Skip to main content

[@joerogan] JRE MMA Show #170 with Michael "Venom" Page

· 8 min read
[@joerogan] Summarizer
Video Bot

@joerogan - "JRE MMA Show #170 with Michael "Venom" Page"

Link: https://youtu.be/5Er_88yJov4

Short Summary​

In this Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Michael "Venom" Page (MVP) discusses his unique "point fighter" style in MMA and how Joe Rogan has championed it, emphasizing its speed and elusive elements. MVP also reflects on his career, the criticism he faced, his approach to marketing himself, and his current aspirations in the UFC, while sharing stories of past fights and current injuries.

Key Quotes​

Okay, here are five quotes extracted from the transcript that I found particularly insightful:

  1. Joe Rogan: "It's almost like we called for you because there was a time in the early days of MMA, like in the early 2000s, where I was like, 'This is what's missing.' This what's missing is point fighters...They have a very specific skill. That skill of closing distance and being elusive, it's not like any other sport. It's almost like fencing and MMA combined and martial arts combined."

    • This highlights Rogan's early appreciation for a then-underrepresented style in MMA and his ability to articulate its unique value.

  2. Michael "Venom" Page: "Power only means something if you land. And my whole element is like not being touched."

    • A concise statement of MVP's fighting philosophy, emphasizing elusiveness over brute force.

  3. Michael "Venom" Page: "I'm just making it seem a lot less difficult than it actually is. These guys are super talented fighters. I'm just not fighting on the same wavelength and timing as them."

    • This is interesting because it acknowledges the skill of his opponents while simultaneously highlighting the unusual nature of his approach.

  4. Joe Rogan: "Listen, brother. I can't wait to see you in there again. I'm a giant fan. I'm so happy you're at the UFC now."

    • This is a strong statement of Rogan's genuine enthusiasm for Page's fighting style and presence in the UFC.

  5. Joe Rogan: "Why didn't you do something about that?…As long as I can hit you, I'm fine."

  • Here Rogan is speaking to Venom in regards to his shoulder injuries and MVP responds in the quote. This expresses the fighter's mindset and focus on being able to throw a punch, regardless of other injuries.

Detailed Summary​

Okay, here is a detailed summary of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast featuring Michael "Venom" Page (MVP), broken down into bullet points:

Key Topics and Arguments:

  • Appreciation for Rogan's Support:

    • MVP expresses gratitude to Joe Rogan for consistently supporting his unique fighting style, particularly during initial criticism he received entering the MMA world.

  • The Value of Point Fighting in MMA:

    • Rogan argues that point fighters bring a unique and valuable skill set to MMA that was missing in the early 2000s, emphasizing elusiveness, distance management, and speed.
    • He compares it to fencing and believes that the speed element is often overlooked for power in other combat sports.
    • MVP highlights that his style focuses on speed and not getting hit, contrasting it with the power-focused approach of many kickboxers.
    • Rogan notes that every fight starts standing, so mastering striking is a huge advantage if grappling can be defended.
    • Rogan believes MVP's style makes high-level point fighters consider MMA as a viable career route.

  • Frustration and Psychological Warfare:

    • MVP discusses how his style can frustrate opponents due to its unfamiliarity.
    • Rogan points out MVP's use of psychological tactics, like taunting opponents, adding to their frustration and the audience's perception.
    • The constant accusations of MVP fighting "cans", he addresses those accusations by saying he's making it seem less difficult than it actually is.

  • The Michael Page (MVP) Style:

    • MVP is hard to get consistent sparring partners because there are not many similar fighters in MMA.
    • Rogan acknowledges that the unorthodox movement and unpredictable rhythm of MVP make him difficult to prepare for, forcing opponents to react and create new patterns.
    • Rogan and MVP discuss how training partners of MVP become more alert, but exhaustion becomes a problem.
    • Rogan explains that the pressure to solve MVP's style results in wasted energy and fatigue due to the constant threat.

  • The Paul Daley Fight and Meeting Aftermath:

    • MVP discusses his infamous fight against Cyborg Santos (Paul Daley), including the gruesome injury and awkward meeting with Daley years later.
    • Rogan calls the injury to Daley's head "the most gruesome" he has ever seen.
    • MVP talks about feeling awkward after causing such a severe injury, especially when his teammate injured a student Daley was coaching.

  • Early Martial Arts History:

    • MVP mentions his early days in points kickboxing, getting beaten regularly by his siblings.
    • He describes a turning point when he won a major championship and suddenly started defeating opponents he had previously struggled against.
    • He details his decision to retire from kickboxing and transition to MMA, exploring gyms in the US and UK.
    • Highlights that his start into MMA wasn't really planned because he had a friend that suggested he try out a gym near him.

  • Training and Gym Experience:

    • MVP discusses joining London Shoot Fighters and falling in love with grappling despite initial difficulties.
    • He mentions the "meathead" style of the gym, its long history in combat sports, and its impact on his development.

  • Key Influences and The "Venom" Nickname:

    • He credits constant observation and the visual experience from watching many kickboxing matches before competing as part of why he was able to adapt so easily.
    • Mentions that the name came from training partner after he hit people he hit during sparring.
    • Explains the origin of his nickname "Venom," tracing it back to Kung Fu movies and his creative approach to martial arts.

  • Marketing and Branding in MMA:

    • MVP emphasizes the importance of self-marketing in MMA, drawing inspiration from The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) and studying successful WWE personalities.
    • He discusses creating a unique persona, developing signature moves, and crafting memorable post-fight statements.
    • MVP mentions that his walkouts are an important part of creating his unique persona.

  • Bellator vs. UFC:

    • MVP states that it was important for him to break out in Bellator as one of the few guys to do so.
    • MVP discusses how the caliber of fighter has changed from his time with Bellator to the UFC.
    • Highlights that he felt nervous in his first UFC fight because of the pressure and expectations.
    • Admits to "trying too hard" in his first few UFC fights, but feels he is now back to his old self.

  • The Politics of Fight Scheduling:

    • MVP expresses frustration with the slow pace of fight scheduling in the UFC and difficulty getting opponents to agree to fight him.
    • Rogan suggests that his unique style makes him a difficult opponent to prepare for, discouraging potential challengers.
    • MVP's future plans involve dropping to 170lbs and a clear path to getting a title.
    • Rogan thinks that the addition of Bellator has added more to manage for the UFC and therefore fights are not as frequent as MVP likes.

  • State of Current MMA:

    • Discuss the talent pool in MMA is rapidly growing, as the popularity increases so do talented fighters.
    • Rogan acknowledges the difficulty of being a matchmaker, especially with a large roster and frequent event schedule.
    • They praise fighters like Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria for their skill and excitement, mentioning the importance of entertainment value.
    • They say that if the athlete does not have entertainment value, then the fighter needs to make a splash performance.
    • Rogan discusses the importance of knowing when to give the gas and when not to.

  • Morality in Fighting:

    • They both believe that fighting is a sport and therefore you must follow the rules.
    • They both are not a fan of the lay and pray fighting style.
    • Rogan and MVP agree that Khabib was a grappling artist.
    • Rogan praises Hamzat for dominating entire fights while in a crucifix.

  • Weight Cutting:

    • Rogan thinks weight cutting is legalized cheating.
    • Weigh in should be closer to what an athletes true weight is.
    • MVP agrees that weight cutting might actually cause long-term health problems
    • Talk about how if people were to start hydrating again, it would be cheating.
    • Rogan suggest random weight checks.

  • Injury:

    • Shoulders were very loose after the ALJO fight.
    • TJ just should have probably just got them fixed
    • The day before the Ian Garry fight, he couldn't even stand on his left foot.

  • Pilates:

    • Pilates can be extremely beneficial to stabilize key muscles and make them easier to stabilize.
    • Hot Yoga is also extremely difficult.

  • Cycle Syncing:

    • Men have a 24 hours cycle where as women have a 28-day cycle.
    • Females should actually be scheduling the fights around menstrual schedule.

  • Film Company/Acting:

    • Always been a creative mind.
    • Is making two short films and is looking forward to make movies.

This summary aims to capture the main points, arguments, and information exchanged during the conversation.