The Jaxxon podcast recently featured a thrilling showdown between UFC star Paulo Costa and MMA legend Rampage Jackson. The two powerhouses engaged in an intense armwrestling competition, showcasing their raw strength and technique.
MMA stars Paulo Costa and Rampage Jackson delved into a variety of topics, ranging from strategies and potential matchups to personal experiences and controversies in the world of mixed martial arts
aulo Costa reflected on his recent fight performance, expressing dissatisfaction with his more technical, point-based approach. Costa, known for his aggressive and powerful striking, admitted that his attempt to be more strategic may have detracted from his effectiveness in the octagon. He emphasized the importance of returning to the aggressive mindset that has been key to his previous successes. Costa is determined to focus on his strengths—overwhelming opponents with relentless pressure and devastating strikes—rather than trying to outpoint them with a technical game plan.
The podcast also touched on the possibility of a grappling match between Paulo Costa and Luke Rockhold, both of whom have expressed mutual respect for each other. Costa, however, jokingly mentioned his concerns about Rockhold attempting any “sexual things” during the match, a humorous comment that underlined his desire for clear boundaries in such an event. Despite the light-hearted tone, Costa made it clear that he believes a grappling match between the two would be a thrilling event for fans, particularly if it were to have no time limit, allowing them to truly test their stamina and skills.
Rampage Jackson shared insights into his own career, revealing that during his time in Pride, he often engaged in private sparring sessions or “warm-up fights” before official bouts. Jackson explained that these sessions were crucial for both his mental and physical preparation, as the UFC does not provide warm-up fights for its athletes. He believes these private sessions played a significant role in his success, highlighting the mental aspect of fighting, which is just as important as the physical.
During the podcast, Costa acknowledged Gregory Rodriguez’s recent callout but appeared unimpressed. While he is open to the idea of facing Rodriguez, Costa downplayed the challenge, indicating that he would approach the fight with his characteristic aggression. Costa’s confidence in his ability to handle Rodriguez reflects his broader belief in the importance of sticking to his natural fighting style.
The conversation shifted to the legal issues surrounding UFC fighter Alex Pereira. Although details were scarce, the allegations against Pereira were a point of concern for the podcast guests. They expressed hope that the accusations were unfounded, given Pereira’s talent and potential in the sport. The discussion also served as a reminder of the precarious nature of a fighter’s career, where false accusations can have devastating consequences.
Another topic of debate was the current UFC pound-for-pound rankings, with Islam Makhachev ranked at #1 and Jon Jones at #3. The guests offered differing opinions on whether Makhachev deserves to be placed above the legendary Jon Jones. While they acknowledged Makhachev’s dominance, Jones’ long-standing accomplishments in the sport were equally respected, making the ranking a contentious issue.
Finally, the podcast covered the confusion surrounding the UFC heavyweight title picture, with Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, and Tom Aspinall all in the mix. The guests criticized the UFC’s handling of the situation, noting that Miocic has been waiting for a title shot for a considerable time. The lack of clarity on who should fight for the title next has left fans and fighters alike uncertain about the future of the division.
