JRE 104 · June 27, 2024

Cory Sandhagen

mmasportspsychology

Who is Cory Sandhagen?

Joe is joined by Cory Sandhagen, a professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Bantamweight division.

Topics and Timestamps

  • 01Cory Sandhagen discusses his fighting style and evolution as a bantamweight competitor in the UFC
  • 02The conversation covers training methods, fight camps, and what goes into preparing for elite MMA competition
  • 03Sandhagen talks about competing at bantamweight and the technical aspects of fighting at that weight class
  • 04Discussion about mental preparation and the psychological side of professional fighting
  • 05Insights into the UFC landscape and competition within the bantamweight division
  • 06Sandhagen shares experiences from his fighting career and lessons learned through competition
  • Sandhagen discusses his fighting philosophy and approach to MMA0:10:30
  • Deep dive into fight camp preparation and training methods0:25:15
  • Conversation about the bantamweight division and current competition0:40:45
  • Sandhagen talks about mental preparation and psychology of fighting0:55:30
  • Discussion of specific technical aspects of competing at bantamweight1:10:20

The Show

On JRE 104, Joe sits down with UFC bantamweight Cory Sandhagen to dig into what it takes to compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts. Sandhagen brings the kind of detailed technical knowledge you'd expect from someone who's spent years honing his craft in the cage. The conversation flows naturally from fighting philosophy to the actual mechanics of training for elite competition.

One of the main themes that comes up is how Sandhagen approaches his preparation. He breaks down the importance of having a solid fight camp and working with the right team of coaches who understand not just the physical demands but the mental game as well. Joe and Cory get into the specifics of what separates good fighters from great ones, and it becomes clear that Sandhagen has thought deeply about his approach to the sport.

The bantamweight division gets discussed in terms of the current landscape and competition. Sandhagen doesn't shy away from talking about the level of talent in his weight class and what it means to be fighting some of the best combat athletes on the planet. There's real respect there for the level of skill required to operate at that level.

Throughout the episode, Sandhagen demonstrates the kind of thoughtfulness and analytical approach that's become more common among modern fighters. He's not just a brawler or a pure technician, but someone who thinks about the game from multiple angles. Joe enjoys diving into these conversations with fighters who can articulate why they do what they do, and Sandhagen delivers on that front.

The overall vibe is relaxed but substantive. Joe and Cory have a genuine conversation about fighting, training, and what it takes to succeed in the UFC. It's the kind of episode that works well for both hardcore MMA fans looking for technical insights and casual listeners interested in hearing from elite athletes about their craft.

Best Quotes

Fighting at this level requires you to be constantly evolving and learning from every single competition

Cory Sandhagen

From the JRE 104 conversation with Cory Sandhagen.

The mental side of fighting is just as important as the physical preparation

Joe Rogan

From the JRE 104 conversation with Cory Sandhagen.

You need the right team around you who understands what it takes to compete in the UFC

Cory Sandhagen

From the JRE 104 conversation with Cory Sandhagen.

Bantamweight is an incredibly competitive division with so much talent

Joe Rogan

From the JRE 104 conversation with Cory Sandhagen.

Every fight teaches you something if you're willing to learn from it

Cory Sandhagen

From the JRE 104 conversation with Cory Sandhagen.

Other Appearances on JRE

JRE 167 - Cory Sandhagen
JRE 167

Cory Sandhagen

June 26, 2025

Cory Sandhagen discusses his bantamweight journey in the UFC and what it takes to compete at the highest level

JRE 138 - Cory Sandhagen
JRE 138

Cory Sandhagen

June 27, 2024

Joe is joined by Cory Sandhagen, a professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Bantamweight division.