Ronda Rousey & Edmond Tarverdyan

Date: 2015-08-31 | Duration: 2h 11m

Episode Overview

Ronda Rousey and her longtime coach Edmond Tarverdyan join the podcast to discuss the evolution of her career, training philosophy, and the challenges of competing at the highest level. They reflect on Rousey’s early days in judo, including her struggles with coaching and motivation, and how those experiences shaped her relentless work ethic. Edmond shares insights into their training regimen, emphasizing the importance of discipline, technique, and adapting striking skills to complement Ronda’s grappling background. The conversation also touches on the physical and mental toll of weight cutting, with Ronda explaining how managing weight has impacted her performance and overall health. The episode delves into the dynamics of their coach-athlete relationship, highlighting Edmond’s role in refining Ronda’s striking and fight strategy. They discuss memorable moments from her UFC career, including the intense pressure of media obligations and the emotional highs and lows of competition. Both candidly address the scrutiny and criticism Ronda faced, as well as the motivation that kept her pushing forward. The discussion concludes with reflections on legacy, the future of women’s MMA, and the balance between fighting, personal life, and other ventures outside the octagon.

About Edmond Tarverdyan

Edmond Tarverdyan is a distinguished MMA and boxing coach, best known for his role as the head trainer of former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey. With a strong background in martial arts, Tarverdyan has developed a reputation for his innovative training techniques and ability to elevate fighters' performance, contributing significantly to Rousey's historic success in the octagon. His insights into the sport and coaching philosophy have made him a sought-after figure in combat sports, earning him recognition within the MMA community and beyond. Tarverdyan's unique approach and deep understanding of both physical and mental aspects of fighting continue to inspire aspiring athletes around the world.

About Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey is a trailblazing mixed martial artist, judoka, and actress, renowned for her groundbreaking impact on women's sports. As the first and current UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion and the last Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion, she has redefined the landscape of MMA, showcasing her unmatched skill and determination inside the octagon. Rousey's fierce competitiveness and charismatic personality have made her a cultural icon, celebrated for her role in popularizing women's combat sports and inspiring a new generation of athletes. Beyond the ring, she has successfully transitioned into acting, further solidifying her status as a multifaceted entertainer. Rousey’s journey is a testament to resilience and empowerment, making her one of the most fascinating figures in modern sports.

Key Moments

– Mixed Martial Arts
– UFC
– Striking Techniques
– Weight Cutting
– Judo
– Athlete Motivation
– Fight Training
– Sports Psychology
– Performance Enhancement
– Injury Management
– Fight Strategy
– Coaching Dynamics
– Media Obligations
– Gender and Sports
– Drug Testing
– Athlete Nutrition
– Fight Promotion
– Fight Preparation
– Mental Toughness
– Athlete Development
0:00:00 – Show introduction and casual banter
0:02:53 – Ronda discusses her Armenian heritage and early gym days
0:06:16 – Discussion on appearance and anime character comparison
0:09:19 – Self-acceptance and body image struggles
0:11:45 – Philosophy on happiness and fulfilling life
0:14:36 – High standards and striving to be the best
0:18:17 – Fight night tensions and security intervention
0:22:45 – Recognition of Ronda's character and resilience
0:26:39 – Anxiety and animosity before the fight
0:30:10 – Challenges dealing with disrespect in the sport
0:32:19 – Honesty and integrity in fighting
0:35:02 – Family background and sibling dynamics
0:38:40 – Media obligations and athlete lifestyle
0:41:02 – Striking training and coaching approach
0:46:14 – Comparison of striking skills and boxing
0:48:29 – Motivation from past judo experiences
0:50:20 – Emotional struggles during training
0:53:33 – Achievements in judo without a coach
0:56:03 – Fighting top-level opponents in judo
1:04:48 – Maintaining motivation after Olympic success
1:07:53 – Passing drug tests and clean competition
1:11:30 – Effects of hormones and transgender athletes debate
1:17:02 – Weight cutting challenges and division suitability
1:22:28 – Concerns about muscle mass and fighting style
1:26:31 – Tailoring training to athlete's needs
1:28:09 – Discussion on fighters not cutting weight
1:33:17 – Early language barriers and judo understanding
1:42:58 – Coaching relationship and striking development
1:50:36 – Rise of leg locks and grappling transitions
1:54:34 – Importance of ring generalship in fighting
1:57:13 – Future career possibilities and Dana White's role
2:00:11 – Balancing fighting career with movie opportunities
2:02:59 – Dealing with hand injury and recovery
2:06:42 – Managing busy schedule and family commitments

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 And boom, we're live. What's up? Starting point is 00:00:10 You guys don't have them on. Starting point is 00:00:21 Yeah. Starting point is 00:00:38 It's good? Starting point is 00:00:53 You're like, get over here. Get closer. Get closer. Starting point is 00:01:06 You guys are very close. Starting point is 00:01:13 Hillary Swank, Starting point is 00:01:21 at all. Starting point is 00:01:40 It's a fun culture. Starting point is 00:01:53 a lot of shiny shit Starting point is 00:02:10 They had to get me to actually start cleaning up a little bit. Starting point is 00:02:31 So I would just put on my clothes I came in with, no shower. Starting point is 00:02:53 You speak so fluently. I graduated high school, yeah, but during the classes, like Armenian, Armenian kids have to grow up. Starting point is 00:03:18 I forgot my English or something. Starting point is 00:03:37 Because, yeah, I was a lot grungier when I first started coming to the gym. Starting point is 00:04:07 Like they're, oh, they literally can't not be made up when they leave the house. Starting point is 00:04:20 my actual face looks like. Starting point is 00:04:37 Look how shiny. Starting point is 00:04:55 Yeah. Starting point is 00:05:18 But I don't think that was real either. Starting point is 00:05:57 it's fucking crazy yeah jamie pull it up so you so you guys can see it. It's very strange. Starting point is 00:06:16 She looks like an anime character. Starting point is 00:06:26 That's not fair. Starting point is 00:06:42 Extremely, extremely common. Starting point is 00:06:54 And the one on the right is a tent. Starting point is 00:07:06 the guy who Starting point is 00:07:13 She's great now. Starting point is 00:07:20 before, everyone was Starting point is 00:07:32 Wow. Starting point is 00:07:58 Yeah, cool with it. Yeah, but what if you have like something goofy? Starting point is 00:08:16 And everybody was like, what happened to Susan? Starting point is 00:08:42 You know ...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #690?

Ronda Rousey & Edmond Tarverdyan was the guest on JRE #690. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #690?

On Joe Rogan Experience #690 with Ronda Rousey & Edmond Tarverdyan, topics include Mixed Martial Arts, Striking Techniques, Weight Cutting, and Athlete Motivation.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #690?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #690 with Ronda Rousey & Edmond Tarverdyan is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.