JRE 167 · June 26, 2025
Cory Sandhagen
Who is Cory Sandhagen?
Joe sits down with Cory Sandhagen, a professional mixed martial artist competing in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Cory Sandhagen discusses his bantamweight journey in the UFC and what it takes to compete at the highest level
- 02Joe and Cory explore the mental and physical demands of combat sports training
- 03Discussion of fight strategy, technique development, and fighting different styles in the octagon
- 04Cory shares insights into his camp, coaching, and how he prepares for opponents
- 05Conversation touches on injuries, recovery, and managing the wear and tear of professional fighting
- 06Joe and Cory discuss the evolution of MMA and how the sport has changed over the years
- ▶Cory explains what makes bantamweight such a competitive division0:05:00
- ▶Discussion about fight preparation and the importance of the right coaching team0:15:00
- ▶Cory breaks down his approach to studying opponents and game planning0:30:00
- ▶Joe and Cory talk about injuries and the toll fighting takes on the body0:50:00
- ▶Conversation about the evolution of MMA and how the sport has changed1:10:00
The Show
Joe sits down with UFC bantamweight Cory Sandhagen in JRE MMA Show 167, diving deep into what it takes to be a professional fighter at the elite level. Sandhagen brings the perspective of someone grinding it out in one of the most competitive weight classes in the UFC, where speed, technique, and mental toughness separate the champions from everyone else.
The conversation covers the brutal reality of preparing for fights, with both Joe and Cory discussing the importance of having the right coaching staff, training partners, and facilities to develop the skills needed to compete at the highest level. Sandhagen talks about the constant evolution required in MMA, where you can't rely on the same gameplan twice and opponents are always studying film, adjusting, and coming in with new wrinkles.
One of the key themes throughout the episode is how MMA has become so technical and specialized that fighters need to be well-rounded but also have specific advantages they can exploit. Joe asks about fight strategy and how Cory approaches different opponents, leading to discussions about reading opponents in real time and being able to adapt mid-fight.
The episode also touches on the physical toll of the sport, injuries that come with the territory, and how modern fighters are approaching recovery and longevity in their careers. Both Joe and Cory acknowledge that this isn't a sport where you can just show up and wing it anymore. Everything from nutrition to sleep to mental preparation plays a crucial role in determining who wins fights.
Best Quotes
“You can't just show up and expect to win at this level anymore, everything matters”
— Cory Sandhagen
From the JRE 167 conversation with Cory Sandhagen.
“The mental side of fighting is just as important as the physical training”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 167 conversation with Cory Sandhagen.
“Good coaching can be the difference between winning and losing at the elite level”
— Cory Sandhagen
From the JRE 167 conversation with Cory Sandhagen.
“You have to be willing to adapt mid-fight, nothing ever goes exactly as planned”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 167 conversation with Cory Sandhagen.
“Recovery is where the real progress happens, not just in the gym”
— Cory Sandhagen
From the JRE 167 conversation with Cory Sandhagen.
