Craig Jones & Alex Volkanovski

Date: 2021-05-27 | Duration: 3h 2m

Episode Overview

Craig Jones and UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski join the JRE MMA Show to dive deep into the evolving landscape of mixed martial arts and grappling. They discuss the rise of grappling as a sport, highlighting how platforms like The Ultimate Fighter have elevated the level of competition and showcased emerging talent. Craig shares insights into the technical nuances of leg locks and no-gi grappling, explaining how the sport has shifted from traditional gi training to more dynamic, friction-based techniques that better translate to MMA. Alex reflects on his fight camps at City Kickboxing, emphasizing the importance of structured training, recovery, and mental preparation in maintaining peak performance. The conversation also touches on the physical toll of combat sports, with both guests recounting experiences with injuries, staph infections, and the challenges of weight cutting. Alex opens up about his approach to sleep and recovery, revealing how strict routines and expert support have improved his endurance and fight readiness. They share memorable stories from their careers, including the mental chess matches inside the cage and the camaraderie within their training camps. The episode offers a rare glimpse into the discipline, strategy, and resilience required to compete at the highest levels of MMA and grappling today.

About Alex Volkanovski

Alex Volkanovski is a renowned Australian mixed martial artist and the reigning UFC Featherweight Champion, celebrated for his striking prowess and relentless fighting style. With an impressive record that includes victories over some of the top names in the sport, Volkanovski has solidified his place among the elite, earning accolades such as UFC Fighter of the Year. Known for his tactical acumen and resilience, he has captivated fans with his journey from a rugby player to a world-class fighter. His appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience alongside top jiu-jitsu grappler Craig Jones offers listeners a glimpse into the mind of a champion, as he shares insights on his training regimen, fight strategies, and the mental fortitude required to stay at the pinnacle of the UFC.

About Craig Jones

Craig Jones is a renowned Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, celebrated coach, and champion grappler, known for his innovative techniques and strategic prowess on the mat. With a competitive career that includes multiple prestigious titles, he has become a prominent figure in the jiu-jitsu community, earning accolades for his captivating performances in events like the ADCC World Championships. Beyond his achievements, Craig is also the co-founder of B Team Jiu-Jitsu, where he trains and mentors aspiring athletes, sharing his deep knowledge of the sport. His engaging personality and ability to break down complex grappling concepts make him a fascinating guest, as he delves into the nuances of jiu-jitsu and the mindset required for success, captivating audiences on platforms like the Joe Rogan Experience.

Key Moments

– Mixed Martial Arts
– Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
– Fight Training
– Injury Recovery
– Fight Strategy
– COVID-19 Impact
– Weight Cutting
– Fight Nutrition
– Fight Camp Preparation
– Sports Psychology
– MMA Coaching
– Fight Analysis
– Athlete Health
– Fight Promotion
– MMA History
– Fight Techniques
– MMA Gyms
– Supplement Use
– Fight Scheduling
0:00:00 – Introduction to the MMA Show with Craig Jones and Alex Volkanovski
0:03:30 – Discussion on The Ultimate Fighter's impact on MMA
0:06:36 – Craig Jones shares thoughts on potential MMA fights
0:09:34 – Talk about Derek Lewis and social media presence
0:12:18 – Controversy around swastika symbolism in martial arts
0:15:02 – Historical context of symbols in martial arts
0:18:48 – Alex Volkanovski on being the underdog and motivation
0:20:50 – Recap of fight camp and training intensity
0:23:14 – Discussion on COVID-19 infection and vaccination experiences
0:30:33 – Craig Jones on grappling knowledge and training dedication
0:34:29 – Review of a notably boring grappling match
0:38:35 – Financial aspects of professional jiu-jitsu
0:42:16 – Analysis of leg injuries and fight incidents
0:46:01 – Training methods and MMA striking drills
0:51:07 – Structured fight preparation at City Kickboxing
0:56:31 – Sleep patterns and recovery strategies in Vegas camps
1:00:07 – Leg lock techniques and grappling friction discussion
1:07:02 – Debate on gi vs no-gi training in MMA
1:12:19 – Memorable submission escapes and competition moments
1:15:30 – Physical therapy and injury management in training
1:18:52 – Recovery improvements between training sessions
1:23:44 – Explosiveness and conditioning in fight camps
1:26:50 – Cardio and fight readiness insights
1:31:02 – Offense and defense balance in grappling
1:32:00 – Severe staph infection experience and treatment
1:34:22 – Weight cutting preferences and challenges
1:38:36 – Australian wildlife anecdotes and humor
1:42:24 – Training with undefeated fighters and confidence boost
1:45:58 – Striking reputation and fight tactics
1:50:25 – In-fight chess match and strategy details
1:54:03 – Mentality of a UFC champion in daily life
1:57:42 – Conor McGregor's influence on fight promotion
2:00:19 – Lightweight division and future contender outlook
2:04:18 – Discussion on untreated injuries and toughness
2:10:08 – Training adjustments due to injury severity
2:15:11 – Hospitalization and treatment for staph infections
2:22:14 – Rest day strategies and training consistency
2:25:33 – Cortisone shots and managing chronic pain
2:29:14 – Stem cell treatments for sports injuries
2:34:10 – Learning wrestling techniques from online videos
2:43:04 – Physiological effects of fight training
2:48:08 – The Ultimate Fighter's role in launching MMA
2:52:08 – Pride FC's unique blend of pro wrestling and fighting
2:56:47 – Motivation from elite fighters in the current era
2:57:43 – Closing remarks and show sign-off

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 the Joe Rogan experience Starting point is 00:00:28 It's not true. Starting point is 00:00:42 I remember coming in. Starting point is 00:00:57 So I'm like, man, what did I say? Starting point is 00:01:11 And I'm like, did I? Starting point is 00:01:24 What the fuck was that like? Starting point is 00:01:38 I believe he's going to come to the grappling show this Friday night, and I'm going to persuade him to jump in the corner. Starting point is 00:02:12 It would be like one step. Starting point is 00:02:24 I think he got very excited Starting point is 00:02:31 yeah John's here tomorrow Starting point is 00:02:37 before I claim it Starting point is 00:02:48 Finished filming, yeah. Starting point is 00:03:01 Yeah, I know. Starting point is 00:03:30 If you look back at The Ultimate Fighter and you see, like, over the years, it's amazing. Starting point is 00:03:57 Like you see guys that have UFC debuts and you watch them and you go, wow, these guys Starting point is 00:04:25 But I feel like I've noticed that a lot, the level in this. Starting point is 00:04:40 There you go. Starting point is 00:05:13 striking training before I mean ten years ago when I was sort of getting Starting point is 00:05:37 because I guess wall work is sort of like the intermediary, Starting point is 00:05:54 I was like, this is unfair. Starting point is 00:06:10 and I was like, what do they get paid? Starting point is 00:06:21 He had some technique in there. Starting point is 00:06:36 and I always say I would definitely take an MMA fight with Gabby Garcia Starting point is 00:06:50 I don't want to be a part of that one. Starting point is 00:07:02 You work at a laundromat? Starting point is 00:07:32 so i i just i think i couldn't tell you exactly why i'm shadow band but but but i am i've noticed Starting point is 00:07:53 You can understand with Craig Jones. Starting point is 00:08:03 but I am. Starting point is 00:08:21 So let's go right now. Starting point is 00:08:...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #10110?

Craig Jones & Alex Volkanovski was the guest on JRE #10110. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #10110?

On Joe Rogan Experience #10110 with Craig Jones & Alex Volkanovski, topics include Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Fight Training, and Injury Recovery.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #10110?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #10110 with Craig Jones & Alex Volkanovski is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.