Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"If you want to be a star, if you want to make money in the game. It's prize fighting. You got to give me moments to be like, that's the fucking guy, and that was a moment." — Andrew Schultz
"He was the closest thing there. Guys. Because he was real glossy. Oh, oh, oh, oh, I thought fluffy shit." — Edden (referencing Conor McGregor's persona)
"The question with Jones is this, though, this is where it gets interesting. This is what I would do if I'm Izzy, right? I take two more fights in middleweight, right?" — Akash Singh
The discussion opens by celebrating a recent championship victory, highlighting the fighter's prediction of a second-round knockout. The hosts emphasize that while skill is paramount, the true pathway to stardom and financial success in prize fighting lies in creating memorable, marketable moments. They draw parallels to historical figures like Prince Naseem Hamed, who revolutionized boxing by adding spectacle and personality to his fights, proving that a fighter's draw, not just their weight class, dictates their worth. This concept is further explored through the lens of modern combat sports, particularly MMA, where fighters like Israel Adesanya have successfully integrated elements of popular culture, such as anime and hip-hop, into their personas, creating shareable content and broader appeal. The conversation delves into the strategic planning required to capitalize on these moments, suggesting that anticipating and orchestrating events post-victory is a hallmark of true superstars.
The analysis then pivots to potential future matchups and career trajectories, particularly focusing on Israel Adesanya and a hypothetical fight against Jon Jones. The hosts debate Jones's recent verbal jabs and assess his perceived concern. They discuss the strategic advantages and disadvantages of different fighting styles, such as wrestling versus striking, and how a fighter's physical attributes and defensive techniques can be exploited or leveraged. The conversation also touches upon the business aspect of combat sports, with the hosts acting as hypothetical UFC executives strategizing how to maximize the marketability of a new star like Adesanya, especially in the context of his potential to capture new demographics and markets, similar to Conor McGregor's impact. The discussion contrasts McGregor's charisma with Adesanya's perceived likability and strategic appeal.
Further into the episode, the dialogue shifts to broader themes of athlete promotion, financial strategies, and the concept of "fight mileage." The hosts explore the idea that athletes should aim to maximize their earnings and retire at their peak, drawing parallels to boxing legends. They also touch upon the intersection of sports and culture, discussing how hip-hop and anime have influenced fighter personas and fan engagement. The latter part of the episode includes personal anecdotes about accidents and social media challenges, and then transitions into a discussion about the NBA's business dealings in China, the implications of political statements by athletes and executives, and the evolving nature of "wokeness" and progressive ideals. The conversation concludes with an examination of player performance and potential in the NFL, particularly focusing on quarterback rankings and the impact of coaching and team dynamics.