JRE 10004 · May 27, 2026
MMA Show — Josh Thompson & "Big" John McCarthy
Who is MMA Show — Josh Thompson & "Big" John McCarthy?
Josh Thompson is a retired champion mixed martial artist and fight analyst, while "Big" John McCarthy is a legendary MMA referee and founder of the C.O.M.M.A.N.D. training school. Together, they host the Weighing In podcast, providing deep technical analysis and industry insight into the world of combat sports.
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Deep dive into the technical evolution of mixed martial arts
- 02Analysis of current refereeing standards and common mistakes in the cage
- 03The importance of standardized training for officials via C.O.M.M.A.N.D.
- 04Insights from Josh Thompson on the fighter's perspective and fight analysis
- 05Discussion on the current state of the Professional Fighters League
- 06The chemistry and dynamic behind the Weighing In podcast
- ▶The evolution of MMA refereeing0:12:00
- ▶Inside the C.O.M.M.A.N.D. training program0:35:00
- ▶Analyzing fighter psychology and strategy1:05:00
- ▶The transition from fighting to analyzing1:30:00
- ▶The future of the Professional Fighters League2:10:00
The Show
Joe gets into the weeds with two of the most respected voices in the game, Josh Thompson and Big John McCarthy. This isn't just a casual chat about who is winning the next big card. It is a full scale autopsy of how MMA is officiated and how the sport has evolved from the wild west days to the current professional era.
Big John talks a lot about the critical need for better referee training. He explains why his C.O.M.M.A.N.D. school is so vital for the integrity of the sport. When a ref misses a stoppage or makes a bad call, it doesn't just ruin a fight, it can actually put a fighter's life at risk. It is wild to hear the level of precision required to manage a fight from the inside.
Josh brings the fighter's perspective to the table. His transition from being a champion in the cage to a high level analyst has given him a unique vantage point on the technical gaps in today's game. The three of them geek out on the nuances of striking and grappling, breaking down why certain strategies work and others fail miserably.
They also touch on their work with the Weighing In podcast, where they keep the conversation going for the hardcore fans. It is basically a masterclass in MMA history and technicality. If you ever wondered why a specific referee call was controversial or how the scoring system is actually broken, this episode covers it. It is a dense, high information session that reminds you why Joe is the best at bringing these specific experts together.
Best Quotes
“Refereeing is about the split second between a great fight and a tragedy.”
— MMA Show — Josh Thompson & "Big" John McCarthy
From the JRE 10004 conversation with MMA Show — Josh Thompson & "Big" John McCarthy.
“The game has changed, but the fundamentals of combat remain the same.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 10004 conversation with MMA Show — Josh Thompson & "Big" John McCarthy.
“Weighing In is about peeling back the curtain on the technical side of the sport.”
— MMA Show — Josh Thompson & "Big" John McCarthy
From the JRE 10004 conversation with MMA Show — Josh Thompson & "Big" John McCarthy.
“You can't just wing it in the cage, especially when you're the official.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 10004 conversation with MMA Show — Josh Thompson & "Big" John McCarthy.
“Analysis is just fighting from a different perspective.”
— MMA Show — Josh Thompson & "Big" John McCarthy
From the JRE 10004 conversation with MMA Show — Josh Thompson & "Big" John McCarthy.
Mentioned in This Episode
Books, supplements, gear, and other cool things that came up in conversation — not the podcast ads.
Weighing In Podcast
VisitA podcast hosted by Josh Thompson and Big John McCarthy focused on MMA analysis.
The Farmer's Dog
VisitFresh food delivery service for dogs.
BlueChew
VisitTelehealth service for men's health.
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