Gaston Bolanos & Kirian Fitzgibbons

Date: 2018-08-06 | Duration: 2h 32m

Episode Overview

Gaston Bolanos and Kirian Fitzgibbons join the JRE MMA Show to dive deep into the nuances of Muay Thai and its integration with MMA. They discuss the evolution of striking techniques, emphasizing the importance of shin conditioning and the strategic use of leg kicks, which have become a dominant weapon in modern MMA. Both guests share insights on adapting traditional Muay Thai for the cage, highlighting how most Thai coaches don’t tailor their methods specifically for MMA, which creates opportunities for fighters who blend striking with grappling effectively. The conversation also touches on the challenges fighters face with weight cutting and recovery, including detailed discussions about hydration strategies, supplements like creatine, and injury management. Gaston recounts personal experiences with knee injuries and innovative treatments such as exosome therapy, underscoring the physical toll combat sports exact on athletes. Additionally, they reflect on the judging inconsistencies in both MMA and Muay Thai, advocating for better scoring systems to fairly reward effective striking and grappling. Throughout the episode, memorable stories emerge about training camps, fighter mindsets, and the importance of mental resilience. The guests emphasize the value of a supportive gym environment where professional fighters train alongside amateurs, fostering growth and community. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the technical, physical, and psychological aspects shaping today’s combat sports landscape.

About Gaston Bolanos

Gaston Bolanos is a professional mixed martial artist competing in Bellator, where he has quickly garnered attention for his explosive striking and dynamic fighting style. With a strong background in Muay Thai, Bolanos has earned accolades for his impressive performances inside the cage, showcasing his ability to finish fights with precision and power. Known as “El Guapo,” he brings an engaging personality and a passionate dedication to his craft, making him a fan favorite in the MMA community. In addition to his fighting career, Bolanos trains under the guidance of renowned coach Kirian Fitzgibbons at CSA Gym, where he not only hones his skills but also inspires the next generation of fighters. His journey through the world of combat sports, coupled with his relentless pursuit of excellence, makes Gaston Bolanos a compelling figure in the realm of MMA.

About Kirian Fitzgibbons

Kirian Fitzgibbons is a distinguished MMA coach and the owner of CSA Gym, where he has honed the skills of numerous elite fighters, including Bellator standout Gaston Bolanos. With a deep-rooted passion for martial arts and a keen understanding of fight dynamics, Kirian has earned a reputation for his innovative training techniques and strategic approach to competition, steering his athletes to remarkable success in the cage. Known for his engaging personality and commitment to developing both fighters and the sport, Kirian's insights into training philosophies and fight preparation make him a captivating figure in the world of mixed martial arts.

Key Moments

– Mixed Martial Arts
– Muay Thai
– Kickboxing
– Fight Strategy
– Weight Cutting
– Injury Recovery
– Combat Sports Training
– Fight Judging
– Sports Nutrition
– Mental Preparation
– Fight Camps
– MMA Coaching
– Combat Sports History
– Athlete Conditioning
– CrossFit
– Fight Analysis
– Fight Promotions
– Sports Psychology
0:00:00 – Introduction and Opening Remarks
0:00:58 – Differences Between Kickboxing and MMA Gloves
0:01:33 – Discussion on Legal and Illegal Moves
0:03:47 – Joe Rogan's Fight Walkout and Initial Impressions
0:04:07 – Game Plan Focused on Wrestling and Kicks
0:06:07 – Audience Reaction to Ronda Rousey After Misha Fight
0:08:01 – Introduction of 'Silky Smooth' Fighter Nickname
0:09:24 – Early Career Challenges and Walk-Around Weight
0:12:09 – Training Motivation Inspired by Buster Douglas vs Tyson
0:14:25 – Fighter Left Without Coach or Team Support
0:16:15 – Living Arrangements to Support Training and Schooling
0:18:53 – Challenges of International Muay Thai in 2008-2009
0:24:48 – Financial Influence on Combat Sports Popularity
0:27:05 – Muay Thai's Entertainment Value Compared to Other Sports
0:29:58 – Recognition of Top Heavyweight Kickboxers
0:31:14 – Starting with Traditional Martial Arts and Southpaw Stance
0:33:10 – Unexpected Fight Outcomes and Game Plan Deviations
0:36:44 – Emotional Moments During Sparring Sessions
0:38:46 – Personal Challenges Including Divorce Impacting Training
0:41:10 – Obsessive Focus on Technique and Footwork Improvements
0:43:05 – Building Strong Relationships with Training Partners
0:46:40 – Current Training Focus and Preparation for Upcoming Fight
0:49:06 – Aspirations to Hold a Kickboxing Belt
0:51:08 – Fighter Personality and Public Perception
0:53:36 – Discussion of Stacked Weight Classes in MMA
0:55:19 – Weight Cutting Strategies and Mental Strength
0:57:22 – Bodybuilding and Heart Attack Incident
0:59:13 – Use of Supplements and Probiotics in Training
1:04:25 – Meniscus Tear and Running Injuries
1:06:01 – Working with Dr. Neil Reardon on Injury Recovery
1:07:25 – CrossFit Games Participation Post ACL Replacement
1:15:58 – Sauna Work and Inflammation Reduction Techniques
1:19:53 – Challenges of Prioritizing Coaching Over Self-Care
1:24:37 – Presidential Protection Detail Experience in Haiti
1:29:33 – High-Level Thai Coaches and Judging in Muay Thai
1:36:13 – Importance of Shin Conditioning in Combat Sports
1:39:48 – Impact of Low Calf Kicks in MMA
1:42:29 – Best Muay Thai Strikers and Their Adaptation to MMA
1:45:15 – Analysis of Elbow Strikes and Fight Finishes
1:46:09 – Rules on Spinning Elbows in Amateur Tournaments
1:50:58 – Slow First-Round Tie Style in Muay Thai
1:53:04 – Thai Coaches' Approach to MMA Striking
1:54:49 – Female Kickboxer Career Decisions and Surgery
2:00:41 – Cheating and Hydration Issues in Combat Sports
2:02:58 – Judging Controversies and Fight Scoring Debates
2:06:29 – Opinions on Female Fighters and Fight Outcomes
2:08:45 – Discussion on 12 to 6 Elbow Strike Legality
2:11:18 – Memorable Fights and Fighter Performances
2:13:36 – Notable Fighters and Weight Cutting Challenges
2:16:33 – Injury Risks and Fight Stoppage Decisions
2:19:37 – Use of Feints and Defensive Movement in Fighting
2:21:28 – Career Planning and Future Fight Camps
2:23:04 – Pro Muay Thai Fight Records and Performance
2:25:24 – Training with Dustin and Sand Dune Stepper Technique
2:28:47 – Closing Remarks and Episode Conclusion

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 4, 3, 2, 1, YEAH! Starting point is 00:00:25 Thanks, man. Starting point is 00:00:37 You could do a spinning back fist, though, right? Starting point is 00:00:58 I feel like the kickboxing glove protects you a little bit more than the MMA glove probably does. Starting point is 00:01:33 It's legal or illegal? Starting point is 00:01:51 That is illegal. Starting point is 00:02:10 Yeah. Starting point is 00:02:28 They mentioned it, but I think at that time, Starting point is 00:02:42 Yeah, and Joe's so reckless. Starting point is 00:03:05 Yeah, man, We were talking about that Starting point is 00:03:14 He looked okay walking out Starting point is 00:03:23 And I was hoping Starting point is 00:03:47 So as soon as I saw him walk out and start the fight, I was like, Starting point is 00:04:07 He wanted to use more wrestling from what we were talking to Danny and all those guys about. Starting point is 00:04:34 right way yeah and i thought he was going about it the right way initially with the kicks yeah Starting point is 00:04:58 I was like, yeah, there's the game plan. Starting point is 00:05:12 It's just the confidence level, the anger, the emotion. Starting point is 00:05:36 Unless Henry was the champion and DJ took the crown from him. Starting point is 00:06:07 People don't remember how hated Ronda was after that Misha fight Starting point is 00:06:21 Like the whole audience was booing. Starting point is 00:06:46 That was a lion fight. Starting point is 00:06:52 I dropped him, what, twice, once? Starting point is 00:07:25 Yeah, Eddie. Starting point is 00:07:38 they both fought at that weight. Starting point is 00:08:01 Silky smooth, that's his nickname, Silky Smooth. Starting point is 00:08:21 Yeah, he's such an amazing human being. Starting point is 00:08:43 Yeah, about two years after I did. Starting point is 00:09:10 18 years old. Starting point is 00:09:24 So the first year I fought as a my junior career no so the first year Starting po...

More Episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #10038?

Gaston Bolanos & Kirian Fitzgibbons was the guest on JRE #10038. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #10038?

On Joe Rogan Experience #10038 with Gaston Bolanos & Kirian Fitzgibbons, topics include Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Fight Strategy.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #10038?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #10038 with Gaston Bolanos & Kirian Fitzgibbons is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.