#2384 - Mark Kerr

Mark Kerr and Joe Rogan provide insight into the dynamic development of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) from its infancy to the present day, emphasizing how the sport's athletes and strategies have transformed.

MMA Transformed Incredibly From Early Days to Present

Fighters Have Become More Skilled, Technical, and Well-Rounded

Early fighters often lacked the professional image seen today, but Kerr himself aimed to change that by carrying himself with more professionalism. Kerr and Rogan discuss how MMA has significantly evolved since the "way back" days with fighters like Judo Gene LeBell and the first world-famous martial artist Bruce Lee, who promoted a fighting style incorporating elements from various disciplines. They reflect on how these figures paved the way for modern MMA by eschewing strict adherence to a single martial arts style.

Joe Rogan and Kerr note the progress in MMA training, with today’s fighters combining grappling, jiu-jitsu, and striking into a single sport, making them more skilled and well-rounded. For example, fighters like the Gracies broke stereotypes and introduced groundbreaking fighting aspects, while Vitor Belfort—originally introduced as Victor Gracie—showcased the importance of striking in the sport.

MMA Icons: Gracie, Coleman, Liddell Shaped Its Growth

The impact of icons such as Royce Gracie, who stunned audiences using techniques people didn’t understand, like the triangle choke, helped popularize MMA. Mark Kerr recalls how Gracie's methods were effective, even though he did not initially understand them, as evidenced by Dan Severn's submission. Chuck Liddell, another significant figure, became the poster boy for MMA with his "seek and destroy" style. These icons, along with others like Mark Coleman, helped shape MMA’s growth.

No direct mentions were provided regarding the impact of Coleman or Liddell on MMA's growth in the transcript chunk. However, the conversations alluded to the fact that these pioneers and others significantly changed the direction and strategy of the sport.

Sport Sees Increased Professionalism With Improved Training, Nutrition, Recovery

R ...

Joe Rogan and guests discuss the fundamental impact of elite wrestling and intense cardio on the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA). They cite fighters like Marab Dvalishvili and Hamzat Chimaev, as well as legends like Cain Velasquez, demonstrating how these skills contribute to dominance in the octagon.

Wrestling Is Foundational for Success in MMA

Wrestlers Dictate Fight Location

Rogan reflects on the game-changing impact fighters like Mark Kerr and Mark Coleman had on MMA, necessitating competitors to get bigger and stronger. Kerr speaks to the importance of wrestling, having the advantage to hold an opponent where they want and for as long as they want. This control allows fighters like Chuck Liddell to dictate where the fight takes place, whether on the ground or standing up.

Kerr’s own background in wrestling translated into his fighting style that focused on grappling and control, showing how a solid wrestling foundation can profoundly influence fight outcomes. Wrestling skill can impose one's will in later rounds of a championship fight, something Kerr emphasizes through his own and others' experiences in the cage.

Rogan and Kerr agree that wrestling is an essential skill necessary for getting into MMA, even recommending that aspiring fighters go straight into wrestling and jujitsu training. The capability of wrestlers to control the fight was illustrated in Benoit Saint-Denis' domination over the striking specialist Mauricio Rufi by taking the fight to the ground.

Sustaining Intense Attacks and Cardio Is Crucial for MMA Fighters

Kerr mentions wrestlers like Kurt Angle and elite Russian practitioners who employ successive attacks and flurries to overwhelm opponents, tying this to the excellent cardiovascular system developed from growing up at high altitudes. They explain how this base allows fighters to launch and sustain intense attacks without fatiguing.

Joe Rogan reflects on the importance of cardio, highlighting fighters like Maurice Smith, who had elite cardiovascular fitness through activities like swimming and hill running. Mark Kerr discusses cardiovascular fitness and the endurance training that wrestlers undergo, allowing them to sustain flurr ...

The hosts discuss the intriguing journey of former professional fighter Mark Kerr, shedding light on his transition from wrestling to mixed martial arts (MMA) and the personal challenges he faced, revealing a stark contrast between his fearsome public persona and his private battles.

Kerr's Transition From Wrestler to Mma Fighter

Kerr's Wrestling Advantage Required Integrating Other Skills Like Striking

Kerr shares candid reflections on his transition into MMA from his wrestling background. The conversation touches on his early recognition of the multifaceted skill set required in MMA and an acknowledgment of the limitations presented by his wrestling background. Joe Rogan talks about the necessity for fighters like Kerr to evolve beyond just wrestling, as the sport demanded a broader array of combat skills like striking. Kerr mentions "phone booth fighting" as a part of his strategy to incorporate his wrestling advantage in the confined space of the MMA arena.

Kerr's Intense, Focused Mindset Fueled Success and Posed Challenges

Kerr also provides insight into the intense and focused mindset that paved the way for his success, while also contributing to the demanding challenges he faced. He speaks about the transformation he underwent to perform at the highest level, including the somewhat darker aspects of compartmentalizing everything and imposing his will on opponents. At one point, he reflects on feeling an internal change, indicating a loss of a crucial fighting component, and admits to an intense regimen, evident in anecdotes such as never being late and sleeping in a chair to maintain his strict routine.

Kerr's Substance Abuse Struggle and Career Toll Highlight Fighters' Difficulties

Kerr's narrative also vividly illustrat ...

The film about Mark Kerr's life is a detailed representation of his experiences both in and out of the ring, with meticulous attention paid to authenticity from the set design to the personal mannerisms, invoking a strong emotional response from Kerr.

Filmmakers Accurately Recreated Kerr's Past Experiences and Environments

When Mark Kerr watched an 80% complete version of the film in January, and then the first complete version in Venice, he had a strong emotional response, particularly to the intensity of the last scene. It forced him to reflect on his own behavior and its cost to those around him, recognizing the selfish nature of his endeavors and how his actions hurt the people around him. This was therapeutic for Kerr.

The environment and significant moments of Kerr's past fights were meticulously reproduced right down to the fog machines in the doorway of the arena where his first fight took place. Kerr contributed personal items like watches, rings, and necklaces for the set, and was struck by the realistic set when he visited in Vancouver, noting how his life from 25 years ago was recreated, right down to his home. John Greenhalgh, the producer and a college acquaintance of Kerr's, captured the stark contrast between Kerr's identity as a fighter and his personality in private life, with professional equipment and personnel signifying a serious approach to representing his life authentically.

Dj Cotrona Immersed In Kerr's Mannerisms and Physicality For a Convincing Performance

Mark Kerr's son was astounded by how actor DJ Cotrona, who portrayed Kerr, accurately captured Kerr's mannerisms and speech patterns—a "doppelganger" experience. Cotrona immersed himself in Kerr's physicality, putting on muscle to resemble a wrestler's fast-twitch fibers and secluded himself for 11 weeks in training without his family. Joe Rogan noticed that DJ mastered Kerr's mannerisms and walk to the point where even Kerr recognized the likeness. Cotrona’s dedication, including wearing prosthetics for the cauliflower ear and altered brow, made him look remarkably like Kerr.

"Kerr Emphasized Authenticity, Offering Input and Resources To the Filmmakers."

Even though specific mentions of Kerr offering input and resources directly are absent from the provided transcript, the overall production demonstrates his involvement. The discussions began back in 2019 between Kerr and DJ, suggesting trust and emphasis on authenticity in the portrayal. Kerr had a final veto on the content, ensuring authenticity, but expressed deep gratitude towards the team, implying his approval of their dedication to accurately represent his story. Kerr shared foundations of wrestling with Cotrona and worked with the film's team to ensure the fight scenes’ realism, focusing on foundational wrestling techniques. This collaboration infers that Kerr offered his expertise as a resource to the filmmakers.

Kerr acknowledged Greenhalgh's approach aimed at illustrating the real Mark Kerr—a foundational piece necessary for viewers to appreciate the history and efforts of fighters today. Joe Rogan complimented the realism in the movie, confirming that the effor ...