The Joe Rogan Experience

MMA Show #171 with Brendan Allen

Date: December 9, 2025
Host: Joe Rogan
Guest: Brendan Allen

Episode Overview

This episode of the JRE MMA Show delves into the latest news and inside stories from the world of Mixed Martial Arts, highlighting everything from rumored UFC super-events at the White House, to the intricacies of weight cutting and fight preparation. Brendan Allen, fresh off significant wins and with his profile rising in the middleweight division, joins Joe Rogan for a candid, wide-ranging discussion. They reminisce about their MMA upbringings, analyze current and past championship landscapes, unpack the trials of fighting injuries, mental coaching, and discuss the evolution of martial arts. Listeners gain valuable insights into the mental and physical grind behind the cage, as well as unique fighter psychology and practical anecdotes from Allen's journey.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. White House Mega-Fight Rumors (00:15–07:18)

Donald Trump’s Announcement: Trump claims there will be "eight or nine title fights at the White House," leading to speculation about the feasibility. Joe and Brendan discuss possible logistics, including unique titles like BMF.
Outdoor Fights & Security Concerns: They compare it to past outdoor events, such as King of the Cage "Wet and Wild" (01:59), sharing war stories of outdoor fighting hazards—humidity, rain, slippery canvases, and fighter safety.
- Joe Rogan (02:49): “You got to see everyone slipping and sliding. It’s so humid.”
Abu Dhabi & Caesar’s Palace History: The outdoor UFC in Abu Dhabi, with bugs as big as birds, and legendary boxing matches outside Caesar’s in Vegas are referenced, showing how extreme events require behind-the-scenes logistics and adaptability.

2. Brendan Allen's Martial Arts Origins (11:53–15:14)

Entry into BJJ and Striking: Brendan shares starting jiu-jitsu at 13, transitioning from football due to family influence, and later experiencing the pitfalls of being the new kid in boxing gyms among grown men.
- Brendan Allen (14:28): “There’s been a couple times, man, I got hit, and I thought my jaw was broken. I start crying.”
Kitchen-Sink Sparring Culture: Both discuss the culture of gyms where new fighters are often thrown into the fire, reflecting on how the smarter approach is controlled, developmental sparring.

3. Weight Cuts, Divisions, and “Legalized Cheating” (18:00–29:10)

Massive Weight Cutting: Allen and Rogan analyze the “science” and dangers of dramatic weight cuts, referencing tricks used in Asian organizations with hydration tests.
- Brendan Allen (22:25): “They drink a whole bunch of water and just hold it. Then go cut for like an hour, and when they piss it out, it’s clear—they’re really not hydrated.”
Advantages and Risks: Joe rails against the system, calling it “legalized cheating,” and ponders how fair fights would look if athletes simply fought at their natural weight.
- Joe Rogan (27:57): “This whole weight cutting thing is just legalized cheating.”

4. On Fighting Injured and Recovery (29:22–45:15)

Brutal Reality of Fighter Health: Brendan discusses fighting through multiple injuries, including foot fractures and an ACL tear that self-healed by fusing to the bone.
- Brendan Allen (30:45): “Never got surgery. I was very lucky. Three different MRIs: fine, torn in half, rehealed.”
Role of Supplements and Modern Recovery:
- Joe Rogan (43:23): “If you get in a hyperbaric chamber, that'll... help your memory as well.”
- Allen shares the importance of UFC's partnership with supplement company Thorne and his new appreciation for creatine and advanced recovery protocols.

5. Training Mindsets: From Youth to Elite (45:15–71:14)

Aging in Combat Sports: The realities of getting older as a pro, taking longer breaks, and the pressure to maintain body and mind post-30.
Family, Fatherhood, and Life Outside Fighting: Brendan reflects on balancing being a full-time athlete and parent to five children, building a home gym to support his lifestyle.
Switching Gyms & Coaching Wisdom: Decision to train at Valley Flow in Chicago with Bilal Muhammad's team after recognizing his own complacency. Explains the difference a real head coach makes.
- Brendan Allen (53:10): “Complacency. I was running my whole camp. I'd be at Killcliffe but be in the corner, doing my own thing... it’s easy to get complacent.”
- Joe Rogan (68:53): “Having a coach that's really on top of it... that's conducting the entire orchestra, and they know you—that’s essential.”

6. On Gym Culture and Parasitic Coaches (53:31–57:45)

Experiences with Questionable Coaches: Allen details anecdotes of undermotivated or “parasitic” individuals who latch onto elite fighters and even disrupt effective training.
- Joe Rogan (56:13): “There’s those weird guys... that become parasitic... a lamprey clinging to the bottom of a shark.”

7. Bar Fights, Street Violence, and Wisdom (57:45–65:03)

People with Nothing to Prove: Both discuss the hazards of bar fights and how a lack of real challenges leads to unnecessary, often tragic, violence outside the cage.
Generational Toughness: Brendan shares family stories of tough, old-school elders and the lessons they imparted about standing up for yourself responsibly.

8. Technical Grappling Deep Dives (106:11–110:36)

Young Dagestani Phenom Fighters: Allen highlights emerging killer talent, their work ethic, and cultural differences in approach.
Pure Jiu Jitsu vs. MMA Evolution: Comparing practice and mindset—Gordon Ryan’s 365-day training discipline and the rise of modern prodigies—how those mental reps and methodology change careers.

9. Mental Game, Sports Psychology, and Vulnerability (121:03–129:49)

Facing Doubt: Brendan is frank about battling anxiety, self-doubt, and the value of sports psychology (shout-out to sports psychologist Eric and resources like Rob Gilbert’s work).
- Brendan Allen (122:57): “To lose to someone truly better than me, I can accept it... but to lose to myself, it eats me alive.”
Sharing Emotional Burden: Conversation and mindfulness are highlighted as key to handling pre-fight nerves and maintaining peak confidence.

10. Classic MMA History and Legacy (146:17–169:52)

Old School Fights & Gracie History: Reminiscing about Brazil’s early Vale Tudo days, the Gracie family splits, beach brawls, dojo storms, and how the art and sport have changed.
Recognizing Legends: The disappointment that some modern fighters are unfamiliar with legends like Vitor Belfort, despite their pivotal roles.
- Joe Rogan (168:40): “These young guys, a lot of them, they're twenty-five...they didn't watch Vitor. The fights they've really seen are from the last few years.”

11. Modern Champions and Division Movements (88:15–101:53; 173:41–end)

Middleweight Logjam & Matchmaking Politics: Allen lays out the current top-5 and why Driscus du Plessis is the only available opponent for him, with others booked.
Hamzat Chimaev Analysis: In-depth analysis on what makes Hamzat elite, his move up in weight, his ridiculous training ethic, and his impact on the evolution of wrestling at the championship level.

12. Closing: The Fight Game’s Lessons

The Blessing of Adversity: Joe and Brendan agree that setbacks and losses, when accepted and learned from, are the true forge of greatness.
- Joe Rogan (120:56): “There’s a blessing in losing, there’s a blessing in failure. If you can swallow it, it will give you a furnace inside you to come back stronger.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Outdoor Fights & Weather:
- Joe Rogan (02:46): “Louisiana… you can cut that air, dude.”
On Gym Sparring:
- Brendan Allen (14:28): “Man, I got hit, and I thought my jaw was broken. I start crying.”
On Weight Cutting:
- Brendan Allen (22:25): “They drink a whole bunch of water and just hold it… that’s how everyone does it.”
On Losing to Oneself:
- Brendan Allen (122:57): “To lose to someone truly better than me, I can accept it. But to lose to myself… it eats me alive.”
On Dealing with Bad Decisions:
- Joe Rogan (81:19): “A bad decision that can cost you half your purse is crazy, it’s crazy.”
On Champions Getting Forgotten:
- Brendan Allen (166:36): “It hurt my heart when they said people couldn’t like, couldn’t say fights for Vitor.”
On the Essence of Fighting:
- Brendan Allen (181:41): “The danger... I like that. It’s what motivates me about the fight, more than the number.”

Important Timestamps for Major Segments

White House fight rumors, outdoor fight logistics: 00:15–06:56
Early days & sparring war stories: 11:53–15:14
Weight cutting & tricks: 18:00–29:22
Fighting injured, recovery, hyperbaric chambers: 29:22–45:15
Changing training camps & coaching: 51:35–71:14
Bar fight wisdom, street violence: 57:45–65:03
Phenoms in the gym, globalization of MMA: 103:00–110:36
Mental struggles, sports psychology, resources: 121:03–130:13
Classic MMA & Gracie history: 146:17–161:16
Modern middleweight landscape, Dricus and Chimaev: 88:15–101:53, 173:41–end

Episode Tone & Language

Conversational, candid, and rich with inside stories—a mix of "locker room confessional" and high-level technical analysis. Allen is raw and direct, with humility and self-awareness. Rogan's style is enthusiastic, inquisitive, and humorously blunt, often breaking down combat sports with both a fan’s glee and a veteran’s wisdom.

For New Listeners

This episode is a deep, unfiltered look behind the curtain of high-level MMA, exploring both the technical evolution of the sport and the personal journeys of those who thrive in it. You'll walk away with a new level of respect for the mental and physical grind these athletes face, the historic roots of martial arts, and the ever-present challenge of pushing beyond your limits.

Find Brendan Allen:
Instagram: @BrendanAllen185

Next for Allen: He’s pushing for a #1 contender bout with Dricus du Plessis—stay tuned for fight news early 2026.

The Joe Rogan Experience

MMA Show #171 with Brendan Allen

Date: December 9, 2025
Host: Joe Rogan
Guest: Brendan Allen

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. White House Mega-Fight Rumors (00:15–07:18)

Donald Trump’s Announcement: Trump claims there will be "eight or nine title fights at the White House," leading to speculation about the feasibility. Joe and Brendan discuss possible logistics, including unique titles like BMF.
Outdoor Fights & Security Concerns: They compare it to past outdoor events, such as King of the Cage "Wet and Wild" (01:59), sharing war stories of outdoor fighting hazards—humidity, rain, slippery canvases, and fighter safety.
- Joe Rogan (02:49): “You got to see everyone slipping and sliding. It’s so humid.”
Abu Dhabi & Caesar’s Palace History: The outdoor UFC in Abu Dhabi, with bugs as big as birds, and legendary boxing matches outside Caesar’s in Vegas are referenced, showing how extreme events require behind-the-scenes logistics and adaptability.

2. Brendan Allen's Martial Arts Origins (11:53–15:14)

Entry into BJJ and Striking: Brendan shares starting jiu-jitsu at 13, transitioning from football due to family influence, and later experiencing the pitfalls of being the new kid in boxing gyms among grown men.
- Brendan Allen (14:28): “There’s been a couple times, man, I got hit, and I thought my jaw was broken. I start crying.”
Kitchen-Sink Sparring Culture: Both discuss the culture of gyms where new fighters are often thrown into the fire, reflecting on how the smarter approach is controlled, developmental sparring.

3. Weight Cuts, Divisions, and “Legalized Cheating” (18:00–29:10)

Massive Weight Cutting: Allen and Rogan analyze the “science” and dangers of dramatic weight cuts, referencing tricks used in Asian organizations with hydration tests.
- Brendan Allen (22:25): “They drink a whole bunch of water and just hold it. Then go cut for like an hour, and when they piss it out, it’s clear—they’re really not hydrated.”
Advantages and Risks: Joe rails against the system, calling it “legalized cheating,” and ponders how fair fights would look if athletes simply fought at their natural weight.
- Joe Rogan (27:57): “This whole weight cutting thing is just legalized cheating.”

4. On Fighting Injured and Recovery (29:22–45:15)

Brutal Reality of Fighter Health: Brendan discusses fighting through multiple injuries, including foot fractures and an ACL tear that self-healed by fusing to the bone.
- Brendan Allen (30:45): “Never got surgery. I was very lucky. Three different MRIs: fine, torn in half, rehealed.”
Role of Supplements and Modern Recovery:
- Joe Rogan (43:23): “If you get in a hyperbaric chamber, that'll... help your memory as well.”
- Allen shares the importance of UFC's partnership with supplement company Thorne and his new appreciation for creatine and advanced recovery protocols.

5. Training Mindsets: From Youth to Elite (45:15–71:14)

Aging in Combat Sports: The realities of getting older as a pro, taking longer breaks, and the pressure to maintain body and mind post-30.
Family, Fatherhood, and Life Outside Fighting: Brendan reflects on balancing being a full-time athlete and parent to five children, building a home gym to support his lifestyle.
Switching Gyms & Coaching Wisdom: Decision to train at Valley Flow in Chicago with Bilal Muhammad's team after recognizing his own complacency. Explains the difference a real head coach makes.
- Brendan Allen (53:10): “Complacency. I was running my whole camp. I'd be at Killcliffe but be in the corner, doing my own thing... it’s easy to get complacent.”
- Joe Rogan (68:53): “Having a coach that's really on top of it... that's conducting the entire orchestra, and they know you—that’s essential.”

6. On Gym Culture and Parasitic Coaches (53:31–57:45)

Experiences with Questionable Coaches: Allen details anecdotes of undermotivated or “parasitic” individuals who latch onto elite fighters and even disrupt effective training.
- Joe Rogan (56:13): “There’s those weird guys... that become parasitic... a lamprey clinging to the bottom of a shark.”

7. Bar Fights, Street Violence, and Wisdom (57:45–65:03)

People with Nothing to Prove: Both discuss the hazards of bar fights and how a lack of real challenges leads to unnecessary, often tragic, violence outside the cage.
Generational Toughness: Brendan shares family stories of tough, old-school elders and the lessons they imparted about standing up for yourself responsibly.

8. Technical Grappling Deep Dives (106:11–110:36)

Young Dagestani Phenom Fighters: Allen highlights emerging killer talent, their work ethic, and cultural differences in approach.
Pure Jiu Jitsu vs. MMA Evolution: Comparing practice and mindset—Gordon Ryan’s 365-day training discipline and the rise of modern prodigies—how those mental reps and methodology change careers.

9. Mental Game, Sports Psychology, and Vulnerability (121:03–129:49)

Facing Doubt: Brendan is frank about battling anxiety, self-doubt, and the value of sports psychology (shout-out to sports psychologist Eric and resources like Rob Gilbert’s work).
- Brendan Allen (122:57): “To lose to someone truly better than me, I can accept it... but to lose to myself, it eats me alive.”
Sharing Emotional Burden: Conversation and mindfulness are highlighted as key to handling pre-fight nerves and maintaining peak confidence.

10. Classic MMA History and Legacy (146:17–169:52)

Old School Fights & Gracie History: Reminiscing about Brazil’s early Vale Tudo days, the Gracie family splits, beach brawls, dojo storms, and how the art and sport have changed.
Recognizing Legends: The disappointment that some modern fighters are unfamiliar with legends like Vitor Belfort, despite their pivotal roles.
- Joe Rogan (168:40): “These young guys, a lot of them, they're twenty-five...they didn't watch Vitor. The fights they've really seen are from the last few years.”

11. Modern Champions and Division Movements (88:15–101:53; 173:41–end)

Middleweight Logjam & Matchmaking Politics: Allen lays out the current top-5 and why Driscus du Plessis is the only available opponent for him, with others booked.
Hamzat Chimaev Analysis: In-depth analysis on what makes Hamzat elite, his move up in weight, his ridiculous training ethic, and his impact on the evolution of wrestling at the championship level.

12. Closing: The Fight Game’s Lessons

The Blessing of Adversity: Joe and Brendan agree that setbacks and losses, when accepted and learned from, are the true forge of greatness.
- Joe Rogan (120:56): “There’s a blessing in losing, there’s a blessing in failure. If you can swallow it, it will give you a furnace inside you to come back stronger.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Outdoor Fights & Weather:
- Joe Rogan (02:46): “Louisiana… you can cut that air, dude.”
On Gym Sparring:
- Brendan Allen (14:28): “Man, I got hit, and I thought my jaw was broken. I start crying.”
On Weight Cutting:
- Brendan Allen (22:25): “They drink a whole bunch of water and just hold it… that’s how everyone does it.”
On Losing to Oneself:
- Brendan Allen (122:57): “To lose to someone truly better than me, I can accept it. But to lose to myself… it eats me alive.”
On Dealing with Bad Decisions:
- Joe Rogan (81:19): “A bad decision that can cost you half your purse is crazy, it’s crazy.”
On Champions Getting Forgotten:
- Brendan Allen (166:36): “It hurt my heart when they said people couldn’t like, couldn’t say fights for Vitor.”
On the Essence of Fighting:
- Brendan Allen (181:41): “The danger... I like that. It’s what motivates me about the fight, more than the number.”

Important Timestamps for Major Segments

White House fight rumors, outdoor fight logistics: 00:15–06:56
Early days & sparring war stories: 11:53–15:14
Weight cutting & tricks: 18:00–29:22
Fighting injured, recovery, hyperbaric chambers: 29:22–45:15
Changing training camps & coaching: 51:35–71:14
Bar fight wisdom, street violence: 57:45–65:03
Phenoms in the gym, globalization of MMA: 103:00–110:36
Mental struggles, sports psychology, resources: 121:03–130:13
Classic MMA & Gracie history: 146:17–161:16
Modern middleweight landscape, Dricus and Chimaev: 88:15–101:53, 173:41–end

Episode Tone & Language

For New Listeners

Find Brendan Allen:
Instagram: @BrendanAllen185

Next for Allen: He’s pushing for a #1 contender bout with Dricus du Plessis—stay tuned for fight news early 2026.

JRE MMA Show #171 with Brendan Allen

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Summary

The Joe Rogan Experience

MMA Show #171 with Brendan Allen

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. White House Mega-Fight Rumors (00:15–07:18)

2. Brendan Allen's Martial Arts Origins (11:53–15:14)

3. Weight Cuts, Divisions, and “Legalized Cheating” (18:00–29:10)

4. On Fighting Injured and Recovery (29:22–45:15)

5. Training Mindsets: From Youth to Elite (45:15–71:14)

6. On Gym Culture and Parasitic Coaches (53:31–57:45)

7. Bar Fights, Street Violence, and Wisdom (57:45–65:03)

8. Technical Grappling Deep Dives (106:11–110:36)

9. Mental Game, Sports Psychology, and Vulnerability (121:03–129:49)

10. Classic MMA History and Legacy (146:17–169:52)

11. Modern Champions and Division Movements (88:15–101:53; 173:41–end)

12. Closing: The Fight Game’s Lessons

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps for Major Segments

Episode Tone & Language

For New Listeners

Summary

The Joe Rogan Experience

MMA Show #171 with Brendan Allen

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. White House Mega-Fight Rumors (00:15–07:18)

2. Brendan Allen's Martial Arts Origins (11:53–15:14)

3. Weight Cuts, Divisions, and “Legalized Cheating” (18:00–29:10)

4. On Fighting Injured and Recovery (29:22–45:15)

5. Training Mindsets: From Youth to Elite (45:15–71:14)

6. On Gym Culture and Parasitic Coaches (53:31–57:45)

7. Bar Fights, Street Violence, and Wisdom (57:45–65:03)

8. Technical Grappling Deep Dives (106:11–110:36)

9. Mental Game, Sports Psychology, and Vulnerability (121:03–129:49)

10. Classic MMA History and Legacy (146:17–169:52)

11. Modern Champions and Division Movements (88:15–101:53; 173:41–end)

12. Closing: The Fight Game’s Lessons

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps for Major Segments

Episode Tone & Language

For New Listeners