Joe Rogan influenced Jan Blachowicz to say Magomed Ankalaev had won the fight at UFC 282
Joe Rogan has been in charge of UFC post-fight interviews in the octagon for a long time. However, he has come under fire from former champion Jan Blachowicz following UFC 282.
In one of the most confusing and controversial PPV cards in recent memory, the main event was deemed a split draw. Blachowicz faced Magomed Ankalaev for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title, and neither man walked out of the arena a champion.
Rogan first interviewed Blachowicz in the cage, where the Polish fighter stated that he felt Ankalaev had won the fight and deserved the title. However, in the days and weeks since the fight, Blachowicz has stated that he feels Joe Rogan influenced his perception of events.
In a recent interview with Sherdog, he said:
"First of all, that what I said after the fight, to give the belt to Ankalaev, I said that because I only remembered the last round. That was the worst round for me. Also, Joe Rogan, he came to the octagon he said, 'You didn't win this fight.' So, okay maybe they're right? But no. When I watched this fight, I was closer to winning the fight than him."
Watch the interview below from 0:50:
Jan Blachowicz repeated several times in his interview with Joe Rogan at UFC 282 that he needed some time to clear his head, as he'd just absorbed serious damage in round 5.
Despite the fact that Rogan shared his opinion with Blachowicz about who won the fight, it's unlikely he was intentionally trying to influence the Polish fighter's opinion. The fight was close, but Ankalaev's late-round dominance may have been a lasting memory in the minds of many watching the contest.
Watch the full interview between Rogan and Blachowicz below:
Joe Rogan reviews chaotic UFC 282 main event with Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik
The epic trio of Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier, and Jon Anik were cageside to witness and voice over the madness that unfolded following the UFC 282 main event.
Bruce Buffer's announcement of a split draw had fans and fighters confused, and the three commentators reviewed the judges' scorecards and the light heavyweights' comments on the result. Rogan chose to highlight Blachowicz's comments post-fight, and the stand-up comedian said the following:
"The telling thing is Blachowicz thought he lost the fight, at the end of it Blachowicz said, 'Give him the belt.' Obviously he had just been through a fight, he's not thinking clearly."
Watch the video below: