Michelle Waterson

Date: 2019-05-28 | Duration: 1h 53m

Episode Overview

Michelle Waterson shares a candid look into her journey as a professional mixed martial artist, tracing her early start in karate and how it shaped her fighting style. She reflects on the unique challenges of transitioning from traditional martial arts to MMA, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Waterson also discusses her experiences training at Jackson Wink MMA, highlighting the rigorous physical and mental preparation involved, including strength conditioning, grappling, and psychological training techniques like visualization and power words to maintain focus during fights. The conversation delves into the realities of weight cutting and its impact on performance and health, with Waterson advocating for skill to be the primary factor in competition rather than extreme weight manipulation. She also touches on the complexities of rankings and the politics within MMA organizations, expressing her loyalty to her current promotion and the respect she has for fellow fighters. Throughout, Waterson shares personal stories about balancing motherhood and fighting, including the physical toll of pregnancy and the determination required to return to peak condition. Her insights offer a nuanced perspective on the life of a female fighter navigating a demanding sport with resilience and passion.

About Michelle Waterson

Michelle Waterson is a professional mixed martial artist and former UFC Strawweight competitor, renowned for her dynamic fighting style and resilience inside the octagon. With a background in karate and a black belt in American freestyle karate, she has earned the nickname "The Karate Hottie," captivating fans with her striking skills and charisma. Waterson made history as the first female fighter to headline a UFC event in her weight class and has garnered several accolades, including multiple Fight of the Night bonuses. Beyond her impressive fighting career, she is also a dedicated mother and an advocate for women in sports, making her an inspiring figure in the MMA community.

Key Moments

– Mixed Martial Arts
– Karate
– Muay Thai
– Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
– Weight Cutting
– Fight Psychology
– Strength and Conditioning
– Fight Strategy
– MMA Rankings
– Fight Camps
– Fight Recovery
– Women in MMA
– Fight Techniques
– Fight Promotions
– MMA Training Gyms
– Fight Injuries
– MMA History
– Fight Nutrition
– MMA Doping and USADA
0:00:13 – Opening remarks and casual banter
0:03:26 – Michelle's introduction to karate
0:04:50 – Scoring points for kicks to the head
0:07:09 – Balancing good grades with martial arts training
0:09:30 – Training at Vale Tudo gym on weekends
0:11:40 – Michelle's current MMA ranking discussion
0:14:44 – Discussion of Jorina Barge fight highlights
0:16:58 – Overview of Muay Thai and fight excitement
0:21:53 – Techniques for lifting and dumping opponents
0:24:28 – Impact of Cro Cop's punching power
0:25:48 – Notable armbar submission in MMA
0:31:43 – Being treated as a professional athlete
0:33:42 – Inclusiveness and gender divisions in MMA
0:36:08 – Training differences across countries
0:37:50 – Doping issues and USADA enforcement
0:41:42 – Legacy of Anderson Silva and doping controversies
0:44:36 – More fight options for MMA athletes
0:46:07 – Evolution of boxing within MMA
0:49:38 – Current balance of boxing and striking training
0:52:03 – Confidence and mindset before fights
1:00:42 – Negative effects of weight cutting
1:03:11 – Physical advantages in higher weight classes
1:04:30 – Training at Jackson Wink MMA Academy
1:06:46 – Challenges with ego in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
1:10:29 – Fight camp training schedule and preparation
1:12:01 – Strength and conditioning in and out of camp
1:15:28 – Increased fight tolerance over career
1:16:44 – Psychological training for fighters
1:18:18 – Mental strategies and 'secret sauce' in fighting
1:21:48 – Use of float tanks and visualization techniques
1:26:02 – Fighting while breastfeeding and motherhood challenges
1:28:59 – Motivation and desire to continue fighting
1:32:51 – Injuries and setbacks in training
1:35:01 – Plans for having more children
1:36:17 – Memorable knockout slams in MMA history
1:39:08 – Desire to fight the champion
1:42:58 – Power and striking ability discussion
1:44:30 – Importance of focus during fights
1:46:58 – Grappling skills and fight approach
1:48:50 – Working with a sports psychologist

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Two, one. Starting point is 00:00:13 Ooh, that was a good one. Starting point is 00:00:24 Is that better? Yeah, perfect, perfect. So what from your face. There we go. Is that better? Starting point is 00:00:49 the whole edwards yes okay yeah okay i know where that is yeah yeah so we got stationed there that Starting point is 00:01:29 one of them it's uh there's a b2 and then this is like a f-116 or something like that i don't Starting point is 00:02:14 a gi specifically well you know i think she was coming to get away but you know she wanted to Starting point is 00:02:41 And then 12 months later, you were born. Starting point is 00:03:14 Probably around 10. Starting point is 00:03:26 And so my brother found a little karate spot at the church just across the street, Starting point is 00:04:14 And I was like, okay, I think I want to do some katas then. Starting point is 00:04:50 So you get two points to the head for kicks to the head. Starting point is 00:05:32 And so it all kind of just happened pretty strangely. Starting point is 00:06:17 me yeah and so he came to my work at hooters and i wasn't there and he was just like left me a note Starting point is 00:07:09 I got good grades. Starting point is 00:07:25 I would imagine that someone growing up doing martial arts as long as you did, Starting point is 00:08:02 physical therapist for um like a sports team or something like that. Starting point is 00:08:31 of me because of my my karate kicks yeah it's interesting how different karate kicks are yeah Starting point is 00:09:30 i would work on the weekends and then drive up to vale and train Starting point is 00:10:09 He's like, whatever, fuck it, just do it. Starting point is 00:10:41 And she was swinging from way back here and trying to take my head off. Starting point is 00:11:11 Yeah, that's exactly what I was like. Starting point is 00:11:27 But never in my life I thought I would be. Starting point is 00:11:40 I'm ranked 7th. Starting po...

Read the full transcript

More Episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #10066?

Michelle Waterson was the guest on JRE #10066. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #10066?

On Joe Rogan Experience #10066 with Michelle Waterson, topics include Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Weight Cutting.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #10066?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #10066 with Michelle Waterson is on the dedicated transcript page for this episode, with timestamps and in-page search.