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| Ronda Rousey and Joe Rogan: Two Bigwigs |
Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey has raised questions about veteran UFC commentator Joe Rogan’s authority on mixed martial arts, describing him as “a fan with an audience” during a recent appearance on comedian Bert Kreischer’s podcast Bertcast.
Background on Both Figures
Rousey, an Olympic bronze medalist in judo and one of the pioneers of women’s MMA, became one of the UFC’s most dominant and recognizable champions during the early 2010s. She helped open the door for women in professional mixed martial arts before transitioning to a career in professional wrestling with the WWE after her retirement from fighting in 2016.
Joe Rogan, meanwhile, has been a staple of UFC broadcasting since the late 1990s. Known for his detailed analysis, expressive commentary, and the mega popular podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan is also a former Taekwondo national champion and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Though he has extensive martial arts training, Rogan has never competed in professional MMA bouts. But as a commentator and podcaster, Joe Rogan has only praised and hyped Ronda Rousey.
Rousey’s Comments on Bertcast
During her October 2025 appearance on Bertcast, Rousey was discussing how people perceive expertise in combat sports. In that context, she questioned Rogan’s credibility as a true MMA expert, despite his long tenure as a commentator.
“He’s not an expert — he’s a fan with an audience,” Rousey said.
Rousey elaborated that while Rogan’s martial arts background gives him technical understanding, it does not equate to the experience of professional competition. Her comments appeared to reflect a broader view about the difference between practitioners and observers of the sport.
Reaction and Coverage
Rousey’s remarks were reported by multiple media outlets. The comments quickly circulated through MMA discussion forums and social media, with fans and analysts debating whether her critique was fair.
Supporters of Rogan pointed to his decades-long involvement with the UFC and his role in popularizing MMA through accessible, informed commentary. Others agreed with Rousey, arguing that firsthand experience inside the cage provides a unique perspective that cannot be replicated through commentary or analysis.
No Response from Rogan
As of early November 2025, Joe Rogan has not publicly addressed Rousey’s remarks, either on his podcast or through social media. There has been no direct conflict or exchange between the two since her comments were made public.
Broader Context
Rousey’s statement adds to an ongoing conversation in combat sports about the line between expertise and fandom. In recent years, as MMA has grown in global popularity, commentators, podcasters, and influencers have gained significant influence over public opinion — often shaping how fighters and matches are perceived.
Both Rousey and Rogan remain influential voices in that landscape. Rousey continues to represent one of the most transformative figures in women’s sports, while Rogan’s commentary and podcast reach millions worldwide.
For now, her statement stands as a candid observation rather than the beginning of any feud — a reminder of the sometimes-blurred boundary between those who fight in the arena and those who narrate it.
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