UFC Fighter Stuns Joe Rogan: "I Drink Before Fights"

Aljamain Sterling surprised Joe Rogan during their nearly three-hour conversation by revealing details about his alcohol consumption before fights.

“I drink during training camp, and people think I’m crazy,” he stated.

“I even drink the night before a fight. One glass, sometimes two. If it’s three, then it’s getting wild. I’m not Jon Jones. I’m wired differently, but he’s also different from me.

If I lose because of that one drink, then it wasn’t meant for me to win. Period.”

Initially, Joe Rogan reacted with shock:

“What?! Really? The night before the fight? Why do you do that?”

The UFC commentator then challenged Sterling’s assertion that one or two drinks before a bout don't affect his performance.

“Alright, but let me counter that,” Rogan added.

“Imagine you’re fighting an opponent who is perfectly matched with you. The difference could come down to whether you got a little extra REM sleep the night before. That could help you push harder after briefly slowing down, then accelerating again.

If you’re a little more rested, you might make one more move, one more transition, one more guard pass, one more submission attempt – one more action that wins you the round.

Do you understand what I mean?”

Sterling responded with a smile:

“I nap before the fight. I recharge the battery.”

Rogan realized he wouldn't convince Sterling to give up alcohol. So, the conversation shifted to the importance of doing what makes one happy as often as possible.