JRE MMA Show #170 with Michael "Venom" Page
In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, MMA fighter Michael "Venom" Page discusses his point-fighting style that blends fencing-like movements with MMA techniques. The conversation explores how this approach has influenced the sport, while Page shares his experiences managing pre-fight nerves and transitioning from Bellator to UFC. He also describes the challenges of finding opponents willing to face his unconventional fighting style.
Rogan and Page examine broader issues in MMA, including the physical demands of weight cutting and its impact on fighter health. The discussion covers the evolution of technical skills in modern MMA, with fighters now integrating multiple disciplines. Page also talks about his business ventures outside the octagon, including his restaurant ownership and beef jerky company, showing how fighters can build careers beyond combat sports.
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1-Page Summary
Page's Fighting Style and Its Impact on MMA
Michael Page has revolutionized MMA by introducing a point-fighting skillset that emphasizes speed, movement, and evasion rather than traditional power striking. Joe Rogan describes his style as a unique blend of fencing and MMA, featuring hands-down and sideways movements that force opponents to adapt to unfamiliar patterns. Page's success has validated point-fighting techniques at the elite level, diversifying the sport and changing how fighters prepare for matches.
Mental and Physical Demands of MMA Fighters
Despite his success, Page reveals experiencing intense nerves before his UFC fights, highlighting the significant psychological pressures fighters face. He manages this pressure by focusing on the fun aspects of fighting, often dancing before matches to relieve stress.
On the physical side, Page and Rogan discuss the demanding nature of weight cutting in MMA. While Page hasn't struggled to make 170 pounds, Rogan criticizes severe weight cutting as "legalized cheating," advocating for more weight classes to protect fighter health. They emphasize the importance of proper injury rehabilitation and careful health management.
Page's Experiences and Challenges in the UFC
Page's transition from Bellator to UFC brought increased scrutiny and pressure that initially compromised his performance. He notes that securing suitable opponents has been challenging, with some top-ranked fighters like Robert Whittaker declining to face him due to his unique fighting style. Page continues to push for fights at 170 pounds, despite the reluctance of potential opponents to engage with his distinctive techniques.
Page's Diversification Into Other Business Ventures
Looking beyond his fighting career, Page has ventured into various business opportunities. He's produced short films exploring athlete mentality, launched a beef jerky company called Snapdown Snacks, and owns a Mexican restaurant named Ixchel. These ventures reflect his proactive approach to establishing a career beyond MMA.
State and Evolution of the MMA Industry
Rogan and Page observe that today's MMA fighters are more technically skilled, with disciplines like jiu-jitsu, striking, and wrestling deeply integrated into their arsenal. They discuss crucial industry challenges, including the dangers of extreme weight cutting and the need to consider gender-specific needs in training, such as accounting for female fighters' menstrual cycles in fight scheduling.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- A point-fighting skillset in MMA involves a strategic approach that prioritizes scoring points through quick strikes and evasive movements rather than focusing on knockout power. This style emphasizes speed, precision, and agility to outmaneuver opponents and win rounds based on technique and control rather than sheer force. It requires a high level of technical skill, timing, and adaptability to effectively implement in a fight, challenging the traditional notion of power-centric striking in mixed martial arts.
- Weight cutting in MMA involves fighters drastically reducing their body weight before a fight to compete in a lower weight class. This practice is controversial due to its potential health risks and performance implications. Extreme weight cutting can lead to dehydration, decreased performance, and long-term health issues, prompting calls for better weight management practices in the sport.
- Michael Page faced challenges transitioning from Bellator to the UFC, including increased scrutiny and pressure that initially affected his performance. Securing suitable opponents proved difficult, with some top-ranked fighters declining to face him due to his unique fighting style. Despite these challenges, Page continues to pursue fights in the UFC welterweight division at 170 pounds.
- Gender-specific needs in MMA training and fight scheduling involve considering factors unique to female fighters, such as menstrual cycles. This includes understanding how hormonal fluctuations can impact performance and recovery. By acknowledging these differences, trainers and organizations can optimize training programs and competition schedules for female athletes. This approach aims to enhance performance, well-being, and fairness in the sport.
Counterarguments
- While Michael Page's style is innovative, it may not be as revolutionary as claimed, considering other fighters have also brought unique styles to MMA.
- Describing Page's style as a blend of fencing and MMA might oversimplify the complexity and diversity of techniques used in MMA.
- The validation of point-fighting techniques by Page's success could be seen as anecdotal rather than indicative of a broader trend or effectiveness in MMA.
- Focusing on the fun aspects of fighting and dancing to relieve stress might not be effective stress management techniques for all fighters.
- Criticizing severe weight cutting as "legalized cheating" could be seen as an oversimplification of a complex issue that includes the need for better regulation and fighter education.
- The claim that Page's transition to the UFC brought increased scrutiny and pressure could be subjective and not necessarily a universal experience for all fighters transitioning between organizations.
- The difficulty in securing suitable opponents for Page might not solely be due to his unique fighting style but could also involve other factors like marketability, rankings, and contractual negotiations.
- The diversification into business ventures is not unique to Page, as many fighters engage in business to secure financial stability after their fighting career.
- The assertion that today's MMA fighters are more technically skilled could be challenged by those who believe that past generations had fighters who were equally skilled but in different ways.
- The discussion of industry challenges such as extreme weight cutting and gender-specific training needs might not fully acknowledge the efforts and improvements already being made in these areas.
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Page's Fighting Style and Its Impact on MMA
Michael Page's distinct fighting style has significantly impacted mixed martial arts (MMA) by introducing a point-fighting skillset previously uncommon in the sport. His emphasis on speed, movement, and evasion has created a new challenge for conventional MMA fighters who are more accustomed to power striking.
Page's Point Fighting Background and Its Distinct Skillset
Page's early success against older and larger opponents, without relying on power, highlights his point fighting background where skill and strategy are key. He describes a transformative moment at the IASKA World Championships where, after an unexpected win, his techniques clicked and he became more decisive in combat. His martial arts practice focuses on speed, movement, and evasion, which stands out against the traditional power-focus in combat sports, causing frustration and unfamiliarity for his opponents. Page's distinct advantage over other children in his father's martial arts class was evident as he started hitting peers his own size, signifying a unique fighting prowess from a young age.
Unique Fighting Style vs. Conventional MMA Striking
Joe Rogan commends Page's style, likening it to a mix of fencing and MMA, with hands-down and sideways movements that require opponents to adapt. The style creates an enigmatic presence in the octagon, forcing opponents to contend with new patterns. Rogan also highlights the importance of point-fighting skills like distance control and evasion. In Page's case, these attributes have given him a platform to stand out in a field where fighters are typically trading blows. His ability to use complex techniques in fights, like 720-degree kicks, further sets his fighting style apart from traditional MMA.
Page's Techniques and Movements Forced Opponents to Adapt to an Unfamiliar Dynamic
Page's ascent showcases his influence on diversifying MMA styles and the need for fighters to develop new counter-strategies, as they often encounter his approach for the first time during a fight. His unique point-fighting stance and strategy limit opponents to predictable tactics, which he counters effectively, creating frustration and forcing them to adapt. His use of fak ...
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Page's Fighting Style and Its Impact on MMA
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Joe Rogan, a well-known UFC commentator and martial arts enthusiast, has praised Michael Page's fighting style, comparing it to a blend of fencing and MMA. Rogan highlights Page's unique movements and techniques, emphasizing the importance of skills like distance control and evasion in Page's approach. He acknowledges Page's impact on diversifying MMA styles and the need for fighters to adapt to his unconventional point-fighting strategy. Rogan's commentary underscores the significance of Page's emergence in the sport and how it has influenced the way fighters prepare for matches.
- A point-fighting stance and strategy in martial arts involve a focus on scoring points through quick, precise strikes rather than relying on powerful hits to incapacitate opponents. This approach emphasizes speed, agility, and evasive maneuvers to outmaneuver opponents and score points based on technique and accuracy. Point-fighting strategies often involve maintaining distance, using quick footwork, and capitalizing on openings to land scoring blows while minimizing the risk of being hit. It's a style that prioritizes skill, timing, and finesse over sheer force, aiming to outscore opponents through controlled and strategic engagements.
- Counter-strategies against Michael Page's approach involve adapting to his unique point-fighting style by disrupting his rhythm, closing the distance to limit his movement, ...
Counterarguments
- While Page's style is unique, it may not be as effective against all types of fighters, particularly those with strong wrestling or grappling backgrounds.
- Emphasizing speed and evasion could potentially lead to a lack of focus on power and finishing ability, which are also crucial in MMA.
- Fighters with a high level of fight IQ and adaptability may be able to decode and counteract Page's unorthodox style.
- The success of a fighting style can be highly individual and may not necessarily translate to other fighters adopting the same techniques.
- Point-fighting techniques, while valuable, may not be sufficient in isolation to rise to the top of MMA, where a well-rounded skill set is often necessary.
- The claim that Page's style forces opponents to use predictable tactics could be contested, as fighters with diverse skill sets may still find innovative ways to engage.
- The impact of Page's style on the broader MMA landscape might be overstated if not enough fighters ...
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Mental and Physical Demands of Mma Fighters
Michael Page and Joe Rogan reveal the intense mental and physical demands that MMA fighters face, including psychological pressures and the extreme measures taken to meet weight classes.
Psychological Pressure and Anxiety in High-Stakes Mma Competition
Page's Nerves and Self-Doubt Before First Ufc Fight Despite Success
Michael Page discloses how facing self-doubt and nerves is a significant part of a fighter's psychological battle. Before his first UFC fight, despite previously feeling relaxed, he was extremely nervous during his walkout, questioning his decision to fight. It was the longest walk of his life, and he had never appeared so tense before. However, after the fight began, he started to feel more comfortable and his fighting persona emerged. Similarly, before his second UFC fight, he felt a weight on him due to expectations from his reputation for knockouts, celebrations, and entrances.
Composure and Focus Under High Stakes and Public Scrutiny
Managing pressure and staying composed are vital for a fighter. Page discusses the reality of fighting in the UFC where public scrutiny is intense. He tries to focus on the fun aspect of fighting to manage this pressure, often dancing before matches to relieve stress and remind himself that he doesn't have to be in a state of stress. Joe Rogan notes the ultimate bravery required to face tough situations and observes that super talented individuals might experience more fear because they haven't been tested regularly, which can lead to a loss of composure in high-stakes situations.
Physical Challenges and Sacrifices of Mma Fighters
Weight Cutting and Dehydration Issues Compromising Fighter Health and Performance
Michael Page provides insight into the physical demands of MMA, including weight management. He has never struggled to cut weight to make 170 pounds but acknowledges the physical and mental toll of weight cutting. Rogan criticizes the practice of severe weight cutting, equating it to legalized cheating and calling for fights at healthier weights. Extreme weight cutting can dehydrat ...
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Mental and Physical Demands of Mma Fighters
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While psychological pressure is a significant aspect of MMA, some fighters may thrive under pressure and use it as a motivator rather than a source of self-doubt.
- The public scrutiny faced by fighters is not unique to MMA and can be found in many other professional sports and performance careers.
- The practice of weight cutting, while controversial, is a strategic part of many combat sports, and some argue that it is a skill in itself that demonstrates discipline and commitment.
- There are differing opinions on the best methods for weight cutting and injury rehabilitation, with some advocating for alternative nutrition and training approaches.
- The idea of adding more weight classes to combat severe wei ...
Actionables
- You can practice mindfulness to manage everyday pressures similar to how fighters cope with pre-fight nerves. Start with a daily 10-minute meditation session focusing on your breath to train your mind to stay calm under stress. Over time, this can help you remain composed during high-pressure situations at work or in personal life.
- Develop a balanced nutrition plan to understand the importance of health over extreme measures like weight cutting. Instead of following fad diets, consult with a nutritionist to create a sustainable eating plan that prioritizes your well-being and helps you maintain a healthy weight without drastic measures.
- Create a personalized recovery routine to appreciate the significance of proper rehabil ...
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Page's Experiences and Challenges in the UFC
Michael Page opens up about the difficulties and adjustments he's had to make in transitioning from Bellator to the UFC. He faces challenges not only in the ring but also in finding suitable opponents willing to take on his unique style.
Transition From Bellator to UFC: Shift in Expectations and Scrutiny
Page talks about the transition from Bellator to UFC and the significant shift in expectations and scrutiny.
Pressure in UFC Caused Page to Struggle
Coming from a strong branding background prior to his UFC entry, Page felt an immediate increase in the pressure to impress. This was a stark change from his days in Bellator, and he reveals that this pressure compromised his performance, forcing him to try too hard.
Page's Adaptation Needed to Thrive In UFC
Page found that things did not move as quickly as expected in the UFC, despite the larger pool of athletes. A noticeable difference in his sparring compared to official fights hinted at his struggle under the unique pressures of the UFC. During a conversation with Joe Rogan, it's implied that overcoming mental obstacles is a crucial part of adapting to the UFC. Page speaks about needing to adapt and regain his form, highlighting that his last fight was the first time he felt truly "back."
Difficulty Of Securing Suitable Opponents In the UFC
Page's move to the UFC has also been marred by challenges in securing matchups against top-ranked fighters willing to face his unconventional techniques.
Fighters Reluctant to Face Page Due to Unique Challenges
Despite his established reputation, Page has found fighters hesitant to face him. Robert Whitta ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Page's Experiences and Challenges in the UFC
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- In transitioning from Bellator to the UFC, fighters often face a significant shift in expectations and scrutiny. The UFC is known for its higher level of competition, which can lead to increased pressure on fighters to perform at their best. Additionally, securing suitable opponents in the UFC can be challenging due to the depth of talent and the reluctance of some fighters to face opponents with unique styles or techniques.
- Michael Page is known for his unorthodox and flashy fighting style in MMA, incorporating techniques like spinning kicks and unconventional strikes. He is particularly famous for his 720-degree spinning kick, a move that showcases his agility and creativity in the octagon. Page's style is often described as unpredictable and challenging for opponents to anticipate, making him a unique and formidable fighter in the UFC. His ability to execute complex maneuvers with precision and flair sets him apart from more traditional fighters in the sport.
- Fighters were reluctant to face Michael Page in the UFC due to the unique challenges he presents with his unconventional fighting style, which includes complex and unpredictable techniques like a 720-degree kick. This style creates a difficult puzzle for opponents to solve, making them hesitant to engage with him for fear of potential setbacks in their own careers. Page's reputation for pulling off these unorthodox moves adds to the intimidation ...
Counterarguments
- While Page may have faced pressure, it's a common experience for many fighters transitioning to a larger platform like the UFC, and others have managed to adapt without compromising their performance.
- The need to adapt to the UFC's pressures is not unique to Page; it's a test that all fighters must pass, and some may argue that it's a necessary rite of passage rather than an undue challenge.
- The difficulty in securing matchups could be due to a variety of factors, including business decisions by the UFC, marketability, and timing, not just Page's fighting style.
- Fighters' reluctance to face Page might not solely be due to the challenge he presents; it could also be influenced by strategic career planning or negotiations behind the scenes.
- Campaigning for fights is a standard part of the fight game, and while Page's tenacity is commendable, it's not unusual or ...
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Page's Diversification Into Other Business Ventures
Page's Entrepreneurial Mindset and Diverse Career Aspirations
Fighter Michael Page has taken strides to diversify his achievements beyond the ring by delving into creative and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Page's Production of Short Films on Athlete Mentality
Page has created two short films, showcasing his interest in the mindset of athletes. His most recent film, "Weight," delves into the various perspectives of anxiety. He works with cameraman Kishan Lakhani, who directs these films, allowing Page to explore and express his artistic side as he contemplates life beyond his martial arts career.
Page Enters Food Industry, Launches Jerky Company and Restaurant
Expanding his business portfolio, Page has launched a beef jerky company called Snapdown Snacks, marketed as athlete fuel. He also owns a Mexican restaurant named Ixchel. The restaurant, reflecting its owner's knack for pairing with celebrity ventures, has featured Kendall Jenner's 818 Tequila and expects an appearance from Jason Momoa with his vodka, Miele vodka.
The Importance of Interests Outside One's Athletic Career
Page's various projects showcase his focus on life beyond the octagon and reflect his nurturing of creative and entrepreneurial passions.
Page's Focus on Life After Fighting and Nurturing Creative and Entrepreneurial Passions
With a clear vision of his future, Page discusses the importance of having avenues to explore after his fighting career. By engaging in film production, he is working towards establishing a legacy and career away from mixed martial arts (MMA), aiming to set himself up for success in his post-fighting li ...
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Page's Diversification Into Other Business Ventures
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore your passions by creating a short documentary about a topic you care about using just your smartphone. Start by choosing a subject that excites you, research it, and then film short interviews or narrations with your phone. Edit the footage with free or low-cost editing software to share your story on social media or with friends.
- Launch a small-scale food venture based on a family recipe or a unique dish you love. Begin by perfecting the recipe, then package it attractively and sell it at local markets or to friends. Use feedback to refine your product and consider expanding to online sales if there's demand.
- Diversify your interests by starting ...
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State and Evolution of the MMA Industry
The MMA industry is experiencing a remarkable evolution, with an influx of talented fighters and technical skills that demand innovation from organizations, as well as ongoing discussions about weight management and addressing gender-specific health challenges.
Expanding MMA Talent and Technical Skill
Extensive Resources Shaping a Skilled Fighter Generation
Joe Rogan and Michael Page note that disciplines like jiu-jitsu, striking, and wrestling are now deeply integrated into the arsenal of young fighters in organizations like Bellator and the UFC, leading to a technically skilled generation. Rogan highlights fighters such as Aaron Pico and LaRone Murphy, who display perfect techniques and fight IQ.
MMA Organizations Must Innovate to Keep Pace with Evolving Landscape
The rise in the number of fighters, with the UFC alone contracting 674, demonstrates the vast talent base within MMA. This scenario requires organizations like the UFC to manage their talent pool effectively to leverage the evolving skills of the fighters.
Weight Management and Health Challenges in MMA
Extreme Weight Cutting: Impact on Fighter Safety and Performance
Rogan and Page engage in a deep discussion regarding the harsh realities of weight cutting in MMA. Page shares his apprehensions about cutting down to 170 pounds, highlighting the inherent health risks. Rogan believes cutting weight confers a significant advantage but acknowledges the problems associated with dehydration before a fight.
Rogan is critical of the weight-cutting process, labeling it detrimental and dangerous to fighters' health and suggesting the sport needs better weight management solutions. Page and ...
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State and Evolution of the MMA Industry
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Joe Rogan and Michael Page highlight the integration of various disciplines in young fighters, one could argue that there is still room for innovation in training methods and fight strategies beyond the current standards.
- The mention of fighters like Aaron Pico and LaRone Murphy as examples of perfect technique and fight IQ might overlook other fighters who also exhibit high levels of skill and intelligence in the cage but may not have the same level of recognition.
- The UFC's large roster of 674 fighters could be seen as a potential issue of market saturation, where not all fighters receive adequate promotion or opportunities to showcase their talents.
- Effective management of a large talent pool by organizations like the UFC is crucial, but there could be criticism about whether the current management practices are truly maximizing the potential of all fighters.
- The advantages of weight cutting are noted, but there could be a discussion on whether the competitive edge gained is worth the long-term health risks to the fighters.
- The criticism of the weight-cutting process might not fully consider the individual agency of fighters who choose to cut weight and believe they are doing so safely and effectively.
- The suggestion that recovery time between weigh-ins and fights is insufficient may not account for the various protocols and me ...
Actionables
- You can start a blog or social media page dedicated to discussing the integration of martial arts disciplines, focusing on the technical skills of young fighters. Share insights on how different fighting styles complement each other, and encourage discussions among enthusiasts about the future of MMA. This can be a platform for fans and practitioners to explore the evolution of the sport and its techniques.
- If you're a fitness or martial arts enthusiast, consider incorporating gender-specific considerations into your training or coaching routines. For example, if you're a female athlete or coach female athletes, track menstrual cycles and observe how they affect training intensity and weight management. Use this information to tailor workout and nutrition plans that align with these physiological changes.
- Create a community initiative to educate local gyms and martial arts schools about t ...
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