Joe Rogan sees a clear difference between watching men’s and women’s MMA, even after all these years. The longtime UFC colour commentator has been sitting cage-side since the very beginning of women’s fights in the promotion, having started his role well before the first one ever took place.
Joe Rogan sees a clear difference between watching men’s and women’s MMA, even after all these years.
The longtime UFC colour commentator has been sitting cage-side since the very beginning of women’s fights in the promotion, having started his role well before the first one ever took place.
The debut came at UFC 157 when Ronda Rousey locked in an armbar on Liz Carmouche, a moment that marked a major shift for the sport.
In the 13 years since then, names like Amanda Nunes, Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili have helped shape women’s MMA into what it is today.
Still, some feel that respect for women’s MMA hasn’t fully caught up to its progress. Even Rogan admits he still finds it harder to watch compared to men’s fights.
Joe Rogan says he struggles more with women’s UFC fights
Speaking on his podcast while hosting Johnny Knoxville, Rogan shared his thoughts on women’s MMA.
Over the years, he’s called some of the most unforgettable moments in the sport. From Rose Namajunas’ stunning head-kick knockout of Zhang Weili to Irene Aldana’s deep forehead cut at the Sphere, Rogan has witnessed it all from close range.
Still, despite all he’s seen, he admits he hasn’t fully got used to watching women go at it inside the Octagon.
“I have a harder time watching women get f—- up than I do men,” he said on the Joe Rogan Experience.
“You know, maybe it’s the sexist in me or whatever it is. It just seems crazier when they’re doing it when they’re beating the f— out of each other. For whatever reason,” he added.
“This lady, Irene Aldana, who’s a beast, she got a cut in her forehead that I can’t believe the ref didn’t stop the fight (for). It looked like she got hit in the head with an axe… She’s marching forward throwing bombs… F—— crazy.“When I was interviewing her, talking to her after the fight you could see her skull.”
Joe Rogan’s next UFC appearance confirmed with familiar commentary team and new addition
Even though the Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes bout has been removed from UFC 324, there will still be a women’s matchup on the main card.
The podcaster and stand-up comedian will be calling Rose Namajunas vs Natalia Silva alongside Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier in Las Vegas on January 24.
The group is sticking together into the start of the Paramount era, but they’re set to gain a new member in 2026.
Kate Scott is making her debut at UFC 324. The presenter currently leads CBS Sports’ widely praised UEFA Champions League coverage.
Scott is expected to join Rogan, Anik, and Cormier as a desk anchor at UFC 324, where she’ll be joined by several UFC veterans.
Category: General Sports
