MMA star Israel Adesanya shares fascinating insights into his journey back to the UFC middleweight title and his unique training approach, including a comparison of fighting to racing. Comedian Rob Schneider discusses his new book, creative challenges during the pandemic, and critiques the phenomenon of "Trump Derangement Syndrome." The conversation touches on street violence after training and the ongoing challenges in education and personal liberties in today's society, all delivered with humor and engaging anecdotes.
Israel Adesanya discusses his extensive fight experience and the critical importance of strategy in achieving success in MMA.
Adesanya highlights the evolving nature of fighting, emphasizing technical skill development and innovative techniques as keys to competition.
Reflecting on women's MMA, Adesanya acknowledges the remarkable growth in skill and public perception, showcasing an exciting evolution in the sport.
Adesanya shares insights on mental toughness, explaining how psychological factors can significantly influence a fighter's performance and outcomes.
Deep dives
The Value of the $5 Meal Deal
The promotion at McDonald's offers a $5 meal deal which includes a choice between a McDouble or McChicken, accompanied by a small fry, a small drink, and a four-piece McNugget. This meal deal emphasizes affordability, showcasing how consumers can enjoy a substantial amount of food for just five dollars. The value proposition is appealing, particularly for individuals seeking a convenient yet budget-friendly meal option. McDonald's market strategy effectively highlights this deal to attract customers looking for quick service and satisfying meals.
Israel Adesanya's MMA Journey
MMA star Israel Adesanya shares his extensive experience in combat sports, noting that he's competed in over a hundred fights across boxing, MMA, and kickboxing. He emphasizes the importance of strategy in fighting, particularly the principle of 'hit and not get hit,' which has been central to his success. Adesanya recalls a significant moment when he was knocked out during a kickboxing match against Pereira, a loss that reinforced his desire to improve and learn from his setbacks. His journey reflects the evolution of a fighter's mindset, showcasing resilience and dedication to honing his craft.
The Evolution of Fighting Techniques
Israel Adesanya discusses how fighting has evolved from sheer toughness to a sport that emphasizes technical skill and strategy. He highlights the influence of his coach, Eugene Bareman, who encouraged Adesanya to develop his unique fighting style rather than conforming to traditional methods. Adesanya's approach incorporates elements such as feints and footwork, which he believes have revolutionized the game and challenged opponents to adapt to new techniques. This evolution in fighting underscores the need for athletes to continually innovate and refine their skills to stay competitive.
Future Matchups and Career Aspirations
Looking ahead, Adesanya expresses interest in pursuing matchups that excite him rather than solely focusing on championship titles. He mentions a desire to fight again before the end of the year and remains open to various opponents in a stacked middleweight division. Adesanya believes that regardless of whether he holds a championship belt, he still commands respect and attention within the sport. His openness to challenges and willingness to embrace uncertainty showcase his commitment to the sport beyond accolades.
The Changing Landscape of Women's MMA
Adesanya reflects on the rapid progression of women's MMA, noting how fighters have evolved from being perceived as less skilled to showcasing incredible technique and athleticism. He recognizes that female fighters are now putting on some of the most exciting performances in the sport, transforming public perception. Adesanya cites the significant progress made over the last 15 years, indicating that women's fights now attract attention and admiration similar to men's fights. This shift illustrates the growing recognition of women's contributions to the MMA landscape.
The Reality of Competition Psychology
Adesanya delves into the psychological aspects of competition in fighting, highlighting how a fighter's mental state can influence the outcome of a match. He emphasizes the importance of mental toughness, recalling experiences where opponents appeared defeated before the fight even began. Adesanya discusses how understanding an opponent's demeanor can provide insights into their confidence levels and fight strategy, ultimately impacting the overall dynamics of competition. This perspective underscores the mental fortitude required to succeed in high-stakes sports like MMA.
Coping with Public Scrutiny
Adesanya shares his experiences dealing with public perception and scrutiny in the fight world, notably after losses and bouts of social media criticism. He acknowledges that the stakes are high, and his reputation can change dramatically depending on recent performances. Adesanya recognizes the pressures of being in the spotlight but remains focused on personal growth and self-identity rather than external opinions. His ability to navigate this scrutiny speaks to the importance of resilience and self-awareness in the face of public judgment.
Finding Balance in Adversity
Throughout his career, Adesanya has learned the importance of maintaining balance and perspective in the midst of career ups and downs. He discusses how personal experiences and losses have shaped his mentality, encouraging him to approach challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. Adesanya's commitment to staying grounded reflects his understanding of the transient nature of success in combat sports. This approach underscores the necessity for athletes to foster a healthy mindset, regardless of the external pressures they encounter.
MMA star Israel Adesanya joins the show and they open by talking about how Adam won $10k betting on one of his fights, his path back to the UFC middleweight title, fighting Dricus Du Plessis, and optimizing his training diet. Then, they talk about the size of UFC purses, a man challenging him to a street fight in New Zealand, why Izzy would be a good race car driver, and how he chose a career in fighting over one in dancing.
Next, comedian Rob Schneider returns to the show to talk about his new book, “You Can Do It! Speak Your Mind, America”, what it was like to produce a movie during the pandemic, and people with “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
Then, Jason “Mayhem” Miller reads the news including stories about NYC Mayor Eric Adams announcing that he will not resign, P. Diddy being held in the same dorm-style jail cell as crypto-fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried, police in Long Beach reporting four stabbings during a 9-hour period over the weekend, and an 18-year old filing a lawsuit to stop the sale of Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 ball after he claims it was stolen from him during the scrum.
For more with Israel Adesanya:
● NEW FILM: Stylebender - available now for streaming on AppleTV, YouTube & Amazon.
● INSTAGRAM: @stylebender
● TWITTER/X: @stylebender
For more with Rob Schneider:
● BOOK: You Can Do It! Speak Your Mind, America - available everywhere now.
● INSTAGRAM: @iamrobschneider
● TWITTER/X: @robschneider
Thank you for supporting our sponsors:
● BotanicTonics.com, use code ADAM
● http://OReillyAuto.com/Adam
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