CHAPTERS
- 0:00 – 1:14
Post-fight check-in: dancing after losing the belt
Joe and Max open with some friendly banter about finally getting Max on the show, then pivot to how Max feels after his title loss. Max describes feeling surprisingly good physically, even partying and dancing after the fight despite leg damage during the bout.
- 1:14 – 3:33
Scoring controversy: leg kicks vs damage, and why decisions frustrate fighters
Max explains his post-fight comments about believing he won and how fans misinterpreted them. He and Joe discuss how MMA scoring undervalues/overvalues different strikes and how the 10-point must system creates confusion.
- 3:33 – 8:18
Judging reform: martial-artist judges, more judges, and using ex-fighters
The conversation broadens into systemic issues: judges without real martial arts experience and commissions making questionable choices. Joe and Max argue for ex-fighters as judges and discuss increasing the number of judges to reduce variance.
- 8:18 – 10:39
Matchmaking realities: injuries, unpredictable schedules, and the near-Khabib fight
Joe and Max shift to how chaotic MMA scheduling is compared to other sports. Max recounts taking the short-notice Khabib offer and the extreme weight cut attempt that was stopped by medical staff.
- 10:39 – 14:05
Tony vs Khabib hype and the role of genetics (cardio & power)
They break down why Tony Ferguson is uniquely dangerous—unorthodox attacks, pressure, and elite cardio. This leads into a wider discussion about genetic gifts: cardio ceilings and punching power comparisons.
- 14:05 – 18:17
Mike Tyson, Ngannou, and heavyweight danger: freak power and late-fight chaos
Joe and Max geek out over Tyson’s movement even in his 50s and the idea of Ngannou boxing. They discuss terrifying heavyweight moments, including Rosenstruik’s last-second lip injury to Overeem and how a fight can flip instantly.
- 18:17 – 37:39
Max’s mindset after losing: identity beyond the belt and rematch adjustments
Max describes fans treating him like it’s a funeral and reiterates his ‘it is what it is’ resilience. They discuss the Volkanovski gameplan (leg kicks) and what Max noticed in real time, including corner cues and stance switching.
- 37:39 – 43:01
Weight cutting & hydration tests: fixing incentives and opening weight classes
They debate reforms to weight cutting, citing ONE FC’s hydration testing model. Max also criticizes the champion/challenger having no allowance while non-title fighters get a pound, arguing the incentives are backwards.
- 43:01 – 1:00:02
Grappling injuries and CTE concerns: why ‘training’ can be the most dangerous part
Joe and Max discuss how grappling competitions and even everyday jiu-jitsu can create freak injuries and cumulative head trauma. They talk about chokes, concussions from collisions, and why many MMA pros avoid tournaments.
- 1:00:02 – 1:07:33
Life off-camp: family time, roller rinks, travel plans, and LA vs Australia crowds
Max shares what he does when not in camp—time with his son, racing, roller skating, and relaxing. Joe riffs on population density and stress, comparing LA to Australia and how crowding changes behavior.
- 1:07:33 – 1:11:31
Hawaii identity & representation: the flag walkout and sovereignty talk
Max tells the story of being blocked from walking out with the Hawaiian flag during the Reebok era until Dana intervened. Joe and Max discuss Hawaii’s unique culture, distance from the mainland, and why it feels distinct from other US states.
- 1:11:31 – 1:20:28
Surfing, big-wave fear, and Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch pricing debate
They talk surfing as ‘fighting Mother Nature,’ react to a terrifying big-wave wipeout video, and discuss artificial wave pools. A comedic detour ensues about Surf Ranch costs and what’s public vs private pricing.
- 1:20:28 – 1:26:33
Gaming obsession: PC vs controller, addiction, and fighters streaming for real money
Joe and Max bond over video games, describing how addictive competitive shooters can be. They compare mouse/keyboard precision to controllers and discuss how fighters like Sean O’Malley monetize gaming and streaming.
- 1:26:33 – 1:30:35
Growing up in Waianae: meth prevalence, avoiding drugs, and betting on himself
Max explains how exposure to meth and family/community turmoil shaped his choice to stay drug-free. He describes early confidence, academic ‘hacks,’ and the drive to avoid becoming a cautionary hometown story.
- 1:30:35 – 1:34:07
Origin story: from baseball dreams to a kickboxing fight after three days of training
Max recounts wanting an MLB scholarship before discovering combat sports. He tells the improbable story of accepting a kickboxing fight almost immediately, winning, and then publicly declaring he’d become a pro fighter.
- 1:34:07 – 2:05:39
UFC breakthrough, early losses, and building the team that fueled his championship run
Max describes getting his UFC contract on the day his son was born and calling his skeptical brother. He reflects on losses to Bermudez and Conor, lacking a dedicated striking coach early on, and how bringing in Ivan Flores changed everything—plus his trademark cardio approach.
