JRE MMA Show #138: Cory Sandhagen on Breaking Down Fights and the Mindset of a Champion

Ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of a top-ranked MMA fighter? In this episode of the JRE MMA Show, Joe Rogan sits down with Cory Sandhagen, a phenomenal bantamweight contender known for his strategic brilliance and calculated aggression. They delve into the nitty-gritty of fight analysis, the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level, and the evolution of Sandhagen’s own fighting style. Get ready for some serious fight IQ bombs!

TL;DR

Cory Sandhagen breaks down the intricacies of fight analysis, highlighting the importance of understanding both your opponent’s and your own strengths and weaknesses.
They discuss the crucial role of mental preparation in MMA, including visualization techniques, managing fear, and maintaining focus under pressure.
Sandhagen shares insights into his evolving fighting style, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement.
The conversation touches upon the current landscape of the bantamweight division and Sandhagen’s aspirations for the future.
Joe and Cory explore the nuances of striking, grappling, and the overall strategy involved in high-level MMA competition.

Key Topics Covered

The Art of Fight Analysis

Cory Sandhagen emphasizes that fight analysis is more than just watching tape. It’s about understanding the underlying principles of movement, strategy, and anticipation. He explains how he dissects opponents, looking for patterns, tendencies, and vulnerabilities that he can exploit in the cage. He also highlights the importance of self-assessment, identifying his own areas for improvement and tailoring his training accordingly. What I found particularly interesting was his explanation of finding tells in an opponent’s stance or movement that can predict their next move.

They also discuss the role of coaches in fight preparation, emphasizing the importance of having a strong support system that can provide objective feedback and guidance. Sandhagen praises his coaches for their ability to identify his weaknesses and help him develop strategies to overcome them. Sandhagen also highlights the importance of adapting to the opponent’s game plan during the fight itself, mentioning that pre-fight analysis is just a starting point. The ability to read and react is crucial.

“It’s like a chess match, you’re constantly trying to anticipate your opponent’s moves and set them up for your own.” – Cory Sandhagen

The Mental Game of MMA

Rogan and Sandhagen delve into the mental aspects of fighting, discussing the importance of managing fear, maintaining focus, and building confidence. Sandhagen shares his visualization techniques, explaining how he mentally rehearses different scenarios in the cage to prepare himself for the unpredictable nature of combat. He also stresses the importance of self-belief, stating that a fighter must truly believe in their ability to win in order to succeed.

They also explore the challenges of dealing with pressure and expectations, especially in high-stakes fights. Sandhagen emphasizes the importance of staying present in the moment and not getting caught up in the hype or the external noise. The ability to block out distractions and focus on the task at hand is a key differentiator between good fighters and great fighters. Sandhagen mentions that meditation and mindfulness practices can be incredibly helpful for cultivating mental resilience.

“The mental game is just as important, if not more so, than the physical game. You have to be able to stay calm and focused under pressure.” – Joe Rogan

Evolution of a Fighting Style

Sandhagen discusses how his fighting style has evolved over time, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement. He explains how he’s constantly working to add new techniques to his arsenal and refine his existing skills. He also highlights the importance of being a well-rounded fighter, capable of both striking and grappling effectively. One thing that really stood out was his emphasis on flow and creativity inside the octagon. He doesn’t want to be a predictable fighter.

They also touch upon the influence of different martial arts on his fighting style, mentioning the importance of cross-training and learning from different disciplines. Sandhagen talks about his background in kickboxing, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu, and how he’s integrated elements of each into his overall game. He also emphasizes the importance of staying true to his own style and not trying to become a carbon copy of another fighter. The key is to be a unique individual.

Intriguing Anecdotes & Stories

Sandhagen shares a story about a particularly tough sparring session early in his career where he was getting dominated by a more experienced fighter. Instead of getting discouraged, he used it as a learning experience, analyzing his mistakes and working to improve his weaknesses. He credits that experience with helping him develop the resilience and mental toughness that he relies on today. This emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges.

Another anecdote involves Sandhagen talking about a time when he was struggling with self-doubt before a big fight. He recounts how he turned to visualization and positive self-talk to overcome his fears and regain his confidence. He emphasizes the power of the mind in shaping reality and how a positive mindset can be a significant advantage in combat sports.

Conclusion

This episode of the JRE MMA Show offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a top-ranked MMA fighter. Cory Sandhagen’s insights on fight analysis, mental preparation, and the evolution of a fighting style are both informative and inspiring. Anyone interested in MMA, martial arts, or the psychology of high performance will find this episode particularly engaging. Definitely worth checking out the full conversation!

Watch the Full Episode

If you want to dive even deeper into Cory Sandhagen’s mindset and hear the full conversation with Joe Rogan, check out the complete episode on YouTube!

JRE MMA Show #138 with Cory Sandhagen on YouTube