Before MMA Alexander Volkanovski Was a 214lb Rugby Player | Joe Rogan

[@MelquiIam]

I love how Volk glances over at Jaime from time to time when he’s talking. To make him feel part of the conversation. He’s such a respectful dude. You honestly can’t hate the guy! Hope nothing but success for him.

[@faizsofari8808]

thought I'm the only one who notice

[@MelquiIam]

@@faizsofari8808 I thought I was 🤣 but I guess not. Some guests pretend he isn’t even there unless they want something googled.

[@jkzldn5316]

This isn’t good manners it’s basic conversation skills and called being media ready. Get off his dick

[@MelquiIam]

@@yadriano8121 cuz he’s a human and he’s in a room as well? Duh

[@shadyganley8877]

@@yadriano8121 🤦‍♂️

[@My2cents369]

Being an Aussie myself, im proud of this kid. Its too bad Australia don’t throw enough support behind it’s fighters. This bloke is a great role model for aussie kids.

[@willthomas5953]

He's a monster. One of the last ppl I would wanto get into a fight with. And seems like a good dude and like u said role model out of the octagon.

[@StuAus]

The majority of Aus sports media are dinosaurs who talk about MMA like it was 1995. It's changing, slowly but fuck me these fossils need to open their minds.

[@sir2657]

Y'all are too far

[@ProceedBachi]

I hope you're at least 60 to even call him a "kid"

[@Chicken-Chaser]

@@ProceedBachi yeah I hate when fans say they’re proud of a fighter. You did nothing to contribute to their success and have literally nothing to be proud of lmao. Just say you’re happy for them

[@jbvap]

Volkanovski’s a good egg, if anyone had to dethrone max I’m glad it was him. Hard working, humble guy.

[@ThatsMrSockPuppet]

Look at that head

[@migueltigrelazo]

Simon Currel 🤣🤣 what??

[@MrJRamos-ei2xv]

1:08 😂 Im an instant fan!

[@migueltigrelazo]

mike varga only stupid fuck here is you. Get off your period.

[@ihavelonghere]

@@mikevarga2058 not hardworking and holds a belt, mate your spot on you MMA GENIUS you.

[@thoughtsdenied2123]

Here after Ortega fight. Hope he starts getting the credit he deserves.

[@g29000]

peep the izzy reaction CHIN DOWN

[@smokesolid8927]

yeah this dude is no joke. Ortega had a chance but this guy is just meaner and nastier

[@deathtoming2201]

Just took out zombie so yeah his on his way for sure 💯

[@dawg4769]

He’s in goat convo

[@landrytucker1108]

Here’s after the max fight #3 - he’s a goat

[@SB-gy2vx]

Nobody: Volkanovski: Yeah I was pretty good at wrestling and basically the best player on my rugby team. But then I decided to become a UFC champ...

[@MackV99]

S B Dominic Reyes was the best in high school

[@shaunwallace4712]

@@MackV99 at what?

[@alisteroidtestostereem7816]

Shaun Wallace being an athlete

[@shaunwallace4712]

Fair enough

[@markdeeming4765]

He played Rugby League, not Rugby.

[@mikepostalakis]

This guy: “I was 214” Young Jamie: “yeah he definitely said 240lb. No need to clarify”

[@colbycov8409]

Mike Postalakis This guy?

[@tomk7131]

give young jamie a break. he got an A in physics

[@mikepostalakis]

Tom K 😂

[@thor335]

It is a nod to how Joe was exaggerating Alex's weight up to 240. Alex even mentioned that in the video

[@mikepostalakis]

Thor facts kill jokes. Ain’t got time for that, Thor bb

[@GrahamWhatmough]

I cant believe this guy was 2,400 Kilos before he did MMA

[@MichaelB1666]

This guy was 240 stone before he started boxing?

[@GrahamWhatmough]

@@MichaelB1666 yup, jamie just pulled it up...its legit

[@MichaelB1666]

@@GrahamWhatmough shhhhiiitt. Can't believe he now fights at 170.

[@yeingsterable]

Mike Hunt He doesn’t, he fights at 145.

[@believe8263]

It's not 2400 Kilos. It's 240 tons.

[@UnderwaterAlexJones]

Jesus Christ Jamie. He even says its 214, sounds like 240 from his accent.

[@thor335]

It is a nod to how Joe was exaggerating Alex's weight up to 240. Alex even mentioned that in the video

[@nunchuksteev9811]

Dude, so funny. They literally talk about it 3 or 4 times. He says it in the video. Hilarious.

[@voidscreaming1012]

Its probably a joke to troll people like you

[@Thawhid]

@@voidscreaming1012 like me 🙄😂

[@FA-gu2hl]

Jamie a commie

[@JamesLDurham]

Wrestles for a year wins championship. Rugby league championship. Player of the match. MMA fights during Rugby. Now MMA champion. Let’s just say phenomenal.

[@2011hwalker]

he didnt win anything notable in Rugby League...he was a second tier player.

[@leeham6230]

Super athlete.

[@T57Custodian]

​Yeah same and i can tell you. 0 medals or anything 😂 I got invited to a session with a london team but had other things get in the way.​@@2011hwalker Edit London broncos. Couldn't remember before

[@awaaahe]

Proof that it's never too late if you want to pick up the game if that's something you re constantly thinking about but think you re too late to do it at the highest levels.

[@Thawhid]

Ye I love mma and I'm 17, hopefully in the future I actually practice it..

[@JH-jc2jt]

Dorohedoro no. He was a world class athlete to begin with. I’m sure anyone can win a fight in a smaller circuit given they’ve had enough time to train and what not. But to think anyone can be a ufc champion because they put their mind and time towards it is ridiculous.

[@Eddy-dn1jx]

@@JH-jc2jt Yeah exactly. You might still be able to get to a high level from nothing, but not the highest. You have to have started from a place that allows you to compete.

[@rumham7810]

You know you've watched too much Chael when your brain automatically reads that comment as 'the highest of levels'

[@bigballer7026]

Rum Ham lol I thought of Chael also

[@SixtyEightnOyouOne]

Concrete, Rugby League, fighting, he’s pretty much Polynesian 😂🤣😂

[@qedydu5946]

@Eoin McKenna especially maoris

[@dusk1673]

@Eoin McKenna err bullshit Australia always smashed New Zealand

[@TheSmokintokin]

@@dusk1673 what dream was that

[@TheSmokintokin]

@k c no mana thoe..that why the warriors always lose

[@THEBIGGESTSCUMBAG]

NAH BRO, HE’S OURS- U CAN’T CLAIM HIM

[@gow2ilove]

Rugby league on the Joe Rogan experience. Good lord times are good

[@razamatazbaz7021]

simply the best.

[@johnobrien5460]

Joe does not know the difference......

[@justinm1721]

agreed!!!! rugby league is such a great game.

[@michaelz903]

The game they play in heaven

[@canijustplease]

Go the eels!

[@MrDioXIII]

Also tells you something about his early fights. If he's 214 as a forward in Rugby League (guessing he was a prop) and is doing mma matches on the side, then there is no way he's cutting weight like mad in fights. He must have been fighting middle or light heavyweights as a 5'6 guy and winning. No wonder he's so strong when he drops to featherweight to hold guys like Jose Aldo to the cage and have him look like he can't do anything.

[@pootisspencer5492]

he fought at 185 for a while and his one loss was at 170 to a dude who looked a good 6 inches taller and 30lbs bigger

[@josephbovington4468]

Is he tall enough to be a prop in League? I play union and have never seen a Prop under 5'9

[@NBeaver-bx4yl]

He fought at middleweight and welterweight

[@poriccrompton]

@@josephbovington4468 guess it helps with the low centre of gravity but that’s not very heavy for a prop though I’m not sure of his actual height so I may be wrong

[@matthewmccoll1739]

@@josephbovington4468 look at the tualagi brothers in union, he could of been a centre, he did say he scored a 40m try in his last game so its plausible

[@ZoneTwelveOnline]

Some of these Aussie dudes have an unusual kind of honesty about them that is refreshing almost in a comedic way.

[@leviharris900]

@Dr retardo perfect name for you. Wake up

[@merkinyall]

True. The American guys will say they started wrestling at 3 months old and mma in kindergarten, 759 street fights

[@xc1951]

@Dr retardo I know Alexander personally and you're a sad human for saying that

[@big4330]

@@xc1951 grew up in australia bruz

[@martyjohnstone8226]

It's just the way we are, I live in europe now having never left for 30 years and people here find the AU/NZ honesty to be jarring. It took me years to tone it down haha

[@jaron-craighunter4485]

This dude is tough as nails, he needs more fans

[@djdeckstar]

Everyone mad about the typo but KZbin plays per comment right? Jamie’s playing 5D chess

[@fernoramos94]

People like volk who didn't start training mma until their adult life give me hope. I'm 25 and feel like it's too late but I also feel like it's now or never. I have a boxing background and I've always been physically gifted.

[@harritonripata7525]

Never say it's too late. You never know your true potential until you really try. Get onto it bro.

[@cscottdncn467]

nah giveup(free motivation)

[@murphybeats8695]

Keep grinding bro the only person stopping yourself is YOU! God speed

[@NelsonC912]

if you try hard enough it will happen. just keep going.

[@das0ul177]

Do it lad I’ve been in the same thinking as you bro I’m 20 and I think it’s too late 😂 started training just before Christmas never felt better brother

[@FreddyonAcid]

340 to be accurate

[@TheEnderBand]

570 actually

[@kernkow4832]

I’d say around 625

[@dlowmighty9283]

Most likely 740

[@bipedalhominid6815]

339

[@squigga6675]

Bipedal Hominid had to blow it huh ? 💀

[@DJFaNaTiiC]

Alex “two hundred fourdeen” volkanovski

[@artiew8718]

Alex "two hundred thousand forty pounds" Volkanovski

[@braernhff2735]

😂😂😂

[@sean-e-boy]

Legendary mate

[@GlennDavey]

don't forget the "and" it's in there

[@GoldenGod69]

This is still the best comment lol

[@TheChazz1225]

I wish more people would start discovering Rugby League. I honestly feel that it's a good blend between traditional Rugby and American Football. Something that anyone could watch and understand.

[@Tom-vu1wr]

Ive always that while watching league that the play structure of it is slightly like a sped up nfl

[@TheChazz1225]

@@Tom-vu1wr 100%! nfl has a similar turnover structure to bro, only that it's a much slower process. It would surprise me if nfl fans watch a game or two and don't grasp the concept

[@tonygaertner8863]

Would rather watch nfl. NFL players are gods compared to rugby players. Imagine pro bowl linemen, 6ft6 over 300’pounds running 4.6-4.7 40 yrd dash playing rugby lmfao ...or imagine Tyreek hill....he’d legit run circles around the other team

[@TheChazz1225]

@@tonygaertner8863 imagine those players transitioning to an NRL field and outperforming there. I get that there are players in nfl that are physical freaks, but the sport doesn't allow them to diversify their skillset to the level that league and even union does.

[@WKM10Sports]

@@tonygaertner8863 I think you need to learn more about rugby. Guys aren't 300 pounds because they have to run around for 80 straight minutes. NFL lineman can have like 4 plays and then a 20 minute rest.

[@TonyKalashnikov]

I love how he explicitly clarifies he was 214, not 240, in like the first minute of the podcast, then this gets uploaded LMAO

[@jamalwilliams450]

He said 214.its his accent

[@wesleyblack8302]

i'm also 5'6. he def said 214 even. at 240 he'd look more like a sumo.

[@Ileroi]

@@wesleyblack8302 You'd be shocked bro. there is some 5ft6 240 guys who are stripped to the bone

[@RD-xq9bs]

coronavirus symptoms: (1)Fever (2) joint pain (3) sudden feeling to travel internationally

[@Arganith]

Sudden feeling to travel internationally knowing you have coronavirus but you think "oh fuck it, if i die they die so i might aswell take some with me".

[@justinsullivan5839]

Wow. Never heard this one before.

[@brendo8044]

Whats coronavirus?

[@merces47letifer4]

@Azzury Street dirtbags. Scuzzy dirtbags.

[@jamessilby1814]

Safest place is prison coz nobody got or will get the coronavirus lol...

[@robertomartin59]

“I was actually pretty good at it”…..actually won the national wrestling championship twice! Seriously humble

[@dave-oh3549]

As an Aussie I love Volkanovski, but being an Australian wrestling champion, is like saying you're the best ice hockey player in Madagascar, you just can't compare.

[@drumboarder1]

Pretty few things we do matter

[@holywoof6419]

Oh wow interesting

[@Soldier_Sean]

what about him being a ufc champ? does that take away any cred from him as well?

[@dave-oh3549]

@@Soldier_Sean Reading and comprehension failed. I said being an Australian wrestling champion doesn't mean much. I didn't mention anything about being UFC champ.

[@maxstrength2963]

@@xionski Look at the way he talks. He is an Aussie for sure.

[@symbol767]

I don't think people realize how insane this is, he is like 5'6 height, and was at 214. He fought at 185, which is insane, for anyone who hasn't trained MMA, depending on your body type since some people bulk up easier than others, it is very difficult to be that height and put on that amount of mass and KEEP IT while training MMA, because there is so much cardio involved in everything we do during our training, we burn tons of calories. So it is extremely interesting to me how he managed to be 5'6 and that stay at that weight, if he was 5'10 or taller, then it would make sense, since the taller you are the more weight you can generally hold since you have a bigger body.

[@kkech1]

185 doesn't sound too insane to me. I did a summer of MMA style training and stayed around that weight at 5ft9, while limiting my calories. Was my first year really doing any sport and stayed at something under a comfy 18% bodyfat. 214 at that height seems nuts and hard to believe he was natural sprinting all day with that mass. But then again he looks over 20% bodyfat in those times so that seems plausible. I'm from the same country his dad comes from and can say that Balkan dudes can get thick. Must be the diet idk *shrug*

[@symbol767]

@@kkech1 5'9 and 5'6 is very different, I'm 5'9 too but for a 5'6 dude to maintain that kind of mass, its pretty uncommon especially considering so much of it was mainly muscle mass even though it may have been 20% body fat. I rarely see even online many 5'6 guys getting THAT size

[@zeta5877]

@@symbol767 I'm 5.6 ...not lanky build have the frame of a 5.8/5.9 footer but I have to eat like 4000 calories to maintain 75 kilos while training twice a day ...Volk probably ate a shit load to keep that mass

[@rajakhan-lr1yx]

i’m 5’6 and i weigh 135lbs this volk guy is big for his height

[@gezzapk]

Rugby league is very cardio intensive. It's non stop running and tackling

[@simonlee498]

Dude has A in phyics... I'm sure Jamie knows how much he's weights.... An it's 240lb

[@caleb4369]

Inspectah deck he is not, 145 to 240 is 100 pound difference (70kg to 108kg) 214 makes a lot more sense for a 5’6 bloke.

[@caleb4369]

Inspectah deck he is not, 145 to 240 is 100 pound difference (70kg to 108kg) 214 makes a lot more sense for a 5’6 bloke.

[@Khalid________]

He literally says 214 not 240 10 seconds into the video.

[@seifone]

Nah 240 😏

[@BennyNegroFromQueens]

Nigga, you have never even taken Physics.

[@benisontenison8225]

I love Joe doing full podcasts with fighters. you get to see them talking comfortably about real important things to them. a lot more in depth than embedded

[@dylanbenjaminwalter2896]

We play two versions of rugby in Australia and essentially the hits are all body. The version he played, Rugby League is pretty much 10-20 yard wind up runs and hits. My body is messed up from playing Union, scoliosis, dislocated shoulders, multiple hospital visits after the games. You need to be very tough at that level he was playing

[@CilantroMegaCorp]

I hope Joe Rogan understands the difference between Rugby League and Rugby Union 🤙 it would be great to see him go into depth on the difference, for the sake of educating Americans

[@ShiNooBi1986]

As a Union player I would say league is tougher. Constant hit ups

[@dylanbenjaminwalter2896]

@@ShiNooBi1986 definitely more damaging to the body but the players aren't nearly as big in the forwars because league is so much more mobile/evenly distributed than union.

[@dylanbenjaminwalter2896]

@@ShiNooBi1986 Willie Mason played in the backs in union for example

[@CilantroMegaCorp]

Yup that’s a great debate that I’d love to see Joe Rogan go into depth on! I think there’s a certain toughness for a union 7 battling out ruck after ruck, tackle after tackle.

[@Gooooner24]

I was hanging for Alex to tell Joe the difference between league and union

[@hanoitripper1809]

“Rugba leag” .. Vlandys would be proud 🤣

[@alexmurray4105]

Simply V’best

[@Malik-lu8ev]

I am 5'10 216lbs and its big pressure for my body . I cant imagine being 5'6 and have that weight.

[@OIFIIIOIF-VET]

I'm 5'11" and 210lbs with herniated discs that have been operated on and failed and I feel fine. Smoke more greens my man ahhahaahah

[@trueaussie3097]

I’m 5’6 and 224 “103kgs” also a footy player here aus

[@GlennDavey]

Alex just summed up why MMA is the first sport I ever got into at a fairly late age: the one-on-one aspect. I can't follow teams, I don't like how a team can just lose because one player isn't on the field. The new generation of UFC, with lower weight classes and female fighters, caught my attention.

[@BH-dsk]

When your team is winning though, there is nothing better and more fun to be around than a winning team culture. Yeah, losing all the time ain't no fun.

[@tropictom5996]

214 x 420 = 240

[@Raymund609]

Get out.

[@applejuice5635]

Quick maths, MSNBC style.

[@tropictom5996]

Russ Singh Nope. THC style.

[@alexandervicta]

Def CNN style

[@applejuice5635]

Alex ander Look up "Mara Gray math", and you'll see what I'm referring to.

[@PappaMustafa]

Jamie trying to get those 240 extra views

[@exthechickenwing]

King Khan 214

[@GrubKiller436]

Guy started MMA in his mid-twenties and became a dominant champion. That's crazy impressive if you ask me.

[@Loquacious_Jackson]

Hes a crybaby

[@GrubKiller436]

@@Loquacious_Jackson what does that make you?

[@Jr-iu2ww]

@@GrubKiller436he first entered a mma gym at 22 and really started training seriously at 23 and became p4p number 1. It amazes me that no commentators or anything bring this up

[@SeleckPlays]

Young Jamie: The KZbin comment engagement has been low lately. Joe: Just put a typo in the video title...

[@NELCARM]

AV played Rugby League in a semi pro league. He was a long ,long,way from top grade here. Top grade players in his position are as much as 120 kg or 264 pounds.& 6f 2 to 6 4 He held down his spot by being really busy & really tough.& having what we call “ a big motor” . Aerobic capacity the determination to be a part of every play.He has a work ethic that’s really at the core of what he is. It’s going to take a hell of a fighter to beat him.

[@2011hwalker]

agreed, he was a long way from the NRL. Americans seem to think that outside of the US there aren't "levels" to regional sport as they have in the US.

[@BH-dsk]

Yeah, people go on like he was a professional rugby league player. He was a good player for his short stature, well above average, but not close to good enough to go further with it. He was playing amateur park football on the weekend with mates. It's the same level of league you play when you first begin. Then just a play a year age older as each year progresses. Him and all his team mates would have held full time jobs as their source of income, they are not paid to play amateur footy. They would have done a full day of work on the tools, then football training after work, three nights a week. He wasn't in any representative teams, and was nowhere near close to being good enough to do it professionally. In our top tier NRL competition, he would be ragdolled by the equally as tough but stronger, faster, and infinitely more skilled superior athletes. Love the bloke though, he is a legend.

[@zPhresh]

Jamie got a B+ in physics

[@TheEnderBand]

He failed the gravity final, but it was graded on a curve

[@TheEnderBand]

@the magic chanch shell rogan's toolbag manservant

[@disco7379]

No he got an A

[@JC_wonderland]

He convinced me when I saw him fight mendes

[@TheEnderBand]

Clash of the stocky bois

[@paulpignataro2292]

How can you not like this guy, what a champion bloke, for so many reasons.

[@NaturalHypertrophy]

You seen the vicious kicks that rugby players eat in the face during melees? 214 or 240 these are not the lads you want to face off against during pub night

[@mufcok2148]

Natural Hypertrophy He played rugby league

[@Nick-18]

Man I'm 6'4 and 235 pounds, the amount of punishment you receive and hand out on a weekly is brutal. In each team there would be 5 guys taller and bigger than myself. You start playing at the age of 8, so you get used to it. But my body is paying for it now!

[@merkurii3877]

What the fuck is a melee? Also there are no rucks in rugby league

[@bradleyhoskins1023]

I'm 5'8" 160 and most people I play against are massive compared to me. But it teaches u how to tackle well, and how to get low to knock em over. Even as a back I get mangled but I love the game. Im in Oklahoma it's not very popular here.

[@1991jpjp]

Can you do more videos on diets

[@MrIncorr3ct]

There has been a serious increase in traumatic head injury in rugby too. What they did was change the regulations. Now if you you receive any type of impact to the head, no matter how small, you are taken out of the game for an HIA (head injury assessment) and a temporary substitute can be put on in ur place. If you fail you aren't allowed back on, if you are knocked out there is no HIA you are just substituted. This takes the decision out of the player's hands. 90% of players would usually play on otherwise, its sorta seen as a weakness is you don't. They also changed some of the rules making any blow to the head in a tackle/ruck, any tackle about shoulder height and any tackle where the player lands on their head a red card. It was rugby union that did this initially but I think its the same in league now too

[@evosagan2877]

What I love about Aussies...? They don't mince their words - straight talkers. To the point and loads of swearing lol

[@THEBIGGESTSCUMBAG]

SOME, BUT THERE’S ALOT OF CUCKS WHO AREN’T THAT WAY. I’M AUSSIE BTW

[@tirosavage3437]

Know what else I like about aussies when they get dropped by Mexicans

[@GorkaMorka40]

@@tirosavage3437 my favourite things abt us Aussies is how no essay wannabe could choke us out lmao

[@TalonT123]

@@tirosavage3437 nah mate, no Mexicans drop us Aussies, emus on the other hand...

[@xc1951]

His Macedonian not Australian

[@toddsmithselbow1732]

It's funny when guys start so late and are so good. And then you have Ben Askren's striking.

[@rondog835]

Crazy how someone could have so much training and experience and still be so shit at throwing punches Lol

[@toddsmithselbow1732]

@Brett M Lol that's super late.

[@mthunziphakathi4215]

Francis Ngannou bro

[@philsburydoboy]

240 @ 5'6" would be a Mr. Olympia caliber bodybuilder, even if they were fat in the offseason. Thats like Lee Priest big.

[@benpotter6832]

That doesn't mean that you have tge aesthetics to win. The shape of your muscles matter in bodybuilding not just your weight. Anyone can get to that weight at that height at the bodyfat he was at, it's just not common.

[@JTD472]

Ben Potter where did you get the idea that this guy doesn’t know how bodybuilding works?

[@dreamcrusher112]

@@benpotter6832 Aesthetics don't matter when you're 5'6, you will never win an Olympia. OP was simply talking about mass on frame, I imagine he is aware that you have to look good to win a comp dummy.

[@barebasics]

214lbs* and that easy lee priest big behave

[@mickdungeon602]

lee preist competition weight is about 200 pounds

[@magnus9165]

Alex would have for SURE made Stan Lee's Superhuman show. This dude is a 1 in 10 million athlete.

[@doransshield9176]

if he was a 1 in 10 million athlete there'd be around 69 of him elsewhere on earth

[@TheEvanOf]

@@doransshield9176 *690

[@AntiM1001]

Last year, i saw my first rugby-game in Georgia. It was Scotland vs. Georgia and i loved it. I thought by myself: Man, i would love to see this guys in the UFC.

[@MrTungsta]

Watch Rugby league. It's different to rugby. Look at some highlights

[@AntiM1001]

@@MrTungsta what you mean with different?

[@anthonyburn1010]

Rugby is the game for American Footballers, who want to be able to recognize their own kids after they retire.

[@brysongeikie9071]

Broke Malone lol this is lowkey the truth. One you walk out like you were in a car crash, the other you walk out like it was a mosh pit.

[@BrokeMalone]

@chubbyurma u must not be very agile if ur gettin clothlined.. 90% of the time a concussion is from a knee to the head on a wrong form tackle. I'm not saying rugby isnt a physical game because it is the next up to football. But ther is a hugeee fucking difference in terms of hits to head

[@sxpersav1710]

The money says otherwise why do you think Jared and Valentine tried to make it

[@aceg307]

But American football they have padding and helmets.. soft

[@AB-gz9yb]

I can’t believe this guy was 2.2 metric tonnes

[@federngasays9062]

Alex such a good dude. Outstanding mixed martial artist .

[@ClinicalpsychFTW]

Joe “Australian language” Rogan

[@hadenbaillie1833]

Gotta love this guy,so level headed

[@albertslaughterjr8441]

I felt that 5’6 on a good day 😅

[@officialjonjonesmugshot3606]

Its fascinating how the human body works, he went from over 230 Ib to 145 consistantly. Huge respect to the champ

[@traiwitz2736]

he didnt do it consistently lmao. he started his career fighting 185-205 before deciding to slim down to do 145

[@tonymeman9041]

"I had a couple fights that year" Me as an Aussie; "ohhhh...mma fights, not rugby league fights" 😂

[@stacyliddell5038]

I played rugby from age 9 in South Africa and I have always thought the big difference between rugby and American football is around the tackle point. In rugby there are very strict rules about how you are allowed to tackle. So that minimizes the risk in my opinion.

[@opetaiaseni1955]

He played rugby league which is different from Rugby union

[@stacyliddell5038]

@@opetaiaseni1955 yeah, I get that. But I still think there is a difference in tackling style. Some footballers go head first. In rugby league the big collisions are insane but tacklers are not getting their heads stuck in.

[@rogergargantua]

Volk cant do any wrong in my book,. Great great fighter....and he's a very humble cool guy imo. Just like most Aussies I met during my travels. They 're great people. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@CHLee-dm1kg]

I've been in Newzealand and played rugby for 2yrs those rugby players are built different. I have been tackled by Maori native guy once he dislocated my knee and I've been in hospital for 2month. The sheer power they generate is mad.

[@JovahnL]

Where you from man?

[@shaunwallace4712]

Jeff Fenitch 😂😂 My fellow Aussie's will understand

[@Eddy-dn1jx]

Explain it to those that live up over

[@rawdog1999]

I love youse all!

[@rawdog1999]

@@Eddy-dn1jx Jeff Fenech was a world champion boxer from Australia in the 80's. It's pronounced Fenik, Joe pronounced it Fenitch. He has cult hero status here, and a fun fact, he cornered Mike Tyson in Tyson's last ever pro bout.

[@nunkito]

@@rawdog1999 inductee in the world boxing hall of fame.

[@kieran8720]

Fenech was a beast, just fought at a weight people in the us didn’t care for much.

[@hoooristoryofahumblehondac5515]

Another great Aussie , made good ! On ya mate , can’t wait for the next fight

[@PG-mh1fx]

He still has time to be a professional golfer.

[@grahamvandyke]

I live in a city with a lot of Aussie/South African/Brits, and over here (at least in the amateur league) you get a lot of shorter guys playing rugby built exactly like Volkanovski. These guys have a distinct advantage in some regards because their center of gravity is lower making them WAY harder to tackle, and they're super quick.

[@procracksmoker7]

Same with wrestling, and to some extent, MMA. It's very hard to take down a short person, Volk has long arms too, so he has a reach advantage usually.

[@josef253]

Your so right Joe football players are wreckeless due to the padding they have so they do more extreme tackling with no technique. Rugby players have rules and technique you have to follow. For example to make a tackle in rugby you learn what side to tackle with depending on how the opponent is running. You also go through feet positions and head positions so you don’t get knocked out.

[@RealFuckingReviews]

You don't know shit about football.

[@josef253]

@@RealFuckingReviews 👀👀👀 haaawwwwrighty then lol

[@zombieepx1933]

There’s plenty of technique in NFL tackling. Some examples would be.. to prevent extra yards being gained on a run you hit them low and wrap up both legs when you make the tackle. To force a fumble you can make your helmet contact the football when you put a hit on the runner to pop it out of their arms. When you come from behind or the side of the runner you can tackle by the waist and simultaneously use a hand to attempt to strip the football before they are down. When a receiver attempts to catch a pass the cornerbacks making reads and trying to time a solid hit right as it touches their hands so you can force the incomplete pass. Too early on that and you get pass interference which marks the ball where it would have been caught so it’s risky but effective when done right. Can’t target the head during a tackle or that’s a 15 yard penalty and potential ejection from the game depending the severity or repeat offense. When you’re a 180 lbs player having to tackle 250+ lbs fullbacks running full speed at you like a truck you need technique because the physics are not in your favor. As you can see it seems we have some rules and techniques involved with NFL tackling.

[@leviharris900]

you have NRL the top league, they have a reserve grade, teams that play in NSW cup and QLD cup. then you have the lower grade local competitions that act as feeder clubs to the NRL and if youre good in the local comp you will get a go in a reserve grade team of an NRL team and hope to get a shot in the top team. Volk was playing in his local comp

[@NukaColaKris]

Support to Volk from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 ♥

[@drewstark1304]

video title 240... first 30 seconds joe gets confused

[@A.L.F.A.L.F.A]

True champion. Physically and mentally.

[@jt5326]

I played American football before I played Rugby in College. I learned extremely fast that you can’t hit people the same way you do in American football. Joe hit the nail on the head. There is an illusion of safety with helmets and pads, so players hit each other in a way you just can’t do in Rugby without breaking every bone in your body.

[@tomschrader8086]

The only guest that Joe could look at eye to eye. 😂😂😂😂

[@LA_Native]

Someone said this on another podcast, but Joe should definitely trademark/copyright the rights of his face with 🎧 on a kettlebell. Look into it.

[@tman4life01]

Eddie bravo?

[@FieldPlug]

What he has achieved now is amazing

[@mra6308]

"You guys got that Australian language" I love you joe but come on 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️😂

[@herb.itall.bivore7288]

“Look at that head” 😂😂😂

[@VXBAKER]

Rugby league needs more attention. It’s definitely the best form of footy to spectate and is extremely fun to play.

[@bigbosshoss2901]

fuck no

[@NorthernUnion13]

Fuck yes 100%

[@SD78]

He played in a semi-pro suburban feeder competition.

[@Bowfella]

"I was 214, I want to clarify that I was 214 not 240" Jamie: *240*

[@sike1917]

214lb* rugby league* player. Close Jamie.

[@tipperary1082]

Jamie doesn't run the clips channel

[@anthonybennett5494]

Lol. Rugby is different from rugby league. Also - he was semi professional rugby league player (at best) wasn’t in the highest comp. For him to give it up to chase MMA is not a big deal.

[@flopackilawin3618]

Anthony Bennett Hater.

[@jimmyonebomb]

It's still rugby it's just two different codes - rugby league and rugby union

[@anthonybennett5494]

jimmyonebomb I understand, but I think there is a high chance that Joe is referring to rugby union not rugby league when he says this is what America should play. Given he is no expert on it so take it with a grain of salt.

[@michaelclifford7214]

jimmyonebomb when you say rugby thats rugby union when u refer to rugby league its league or rugby league in Australia

[@54356776]

I know plenty of lads that play local Sunday league rugby and many could have gone pro. There isn't much money in the sport especially rugby league. Rugby players have a natural talent for fighting and take hits like it's nothing.

[@pbplauralfilms]

Those League boys are no joke. Super athletes

[@BH-dsk]

Played Rugby League growing up in Sydney from age 5 through to age 18. Had the most fun times of my life, won premierships and made great mates. But the injuries catch up with you. I am now 44 and both shoulders need reconstructions, I have a disc bulging in my lower back, already had one knee reconstruction, now need the other done. Got knocked out at least 5 times, concussed probably 20. Not looking forward to the effects of those concussions and knockouts as I enter my 50s and 60s. Doubt I will make 70s.

[@FattyMatty426]

Hang in there mate. Reach out to people, friends and family. Hope you make it through. #Queenslander.

[@pineapplesideways3820]

Rugby and afl players should wear light soft head protection, I believe I have cte from rugby and skateboarding concussions

[@glamjam7399]

So glad he had this bloke on the show what a good idea.so people can get to know the champ a bit more because i dont think hes going anywhere soon.

[@mickrichy4455]

USA needs to get into rugby league

[@David-li2qj]

Their getting more into union.

[@grubbybum3614]

@@David-li2qj shit, really? The soft version of the game? My commiseration to Americans.

[@jaichapman5012]

@@David-li2qj Union isn't the same, and it's objectively worse than rugby league despite it being more popular worldwide. League is trying to grow into new markets, but since the two sports are similar it's hard to get new fans to differentiate between the two. If people start to watch more league then I think the majority of them will become fans.

[@DaneJiujitsu]

They would get fucking crushed

[@David-li2qj]

@@jaichapman5012 I know it's different dumbass that's why i pointed it out and league is not better than union if that were the case it would be bigger but it ain't so shut the fuck up

[@JeffBourke]

What a legend this guy is. 214 pounds one day and 9 years later the fucking 145 champion on the planet.

[@MDDeardorff]

240 not 214

[@lorenzomuhammad1715]

@@MDDeardorff no, 214.

[@mathewkirk1748]

This is quite common for Australian and New Zealand fighters. We play rugby from a young age and get big and strong from it and very used to heavy contact. Going into fight sports isn’t much of a stretch from there as we are 80% conditioned for it already.

[@mikedevaney3507]

For a dude his height to be 214 pounds and not fat just shows what a beast he is.

[@Dondlo46]

I'm Islam fan but he absolutely won that fight, crazy to be this good

[@KrishnaKumar-ge2wh]

He has that presence you can sense he is strong

[@uzairiqbal738]

Islam stronger, watch when he humbles him on the floor

[@aidangriffiths5075]

Yea don't think he'll have an issue at 155😂

[@robthevampireslayer3211]

The helmets and padding was introduced into American football because in the early days people were dying on a regular bases. In Rugby League the tacklers will come at you in one direction where as in American football the tacklers come in 4 directions.

[@RobboEntertainment]

Seen a few comments that Volko was on steroids, being 240/214lbs at his height... nah, if you see photos of his rugby league days, the man clearly just loved his beer and Maccas.

[@truckerfromreno]

Rugby League is amazing - the hardest game in the world.

[@mcp1228]

the real truest hardest sport in the world will never have the title “hardest game in the world”

[@ELsickPuppetto]

"Look at that head" I love how aware he is. Such a big noggin'

[@Matt-ks7bp]

I'm from the south of England, so I'm a rugby union fan, but rugby league is immense as well! Both codes of rugby are very tough!

[@karlferguson]

I can’t believe Joe was able to secure such a high calibre level of guest.

[@diogosoares1309]

1st - Is his t-shirt inside out? 2nd - Respect for this beast!

[@JeffBourke]

*Wins national wrestling champion in one year* “Yeah I was actually pretty good” Modest much?

[@M3Lucky]

That's Aussies for you. Look how similar and humble his and Whittakers personality is. Way less ego centric than Americans

[@diogenes8561]

@@M3Lucky Wheres stylebender from?

[@doorteppe6918]

Niklas Bellman New Zealand

[@M3Lucky]

@@diogenes8561 yeah he's from New Zealand. Though they're general chill people too; Izzy's just a bit cringe lol.

[@diogenes8561]

@@doorteppe6918 Are they as chill as aussies?

[@brc133]

Old mate is a great ambassador for Oz. 👍💪👊

[@roryvonmeyer2643]

0:26 "Oh it's your language. You have that Australian language." That would be English, Joe Rogan.

[@itemtest1]

I guess he's naturally gifted. If he was taller, he'd be fighting Ngannou 😱😱😱

[@quickdash5149]

"I was concreting, playing rugby and going to MMA, yeah i was a bit of a gamer" .. hes got a different definition of "gamer"