CHAPTERS
- 0:02 – 2:58
Austin plans and Cody’s mindset after the skid
Joe welcomes Cody and immediately hints at Garbrandt possibly moving to Austin. They pivot into Cody’s emotional and mental reset after a difficult losing streak and what it felt like to claw back to form.
- 2:58 – 5:34
Rebuilding with Mark Henry: “codes,” structure, and safety-first coaching
Cody explains why he trained in New Jersey with Mark Henry and how Henry’s famously detailed “codes” system changed his preparation. The emphasis shifts from flashy offense to defensive responsibility and longevity.
- 5:34 – 9:00
Defense as the foundation: parallels to jiu-jitsu and training from bad positions
Joe connects Cody’s striking defense improvements to core grappling principles from Rickson Gracie and Danaher’s teams. Cody describes how simulation training and starting in horrible positions builds real fight readiness.
- 9:00 – 10:48
Breaking down the Assunção KO: feints, timing, and the walk-off moment
They analyze Cody’s comeback knockout over Raphael Assunção in detail. Cody explains the feinting strategy, cage awareness, stance reads, and the exact timing that produced the highlight finish.
- 10:48 – 14:45
Kidney infection scare: hidden cellulitis/staph and systemic risk in camp
Cody recounts a severe health crisis that derailed his schedule: an undetected leg infection that became a kidney infection. The conversation highlights how hard training can amplify illness and how dangerous staph can be.
- 14:45 – 15:57
Back injury and regenerative medicine: rehab, PT, and stem-cell talk
They shift to Cody’s injuries and recovery tools, including Regenokine and ongoing mobility/PT work. Joe expands into regenerative medicine trends like stem cells for disc issues and sciatica relief.
- 15:57 – 24:18
Visualization, “slight edge,” and leaving comfort zones to reignite hunger
Cody details how he used visualization from childhood wrestling through becoming UFC champion—then stopped doing it during turbulent years. He explains his return to structured goal-setting, discomfort training, and motivation tied to fatherhood.
- 24:18 – 31:00
TJ Dillashaw rivalry: emotions, mental readiness, and the PED shadow
Joe and Cody revisit the Dillashaw fights as a case study in emotional overinvestment. Cody argues he wasn’t mentally right then, discusses TJ’s EPO suspension, and frames a future rematch as unfinished business.
- 31:00 – 31:56
Fighter pay realities, judging risk, and why camps beat up the body
The discussion moves to compensation structure and how judging and win bonuses affect fighters’ livelihoods. Cody explains how often he trained injured and how rare it was to exit a fight unscathed.
- 31:56 – 56:02
COVID ordeal: vertigo, pneumonia, months-long positivity, and blood clots
Cody gives a detailed account of a brutal, prolonged COVID case that started with vertigo and included pneumonia and extended positive tests. He later developed blood clots and required blood thinners, underlining how training through illness can backfire.
- 56:02 – 1:17:49
Training evolution: cycling cardio, back-saving strength work, and recovery tools
They explore how cycling built elite endurance and mental toughness, while also creating new back-management needs. Joe and Cody discuss specialized equipment and methods—Reverse Hyper, belt squats, decompression devices, yoga, cupping, and dry needling.
- 1:17:49 – 2:02:45
What’s next: Aldo callout, 125 vs 135 options, and the sport’s shifting meta
Cody outlines his preferred next fight (Jose Aldo) while staying open to a flyweight title opportunity. They close by talking evolving tactics like calf kicks, stance switching, sparring less, glove design issues, and broader MMA landscape changes.
