Kevin Ross & Gaston Bolanos

Date: 2016-10-24 | Duration: 2h 15m

Episode Overview

Kevin Ross and Gaston Bolanos dive deep into the evolution and nuances of Muay Thai, sharing firsthand experiences from their careers and the sport’s growth in the U.S. They discuss the challenges of popularizing Muay Thai outside Thailand, highlighting how early local shows struggled with audience understanding and financial sustainability. Kevin reflects on the technical distinctions between Muay Thai and kickboxing, emphasizing the cultural depth and strategic complexity embedded in Muay Thai’s clinch and scoring system. Both guests recount memorable fights and injuries, including Kevin’s own experience fighting through a severe head injury, illustrating the mental toughness required in combat sports. The conversation also explores the mental and physical demands of training, with Kevin and Gaston describing their rigorous routines and the importance of adapting techniques to individual styles. They touch on the psychological hurdles fighters face, such as motivation during tough times and overcoming setbacks. Nutrition and recovery strategies are discussed, including the trial-and-error process of finding what fuels optimal performance. Additionally, they critique judging inconsistencies in Muay Thai and MMA, stressing the need for knowledgeable officials to fairly assess the sport’s unique elements. Throughout, the guests offer candid insights into the sacrifices and dedication behind their craft, painting a vivid picture of life inside the ring and beyond.

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 Kevin Ross

Kevin “The Soul Assassin” Ross is a renowned American Muay Thai kickboxer, artist, and writer, best known for his dynamic fighting style and contributions to the sport. With a storied career in combat sports, he holds multiple championship titles and has competed at the highest levels, including Bellator Kickboxing, where he showcased his fierce determination and skill. Beyond the ring, Ross captivates audiences with his artistic endeavors and thoughtful writing, offering insights into the mindset of a fighter. His unique blend of athleticism and creativity makes him a compelling figure, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike.

Key Moments

– Muay Thai
– Kickboxing
– Martial Arts Training
– Fight Motivation
– Injury and Recovery
– Fight Strategy
– Fight Judging
– Clinch Techniques
– Strength and Conditioning
– Mental Preparation
– Fight Nutrition
– Fight Experience
– Fight Promotion
– Fight Culture
– MMA Integration
– Fight Psychology
– Fight History
– Coaching and Gyms
0:00:00 – Introduction and guest welcome
0:01:01 – Growth of Muay Thai on AXIS TV
0:02:11 – First exposure to Muay Thai
0:03:23 – Differences between Muay Thai and kickboxing
0:05:48 – Audience knowledge and culture in Muay Thai
0:08:06 – Buakaw's impact on the sport
0:09:39 – Early financial struggles of Muay Thai shows
0:12:06 – Exciting matchups regardless of fighter level
0:13:56 – Rising popularity of Muay Thai compared to soccer
0:15:47 – Adjustments in martial arts styles
0:16:32 – Fighting with injuries and risks involved
0:19:04 – Gaining experience through relentless fighting
0:21:40 – Motivation challenges without clear goals
0:26:55 – Commitment and dedication to the sport
0:30:11 – Fighters suddenly in the spotlight
0:32:17 – Balancing life stresses with fighting career
0:35:42 – Developing passion and dedication over time
0:39:45 – Knee reconstruction and recovery process
0:43:04 – Technical sparring and minimizing damage
0:48:39 – Comparing Muay Thai and MMA techniques
0:51:01 – Combining kickboxing and MMA events
0:54:27 – Setting up high kicks in Muay Thai
0:55:32 – Challenges with judging and refereeing Muay Thai
0:59:37 – Complexity of sparring and fight calculations
1:03:13 – Clinch similarities between Muay Thai and judo
1:06:24 – Difficulties in fight judging
1:07:07 – First professional loss and judging controversies
1:11:56 – Understanding variables in fighting
1:14:32 – Starting martial arts training at a young age
1:15:18 – Dealing with losses and aging in fighting
1:18:05 – Balancing confidence and fear before fights
1:20:01 – Learning important lessons from fight experiences
1:23:51 – Difference between working out and training
1:28:25 – Mental preparation strategies for fighting
1:33:24 – Commitment to physical training and sparring
1:38:12 – Training differences between Thai and American fighters
2:02:16 – First impressions of Kevin Ross
2:03:41 – Overcoming adversity and inspiration
2:09:07 – Community and support among fighters

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 We're live. What's up? What's up, boys? What's up, man? So nice to have you guys on, man. Starting point is 00:00:31 Uh-huh. Starting point is 00:00:41 Well, it is a sport. Starting point is 00:01:01 Every time we take another step, like when it got on AXIS TV tv it was such a giant leap compared to where it was prior to that so then what's coming next Starting point is 00:01:40 Yes. Starting point is 00:01:55 This is a local show that was at some hotel. Starting point is 00:02:11 And he had never seen, like, Muay Thai before. Starting point is 00:02:37 like no it's actually this this that and so sometimes it's like is it like kickboxing like Starting point is 00:02:59 It's like on the door. Starting point is 00:03:08 Is it that dissimilar? Starting point is 00:03:23 It's night and day. Starting point is 00:03:54 And I've always maintained, I've been a big fan of Lion Fight because what Lion Fight Starting point is 00:04:25 People would turn away from it so fast. Starting point is 00:04:57 You know, different gyms, different people do longer and shorter ones. Starting point is 00:05:25 Five minutes? Really? I don. Well, what's a long one? Ah, five minutes. Five minutes? Starting point is 00:05:30 he takes his sweet time, Starting point is 00:05:37 like people are very educated Starting point is 00:05:48 I would estimate that like 50% of the crowd trains. Starting point is 00:06:07 but it's so embedded in their culture that they just love it and they appreciate it. Starting point is 00:06:29 it's sort of almost an incestuous kind of an environment yeah especially like like when i Starting point is 00:07:01 You know, it doesn't have this mass appeal. Starting point is 00:07:19 It's strange. Starting point is 00:07:38 When you're there live, you can feel it. Starting point is 00:08:06 and Buakaw fought and he Starting point is 00:08:20 what happened to that organization? Starting point is 00:08:46 They don't know who this is. Starting point i...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #864?

Kevin Ross & Gaston Bolanos was the guest on JRE #864. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #864?

On Joe Rogan Experience #864 with Kevin Ross & Gaston Bolanos, topics include Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Martial Arts Training, and Fight Motivation.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #864?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #864 with Kevin Ross & Gaston Bolanos is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.