JRE MMA Show #49 with Miriam Nakamoto

Nakamoto’s four knee surgeries came not from years of Muay Thai but from MMA grappling motions (guard work, swiveling, wrestling entries), illustrating how jiu-jitsu and wrestling can be far harsher on knees than kicking.

They discuss heavy ibuprofen use causing gut disruption and systemic inflammation, where the drug both masks and perpetuates pain, underscoring the need for cautious, sparing use of anti-inflammatories.

Rogan argues that open, flat MMA gloves plus lenient penalties encourage eye pokes and groin shots; curved gloves (like old Pride) and automatic point deductions would likely reduce fouls and eye damage.

Fighters like Rob Kaman and Giorgio Petrosyan succeed because they use structured systems—programmed counters, layered reactions, and endless drilling—rather than relying only on athleticism or “just being tough.”

Nakamoto rejects the idea that you either have grit or you don’t, arguing that mental strength was built through injuries, losses, and hard choices—and that people can consciously cultivate it after failing under pressure.

She realizes many of her world titles were attempts to disprove childhood messages of not being “good enough,” leaving her depressed even after wins because she fought safely instead of expressing herself fully.

Working with Parkinson’s patients in Rock Steady Boxing, she watched people fight for basic movement and dignity; their effort “healed her heart” and gave her a new sense of worth beyond being a champion.