fought in over five years, approaching six years by fight time. Questions remain about whether he will perform at his previous level or show decline similar to Nate Diaz's recent appearance. Mike Perry was noted for looking exceptionally strong in his bare knuckle performances.
Max Holloway maintains constant high-level competition, including winning the BMF fight and defeating Dustin Poirier. At 155 pounds, this weight class is considered optimal for him. For the McGregor fight, Holloway is expected to be in exceptional shape with minimal weight cutting. His durability was highlighted by his ability to absorb control and back takes from Charles Oliveira with limited damage beyond frustration.
Islam Makhachev submitted Charles Oliveira with a head-and-arm choke. McCarthy had predicted this outcome before three rounds. Makhachev's method of securing the darce by grabbing the forearm and covering the head with the chest has been adopted by others. Oliveira's grappling remains exceptionally dangerous on the ground.
New applications of established techniques continue to emerge. The guillotine variation used by AJ McKee, referred to as the Makiotine, was discussed. Grant Dawson recently executed a genie choke in competition, a move commonly practiced in training rooms but rarely seen in fights. Body type influences technique effectiveness, as seen with McKee's long reach at 145 pounds.
Edson Barboza's wheel kick knockout of Terry Etim was the first of its kind in competition. Anderson Silva's front kick to Vitor Belfort's face was similarly groundbreaking. Front kicks to the face have since become more common as unexpected counters, particularly after opponents adapt to body kicks. These techniques are among the first taught in karate training.
Cub Swanson claims to have thrown calf kicks as early as 2011. Benson Henderson was among the early adopters. George Sotiropoulos used them effectively in Strikeforce around 2007-2008. The ATT team has long utilized calf kicks as a primary weapon. Chris Weidman was noted for his calf kick usage alongside head kicks and body shots.
Weidman was considered slick and underappreciated despite strong performances, including head kick knockouts of Mark Munoz and others. His step-in hook knockout of Darren Till at a higher weight class stood out. He received recognition primarily after executing unexpected finishes rather than consistent credit for his overall skill.
Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje remain ranked at number two and three without retiring. Gaethje's elite grappling and devastating leg kicks, including clinch variations, make him difficult for younger fighters like Paddy Pimblett to overcome. Gaethje has not faded at age 36-37 and maintains world-class striking ability.
Dana White emphasizes the need for 100% commitment to the sport. Fighters eventually reach points where other life interests emerge. Gaethje was described as enjoying life, playing golf, and maintaining financial stability. His participation in "The Naked Gun" sequel alongside Kamaru Usman showcased his personality. Gaethje has been honest about potentially retiring and has considered it after tough fights like his bout with Max Holloway. A strong performance against Ilia Topuria could influence his decision to continue.
Hosting a world championship fight outdoors at the White House raises significant issues. June temperatures in DC reached 100 degrees the previous year, with added heat from lights attracting bugs. Dehydration risks are substantial. McCarthy argued against competing in non-controlled environments, comparing it to playing a basketball championship outside. A roof structure or indoor arena was suggested as necessary despite the desire for the White House backdrop. UFC 3 was referenced as an example of extreme heat conditions indoors.
UFC 3 took place in a 3,500-seat arena in North Carolina with 6,000 people packed inside and inadequate air conditioning. Under the lights, temperatures reached an estimated 150 degrees. Multiple fighters struggled with the conditions including Royce Gracie who had issues after chemotherapy treatment, and Ken Shamrock who also fell out. The event was described as the hottest environment ever experienced.
An outdoor UFC event in Abu Dhabi featured BJ Penn versus Frankie Edgar along with additional fights. The desert conditions brought massive bugs that appeared bird-sized. The combination of heat, outdoor setting, and unusual environmental factors created significant challenges for competitors.
Habib reportedly preferred that Islam not accept a fight at the White House due to multiple factors including media distractions throughout the week, the outdoor venue, and general conditions that fighters are unaccustomed to. These elements were seen as unnecessary risks to an undefeated record, second title opportunity, and overall legacy.
Suggestions were made that a roof could be constructed over outdoor venues given the substantial financial resources available. Comparisons were drawn to constructing a ballroom, with recommendations to build a dedicated facility or barnaminium rather than continuing outdoor events.
The FDA approval for IBA game was achieved through direct text communication with Trump on a Friday, followed by his appearance at UFC on Saturday where he confirmed the decision was made. The approval came after explaining the treatment's effectiveness for veterans with PTSD, individuals with traumatic brain injuries, and addressing the fentanyl crisis as an alternative treatment option.
The argument was presented that veterans should not need to travel to Mexico for treatments related to injuries sustained while defending their country. The approval process encountered resistance from multiple individuals within the White House, but was ultimately pushed through with direct intervention.
IBA game received support from both Democrats and Republicans with approximately 85% of the country supporting its use for medical purposes rather than recreation. Rick Perry's public endorsement and personal testimony significantly shifted opinions. Brian Huard also contributed substantially to advancing the initiative. Dan Patrick approved $100 million for the IBA game initiative in Texas.
The treatment causes 24 hours of severe discomfort including diarrhea, but results in feeling renewed afterward. Historical perception viewed psychedelics as recreational substances used by certain demographics, but recognition has grown regarding their potential therapeutic benefits for those needing medical assistance.
Recent visits to San Diego and Los Angeles revealed significant deterioration. San Diego's Gas Lamp district was described as particularly problematic with homeless individuals entering restaurants and attempting to take food from diners' plates. The Burbank area was noted as comparatively better than the Gas Lamp district.
The first visit in three years where the area felt unsafe was noted. The absence of effective law enforcement was identified as the core issue. Questions were raised about how to restore previous conditions and who would be capable of implementing necessary changes, with names including Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton, and Katie Porter mentioned as potential candidates.
After 23 years as a police officer, the position was stated that individuals with serious problems benefit from placement in facilities where they can receive medication and assistance rather than remaining on streets. The ACLU's position against such interventions was noted as counterproductive to both the individuals and the general public.
Cities with significant homeless populations were identified as locations where societal direction has been lost, with many being Democrat-run municipalities. Gyms previously owned in San Jose had tent cities along access roads where homeless individuals were observed stealing solar panels from homes to charge cell phones.
San Jose and San Francisco were noted for providing needles, drugs, and phones to homeless populations. The homelessness industry in California received $24 billion with minimal results. An audit attempt was vetoed by the governor. Additional wasteful spending included a bridge constructed for mountain lions.
Individuals not aligned with extreme positions are often labeled as far-right. The effectiveness of taxing billionaires was questioned when existing funds show fraud and waste. Jeff Bezos proposed eliminating taxes for the bottom 50% of earners since they contribute minimally to the tax base but would stimulate the economy with additional disposable income.
A proposal was made to raise the capital gains tax threshold from $500,000 to $1,000,000, potentially encouraging property sales and returning capital to the economy. Current low interest rates on existing mortgages create disincentives for selling properties.
Nick Shirley was credited with exposing government fraud and should receive recognition rather than criticism. Elon Musk estimated fraud at close to or exceeding one trillion dollars and expressed concern about potential retaliation. California has identified approximately $200 billion in fraud, with similar issues expected in New York, Chicago, and across all states.
Government agencies operate under requirements to spend entire budgets or risk reduced allocations the following year. This same system applies to schools where unspent funds result in smaller future budgets. The suggestion was made to instead reward departments and institutions that save money.
A refereeing class is scheduled for July 17th and 19th in Las Vegas at venues such as Stream Couture, requiring gym facilities with cages for practical training with fighters. Contact information was offered for questions during fights, with willingness to be available via text or speaker phone during UFC events.
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