Cory Sandhagen Breaks Down His Fighting Philosophy on JRE MMA Show

Ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of a top-tier MMA fighter? The JRE MMA Show recently hosted Cory Sandhagen, a name synonymous with dynamic striking and evolving grappling in the bantamweight division. This wasn’t just another fighter interview; it was a deep dive into mindset, strategy, and the continuous pursuit of improvement. Sandhagen’s articulate and thoughtful approach makes this episode a must-listen (or read!) for any combat sports enthusiast.

TL;DR

Cory Sandhagen discusses his approach to fighting as a constant evolution, emphasizing adaptability and learning from every experience.
He dives into the mental game of MMA, including visualization techniques, managing pressure, and maintaining a growth mindset.
Sandhagen shares insights into his training regimen, focusing on skill development, game planning, and physical conditioning.
The conversation explores the importance of mentorship and surrounding yourself with a strong team in combat sports.

Key Topics Covered

The Evolving Fighter: Adaptability and Growth

Sandhagen emphasizes that his fighting style is not static but rather a constantly evolving process. He views each fight as a learning opportunity, analyzing his performances to identify areas for improvement. This self-assessment, combined with his coaches’ input, fuels his growth as a martial artist. He spoke of the necessity of not becoming predictable, which, if you’re in the top ten in the world, is more complicated than people realize. He stressed learning and growth being his main priority.

He also discussed the mental fortitude needed to be comfortable in uncomfortable positions. Stepping into the Octogon means opening yourself up to all sorts of scenarios. He also discussed his approach to visualization and how he practices keeping a calm presence when things are going wrong in the gym so he can replicate that response during a match.

“The beauty of martial arts is that you’re never really done learning.” – Cory Sandhagen

The Mental Game: Visualization and Pressure Management

The podcast also went into how Sandhagen mentally prepares for fights. He uses visualization techniques to mentally rehearse various scenarios and maintain a calm, focused mindset under pressure. He explains the importance of managing expectations and focusing on the process rather than the outcome. This mental discipline, he believes, is crucial for performing at his best when the lights are brightest.

Sandhagen also spoke about the challenge of balancing confidence with humility. While believing in your abilities is essential, he also acknowledges the need to stay grounded and respect his opponents. This balance allows him to approach each fight with the right mindset.

Training Regimen: Skill Development and Game Planning

Sandhagen provided insights into his training regimen, highlighting the importance of skill development, game planning, and physical conditioning. He described how he works with his coaches to identify his strengths and weaknesses and tailor his training accordingly. His training encompasses a variety of disciplines, including striking, grappling, and wrestling. This focus on well-roundedness makes him a dangerous and unpredictable opponent.

He emphasized the need for smart training. Training hard is not enough. Your training needs to be designed to increase your odds for success in the ring.

“I think the biggest difference between good fighters and great fighters is how they approach training.” – Cory Sandhagen

Intriguing Anecdotes & Stories

Sandhagen shared a story about a particularly tough sparring session where he faced adversity and learned valuable lessons about resilience. He described how he initially struggled but eventually adapted and overcame the challenges, demonstrating his ability to learn and grow from difficult experiences. This anecdote illustrates his commitment to continuous improvement and his willingness to push himself beyond his comfort zone.

Actionable Insights & Takeaways

Embrace a growth mindset: View every fight as a learning opportunity.
Practice visualization: Mentally rehearse various scenarios to prepare for different outcomes.
Focus on the process: Manage expectations and focus on the steps required to achieve your goals.
Cultivate mental discipline: Stay calm and focused under pressure.

Conclusion

This JRE MMA Show episode with Cory Sandhagen offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a high-level MMA fighter. Sandhagen’s thoughtful insights into training, mindset, and the continuous pursuit of improvement make this episode a valuable resource for anyone interested in combat sports. If you’re looking for inspiration and practical advice on how to approach challenges with a growth mindset, this episode is definitely worth your time.