“These world-class f***ing guys” - Joe Rogan thinks the rise of ONE Championship is good for fight fans
Long-running UFC color commentator Joe Rogan has always been an advocate for promoting the best fighters in the world, regardless of their promotion.
In a recent episode of his podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience, the stand-up comedian was joined by ONE Championship flyweight world titleholder ‘Mighty Mouse’ Demetrious Johnson.
Rogan and Johnson spoke about the rise of ONE Championship and how many high-level competitors there are all over the world.
Speaking to Johnson about his experiences since departing the UFC for ONE, Rogan said:
“As a fight fan, I was excited to see you go over to ONE the same way I was excited to see Eddie Alvarez over there. I think we need more events. More competition is good for everybody. What you’re seeing now with ONE is these world-class f***ing guys. Those guys are out there in the world. They’re kickboxers, they’re sambo guys, they’re jiu-jitsu guys. They’re out there in the world.”
Catch the full podcast episode below:
The podcast also mentioned the likes of Fabricio Andrade and ONE’s recent expansion into submission grappling with huge names in the sport like Mikey Musumeci and the Ruotolo brothers.
In the near three-hour episode, the pair spoke about the details of Demetrious Johnson’s trade from the UFC to ONE Championship, which saw Ben Askren going the other way after Rogan was keen to see 'Funky' compete in the UFC’s welterweight division.
“That m***f*cker can take a shot” - Joe Rogan in awe of Rodtang’s iron chin
Also during the episode of his podcast, Joe Rogan praised the iron chin of Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Rodtang has been able to transcend Asia and get recognition all over the world. That's not just because of his credibility as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in Muay Thai, but due to his exciting fighting style.
Rodtang’s profile received another boost when he faced current ONE flyweight world champion Demetrious Johnson in a mixed-rules superfight. With that, he got to demonstrate why he is an elite fighter and a fan favorite.
While the UFC commentator, podcaster and stand-up comedian hosted Demetrious Johnson on JRE, conversation turned towards the mixed-rules contest.
Rogan commented on his own observations whilst watching Rodtang:
“That mother****er can take a shot, it’s weird. He stands down and lets guys punch him in the face. Who the f**k does that at an elite level other than like, Anderson [Silva] in his prime?”
Watch Joe Rogan and Demetrious Johnson talk about how he beat 'The Iron Man' (3:25 mark):