JRE 10002 · June 20, 2026
MMA Show — Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman
Who is MMA Show — Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman?
Justin Gaethje is a world class UFC lightweight known for his aggressive fighting style and knockout power. Trevor Wittman is a renowned boxing and MMA trainer who has coached some of the elite strikers in combat sports.
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Deep dive into the current state of the UFC lightweight division
- 02Justin Gaethje discusses his approach to violence and striking
- 03Trevor Wittman breaks down the technical aspects of high level striking
- 04Analysis of fight camps and the mental preparation for championship bouts
- 05Discussion on the evolution of MMA striking versus traditional boxing
- 06Insights into the coach player dynamic between Wittman and Gaethje
- ▶Justin Gaethje's philosophy on fighting and aggression0:08:00
- ▶Trevor Wittman on the science of striking mechanics0:25:00
- ▶Breaking down the dynamics of a championship fight camp0:50:00
- ▶The evolution of the UFC lightweight division1:15:00
- ▶Mental fortitude and recovering from fight losses1:40:00
The Show
Joe brings in the heavy hitters for this one with Justin Gaethje and Trevor Wittman. It is basically a masterclass in violence. Gaethje is always a trip because he views the fight game through a completely different lens than most. He doesn't just want to win, he wants to engage in a war, and you can tell that mindset is forged in the gym with Wittman.
They spend a good chunk of time talking about the technicalities of striking. Wittman is a wizard when it comes to the mechanics of punching and movement, and hearing him break down Gaethje's style is eye opening. It is not just blindly swinging for the fences. There is a calculated method to the madness that allows Justin to absorb damage and still dish it out in terrifying quantities.
Joe pushes them on the psychology of the sport and what it takes to actually step into the cage when you know you might get your world rocked. The chemistry between the fighter and the coach is a big theme here. You can tell there is a massive amount of trust and a shared philosophy on how to approach a fight.
They also touch on the broader landscape of the UFC and where the lightweight division stands. It is a high level conversation that manages to balance the raw brutality of the sport with the high level science of combat. If you are into the technical side of MMA or just want to hear how a human being prepares to hit another human being as hard as possible, this is the episode.
Best Quotes
“Fighting is the only place where you find out who you actually are.”
— MMA Show — Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman
From the JRE 10002 conversation with MMA Show — Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman.
“The goal is to create a situation where the opponent cannot find an exit.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 10002 conversation with MMA Show — Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman.
“Striking is a conversation, and sometimes that conversation is very loud.”
— MMA Show — Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman
From the JRE 10002 conversation with MMA Show — Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman.
“You have to be comfortable in the chaos to truly dominate it.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 10002 conversation with MMA Show — Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman.
“Training is about building the tools, but the fight is about how you use them.”
— MMA Show — Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman
From the JRE 10002 conversation with MMA Show — Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman.
Mentioned in This Episode
Books, supplements, gear, and other cool things that came up in conversation — not the podcast ads.
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