Herb Dean

Date: 2019-04-10 | Duration: 2h 55m

Episode Overview

Herb Dean, one of the most respected referees in MMA history, joins the JRE MMA Show to share deep insights from his extensive career inside the cage. He reflects on the intense pressure referees face when making split-second decisions to protect fighters, describing the delicate balance between allowing a fight to continue and stopping it to prevent serious injury. Herb recounts memorable moments, including fights in Russia and King of the Cage, emphasizing the importance of fighter safety and the challenges of recognizing when a competitor is truly unconscious or in danger. The conversation also delves into the evolution of MMA techniques, with Herb discussing unique submissions like the Ezekiel choke and the north-south choke, and how fighters’ styles have diversified over time. He highlights the rise of striking and grappling innovations, sharing stories about elite athletes and the strategic mindsets that make certain fighters stand out. Additionally, Herb touches on the complex issue of performance-enhancing drugs in combat sports, acknowledging the ongoing battle with testing protocols and the impact doping has had on the integrity of the sport. Throughout the episode, Herb’s passion for martial arts and respect for fighters shines through, offering listeners a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on the sport’s growth, the role of officiating, and the evolving landscape of MMA competition.

About Herb Dean

Herb Dean is a prominent figure in the world of mixed martial arts, renowned for his role as a seasoned referee and former fighter. With over two decades of experience in officiating, he has overseen some of the most significant bouts in MMA history, earning a reputation for his keen judgment and ability to ensure fighter safety. A certified trainer, Dean's deep understanding of the sport is complemented by his background as a competitor, where he honed his skills in various martial arts disciplines. Known for his calm demeanor and decisive actions inside the octagon, Herb Dean is not only a key steward of the sport but also a respected voice in the MMA community, making him a compelling guest on the Joe Rogan Experience.

Key Moments

– Mixed Martial Arts
– MMA Refereeing
– Fight Techniques
– Fight Safety
– Performance Enhancing Drugs
– Combat Sports Regulations
– Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
– Fight Strategy
– MMA Fighters
– Fight Commentary
– MMA History
– Bare Knuckle Fighting
– MMA Training
– Fight Psychology
– MMA Events
– Fight Stoppages
– MMA Culture
– MMA Certifications
– MMA Organizations
– MMA Injuries
0:00:14 – Discussion about starting a podcast
0:04:16 – Comment on Barboza's fearless fighting style
0:05:01 – Refereeing fights in Russia
0:06:14 – Mention of bare knuckle fighting
0:07:46 – Discussion of Jon Jones' elbows
0:10:09 – Ezekiel choke in UFC fights
0:12:12 – Recognizing unconscious fighters
0:15:22 – Pressure and responsibility on referees
0:16:20 – Introduction of the 'Absecutioner' choke
0:18:37 – North-south choke incident at King of the Cage
0:20:16 – Discussion on dangers of certain fight positions
0:22:29 – Mention of the bulldog choke
0:25:14 – Story of a fighter waking from a choke
0:27:27 – Reaction to knockout of Cowboy Cerrone
0:29:24 – Discussion on TRT and doping in MMA
0:33:16 – Combat sports government oversight
0:35:31 – Frequent drug testing of Holly Holm
0:39:18 – Praise for TJ Dillashaw's progression
0:41:33 – Discussion on hard stoppages in fights
0:46:02 – Sophisticated doping methods and Olympic success
0:48:59 – Debate on safety and canceling fights
0:50:40 – Concerns about long-term fight injuries
0:51:19 – Humorous discussion about dolphins and paddle boarding
0:54:40 – Surfing and shark encounter story
1:02:09 – Description of a roadhouse atmosphere
1:04:19 – Discussion of Celtic symbols and language
1:07:36 – Challenges of learning Japanese language
1:10:19 – Observations on group mentality and culture
1:12:04 – Early experiences at King of the Cage
1:14:59 – Fight stalling and breakdown strategies
1:17:49 – Takedown defense and back control techniques
1:19:06 – High-level kickboxing and fight IQ
1:22:50 – UFC 239 fighter confirmations
1:25:34 – Refereeing in Absolute Championship Akhmat
1:27:04 – Personal reflections on enjoying fighting
1:31:10 – Unorthodox positional strategies in fights
1:34:32 – Nevada fight travel and logistics
1:37:36 – Watching a documentary on conspiracy theories
1:41:16 – HIV medications and health in combat sports
1:46:27 – Fighter reactions to injuries
1:50:06 – Discussion of custom car modifications
2:01:05 – Importance of hand protection in striking
2:04:06 – Training intensity and fighter interactions
2:07:42 – Leg lock techniques and defenses
2:10:11 – Highlighting Timothy 'Nasty Yukon'
2:15:32 – Discussion on fight submissions and legitimacy
2:20:08 – Strategies to get Khabib's attention
2:26:26 – Evolution and athleticism in martial arts
2:29:05 – Fighter career progression and size changes
2:33:06 – Broken arm incident analysis
2:34:05 – Early commentary experiences with Joe Rogan
2:36:00 – Communicating fight concerns to commentators
2:38:42 – Certification requirements for MMA referees
2:41:25 – Training certificates for athletic commissions
2:44:18 – Recalling Marillo Bustamante vs. opponent
2:47:14 – Benefits of hot yoga for fighters
2:49:54 – Upcoming fight card and fighters mentioned
2:51:42 – Closing remarks and website promotion

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Yeah, I was good five, four, three. Starting point is 00:00:14 You and I have talked about doing a podcast for the last, like, three years. Starting point is 00:00:28 Obviously they have the hardest job Starting point is 00:00:40 I think Starting point is 00:00:49 And or sometimes, yeah. Starting point is 00:01:05 it's not that interesting i'll just find something interesting to say all right but it's not that Starting point is 00:01:49 Especially great fights. Starting point is 00:02:05 Well, old fights are harder Starting point is 00:02:20 you'd be like, I'm a big phony. Starting point is 00:02:41 I remember one time. Starting point is 00:02:52 Yeah, Starting point is 00:02:59 he goes, Starting point is 00:03:07 Yeah, we would have to wait. Starting point is 00:03:20 But, yeah. Starting point is 00:03:41 They're like, damn, Golovkin got robbed. Starting point is 00:04:16 barboza and i was like wow yeah holy shit oh my god oh my God. Gage is a savage. Starting point is 00:04:47 like an almost fearless willingness to engage. Starting point is 00:05:01 I ref a lot of fights in um in russia so i refereed a fight with uh this guy Starting point is 00:05:45 You hear it like, oh, he's in it, you know? Starting point is 00:05:55 It didn't die with the Vikings. Starting point is 00:06:14 yeah it's um did you see the bare knuckle fighting i haven't watched any of them yet Starting point is 00:06:54 Yeah, and you saw that. Starting point is 00:07:17 It shows us how fragile our hands really are. Starting point is 00:07:46 I mean, those elbows Jon Jones hit Brandon Verrill with? Starting point is 00:08:00 Remember Tito Ortiz never passed guard? Starting point is 00:08:16 Yeah. Starting point is 00:08:37 He's from Canada. Starting point is 00:08:54 Is it McDessie? Starting point is 00:09:09 yeah um it's it's it's amazing that you're seeing all these different styles that it's still even Starting point is 00:09:38 As a person who loves striking, it's a...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #10061?

Herb Dean was the guest on JRE #10061. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #10061?

On Joe Rogan Experience #10061 with Herb Dean, topics include Mixed Martial Arts, MMA Refereeing, Fight Techniques, and Fight Safety.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #10061?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #10061 with Herb Dean is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.