Digital Social Hour: Why Men Are Under Attack in 2024 – UFC Fighter Jorge Masvidal Speaks Out | DSH #930
Release Date: November 28, 2024
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Jorge Masvidal
In episode #930 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly delves deep into the pressing issue of masculinity in modern society with renowned UFC fighter Jorge Masvidal. The conversation traverses a wide array of topics, from societal challenges faced by men today to the intricacies of professional fighting, political stances, and the influence of personal beliefs on one’s career longevity. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the essence of their engaging dialogue.
1. The Struggle of Modern Masculinity
Jorge Masvidal opens the discussion by highlighting the tumultuous landscape men navigate in 2024. He articulates the confusion and misplaced attacks men face simply for being male in today's sociocultural climate.
“If you're a man, they try to confuse you so much... We've never been more attacked as men in the history of men, just for being a man. You get crucified and shit. It's crazy.” (00:00)
Masvidal emphasizes that men are often unfairly judged and stigmatized based on their interests and behaviors, making it an exceptionally challenging era for masculinity.
2. From the Cage to the Poker Table: Mental Strategies
Transitioning from societal issues to personal experiences, Masvidal shares his past as an avid poker player and how it complemented his fighting career.
“I used to play a ton of poker from, like I started at 14... I would make some ends meet numerous times... So there was a time where it was putting some food on the table.” (01:01)
He reflects on the patience and strategic thinking developed through poker, suggesting that while it aided his mindset, his primary focus remained on martial arts.
“I would think to anybody hearing all my athletes out there here, probably stay away from poker, hit the gym hard, and that'll make you a better fighter.” (01:40)
3. Faith and Longevity in MMA
A pivotal part of the conversation revolves around Masvidal’s enduring career in MMA, which he attributes significantly to his faith.
“Religion's the number one motivator for me. Not. Not religion. I would just say my relationship with God... something happened to me in my childhood... that changed my outlook on life.” (03:27)
He credits his relationship with God as the cornerstone of his resilience and sustained performance in the demanding world of mixed martial arts.
4. Political Stance and Its Consequences
Masvidal doesn’t shy away from discussing his political views, particularly his support for Donald Trump, and the repercussions thereof.
“I was part of the Trump movement because he's... I feel that he tackles the issue of communism and socialism like nobody does.” (04:35)
He candidly shares how his political allegiance led to significant financial setbacks, including loss of sponsorships and de-monetization on major platforms.
“So you lost millions by backing him. Basically, you know, but really I don't give a fuck because this is the greatest country in the world... I have to use it to speak the truth.” (05:46)
5. Fearlessness in the Face of Cancel Culture
Highlighting his unwavering stance, Masvidal discusses his resilience against cancel culture and societal backlash.
“I'm a thug. I don't give a fuck... God's got my back. I'll figure it out later.” (06:28)
He underscores the importance of staying true to one's beliefs despite potential social and financial repercussions.
6. Critique of Fighting Judging Systems
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Masvidal’s candid criticism of the judging systems in both MMA and boxing. He points out the inherent corruption and incompetence that plague these sports.
“Boxing is more corruption than anything... in mma, it's a combination of maybe a little bit of corruption, but a lot of ignorant people that should not be judging fights.” (09:12)
Masvidal advocates for the involvement of seasoned fighters and knowledgeable individuals in officiating roles to enhance the integrity of the sport.
7. Controversy Surrounding Referee Herb Dean
One of the most intense segments features Masvidal’s detailed grievances against referee Herb Dean, whom he labels as the worst referee in the game.
“He's done atrocities. It's all on video. I think he's one of the worst referees, period.” (12:00)
Masvidal recounts specific instances where Dean's poor decision-making adversely affected fight outcomes, emphasizing the need for more competent officiating.
“He waved it off like this... he robbed me from smashing this guy's face.” (12:22)
8. Early Aspirations and UFC’s Influence
Reflecting on his youth, Masvidal shares how the emergence of the UFC on his birthday ignited his passion for fighting.
“I discovered [UFC] when I was nine years old... since then, I was completely hooked to it.” (16:20)
He nostalgically recalls convincing his mother of his fighting aspirations, underscoring his long-standing dedication to martial arts.
9. Emotional Rollercoaster: Highs and Lows of a Fighter
Masvidal delves into the emotional toll of a fighting career, describing how every victory and loss leaves a lasting impact.
“Every single loss hurt like a million needles... every single victory was the greatest thing ever in life.” (19:10)
He speaks to the intense personal investment fighters make, where the stakes are not just monetary but deeply personal.
10. Future Endeavors and Staying Connected
Concluding the episode, Masvidal discusses his future plans, including upcoming fights and his bare-knuckle league, Gamebread Bare Knuckle.
“We're going to have the next one probably March, April next year, Miami. It’s gonna be lit.” (18:20)
He encourages fans to follow his journey through various social media platforms, emphasizing his continued passion and commitment to the sport.
Key Takeaways:
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Masculinity in Modern Society: Men face unprecedented scrutiny and challenges, often being unfairly judged for natural interests and behaviors.
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Mental Strategies: Skills from poker, such as patience and strategic thinking, can complement physical disciplines like MMA, though Masvidal prioritizes martial arts.
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Faith and Resilience: A strong relationship with God provides the foundation for longevity and resilience in the physically and mentally demanding world of professional fighting.
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Political Stance Risks: Vocal political opinions, especially support for polarizing figures like Donald Trump, can lead to significant financial and social repercussions.
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Judging Systems Flaws: Both MMA and boxing suffer from corrupt and incompetent judging systems, necessitating reforms and the inclusion of seasoned professionals in officiating roles.
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Referee Accountability: Specific criticisms of ref Herb Dean highlight the urgent need for more competent and fair officiating in combat sports.
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Early Passion: The UFC’s inception played a crucial role in shaping Masvidal’s career aspirations from a young age.
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Emotional Impact of Fighting: The highs of victory and the lows of defeat deeply affect fighters, highlighting the emotional and psychological demands of the sport.
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Future Plans: Continued involvement in MMA and bare-knuckle fighting, with upcoming events slated to engage and entertain fans.
Notable Quotes:
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“We've never been more attacked as men in the history of men, just for being a man. You get crucified and shit. It's crazy.” – (00:00)
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“Religion's the number one motivator for me. My relationship with God... changed my outlook on life.” – (03:28)
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“I'm a thug. I don't give a fuck... God's got my back. I'll figure it out later.” – (06:28)
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“He's done atrocities. It's all on video. I think he's one of the worst referees, period.” – (14:09)
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“Every single loss hurt like a million needles... every single victory was the greatest thing ever in life.” – (19:10)
For listeners who missed the episode, Digital Social Hour offers an unfiltered and insightful conversation with Jorge Masvidal, shedding light on the complex interplay between societal expectations, personal beliefs, and the relentless world of professional fighting.