Israel Adesanya

Date: 2018-07-10 | Duration: 1h 59m

Episode Overview

Israel Adesanya dives deep into his MMA journey, sharing candid stories about his transition from kickboxing to mixed martial arts and the challenges he faced along the way. He reflects on early fights, including a memorable tournament where he injured his foot, and discusses the importance of adapting his style to MMA’s demands. Adesanya credits his coach Eugene Behrman for being the mastermind behind his strategic growth, highlighting how their partnership has elevated his game. He also touches on the mental side of fighting, emphasizing calculated risks and the need to stay true to oneself inside the cage. The conversation explores Adesanya’s unique approach to training and movement, linking his background in dance to his fluid striking and timing. He breaks down technical aspects like his jab, deceptive kicks, and how he uses rhythm to control fights. Additionally, Adesanya shares insights on recovery, weight cutting, and the physical toll of competing at the highest level. Throughout, he offers sharp observations on other fighters and the evolving MMA landscape, including nods to legends like Jon Jones and Nick Diaz. The episode captures Adesanya’s blend of humility, confidence, and relentless drive that define his rise in the sport.

About Israel Adesanya

Israel "The Style Bender" Adesanya is a renowned middleweight MMA fighter and kickboxer, celebrated for his striking prowess and dynamic fighting style. Born in Nigeria and raised in New Zealand, Adesanya has made waves in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he captured the UFC Middleweight Championship and became known for his spectacular finishes and charismatic personality. With a kickboxing record of 75 wins, including 29 knockouts, and multiple title defenses under his belt, Adesanya has solidified his status as one of the most electrifying figures in combat sports. His unique blend of artistry, confidence, and strategic acumen, coupled with his journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of MMA, makes him an intriguing guest on the Joe Rogan Experience, where he shares insights on fighting, life, and the pursuit of greatness.

Key Moments

– Mixed Martial Arts
– Kickboxing
– Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
– Fight Strategy
– Fight Conditioning
– Fight Psychology
– MMA Training Camps
– Fight Nutrition
– Fight Injuries
– MMA History
– Fight Analysis
– MMA Promotions
– Fight Techniques
– MMA Rankings
– Performance Enhancement
– MMA Coaches
– Fight Recovery
– Fight Preparation
0:00:00 – Introduction and opening remarks
0:01:04 – Discussion about coach Eugene Behrman
0:01:46 – Israel Adesanya's early MMA hype
0:02:34 – Tournament fight and foot injury story
0:05:30 – Helping Rumble Johnson prepare for John Jones
0:08:16 – Transition from kickboxing to MMA
0:10:36 – Submission skills and one championship fight
0:12:42 – Differences in boxing ring sizes
0:15:10 – Israel's physical growth and development
0:17:05 – Dancing's influence on fighting style
0:19:17 – Training the eyes and fight vision
0:20:08 – Influence of Prince Naseem Hamed
0:21:50 – Uriah Hall vs Paulo Costa fight mention
0:24:44 – Ground game and jiu-jitsu black belt discussion
0:27:55 – Analyzing a significant fight on paper
0:29:33 – Acknowledging opponent's heart and toughness
0:30:28 – Henry Cejudo's improvement since first fight
0:31:30 – Importance of VO2 Max and wrestling
0:32:25 – Wrestling background and MMA knowledge
0:33:05 – Training partnership and Instagram photo
0:34:10 – Burnett's five-round fight analysis
0:35:37 – Reviewing own fight and tendencies
0:37:10 – Sean O'Malley's spinning head kick
0:38:53 – Rick Rufus and PKA karate style
0:40:06 – Spinning back kick impact in fight
0:42:13 – Healing quickly from injuries
0:44:59 – Discussion on steroids and testing in MMA
0:47:29 – Voice impressions and YouTube presence
0:49:37 – Disregard for rankings in fight opportunities
0:51:19 – Reflecting on losing a fight
0:52:11 – Fighting at 185 and 195 pounds
0:54:46 – Nutrition strategies before weigh-ins
0:57:36 – Speed and NLP-like training techniques
0:59:44 – Hopeful moments in fight style
1:01:55 – Mayweather style fight tactics
1:02:30 – Calculated risk-taking in fights
1:04:18 – Openness on social media about fights
1:06:15 – Experience with international fight promotions
1:08:53 – Weight cutting challenges at 170 pounds
1:11:21 – Stopping rolling in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
1:13:07 – PKA karate and kickboxing style discussion
1:15:14 – Observing Ortiz and Liddell training
1:16:54 – Strength and conditioning insights
1:18:11 – Stretching after plyometric exercises
1:20:24 – Copyright claims in martial arts techniques
1:23:39 – Yoga and Kama Sutra references
1:26:07 – Muscle memory from dancing
1:27:44 – Nick Diaz's influence on spinning techniques
1:29:07 – Personal reflections on Nick Diaz
1:31:08 – Judges' scoring and fight rounds
1:32:52 – Confidence after first fight recognition
1:34:48 – Clock choke submission demonstration
1:36:29 – Respecting the jab in fights
1:39:04 – Collaborative training and creativity
1:41:07 – Desire for title shot
1:42:04 – Advanced submission techniques
1:44:07 – Knockout of Frankie Edgar
1:46:19 – Only knockout loss reflection
1:47:30 – Hating losing and mental toughness
1:48:44 – Appreciating career achievements
1:50:18 – Advice on opting out if not enjoying
1:52:13 – Teammate motivation and rivalry
1:53:29 – Cultural attitudes in training environments
1:55:01 – Comfort and confidence growth

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 four three two one style bender ladies and gentlemen salute sir congratulations man Starting point is 00:00:36 Yeah. Starting point is 00:01:04 the mastermind behind all this eugene behrman our time because my coach, he's the mastermind Starting point is 00:01:12 There's no rush. Starting point is 00:01:18 he's been up and down Starting point is 00:01:29 in something else like jiu-jitsu. Starting point is 00:01:46 You built up some hype in MMA, Starting point is 00:01:59 There was one that, was it Brendan Dorman? Starting point is 00:02:14 It was Kenshin. Starting point is 00:02:34 third fight of the night so it was a tournament so the final fight and i hurt my foot on his head Starting point is 00:03:01 100%. Starting point is 00:03:11 Like, okay, he's right here. Starting point is 00:03:23 Because I've had it done to me. Starting point is 00:03:31 on the other side of that. Starting point is 00:03:41 So it's been like Starting point is 00:04:05 Is that what he said to me? Starting point is 00:04:13 just sleeping on him. Starting point is 00:04:21 Yeah, of course. Starting point is 00:04:28 Like, so many. Starting point is 00:04:56 Kai we're about to like take it to the next level and then bring bring NZ sports again all the way Starting point is 00:05:18 I mean, it's one of the most rich Starting point is 00:05:30 Like when I came to help rumble with his camp for John Jones, Starting point is 00:05:43 man, Starting point is 00:05:55 I wanted you to know that Starting point is 00:06:08 Even Ray Seffel, we come from the same school. Starting point is 00:06:24 And he's just obsessed so they're Starting point is 00:06:59 They'll see you in the gym and you when you have a guy like that in the gym Starting point is 00:07:19 Of course. Starting point is 00:07:48 So whenever he comes into MMA or the UFC, then everyone's going to be like, Starting point is 00:08:09 A lot. Starting point is 00:08:16 See, for me with kickboxing, I know. Starting po...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #10035?

Israel Adesanya was the guest on JRE #10035. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #10035?

On Joe Rogan Experience #10035 with Israel Adesanya, topics include Mixed Martial Arts, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Fight Strategy.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #10035?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #10035 with Israel Adesanya is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.