Ronda Rousey Critiques Joe Rogan’s Knowledge of Fighting Techniques

Ronda Rousey Criticizes Joe Rogan, Reflects on Career Trajectory

November 2, 2025

Former mixed martial artist and professional wrestler ronda Rousey recently offered a pointed critique of commentator Joe Rogan during a conversation wiht comedian Bert Kreischer on the “Bertcast Podcast.” The exchange occurred while discussing her potential return too the Octagon and evolved into a discussion of Rogan’s expertise in combat sports.

the conversation began with Kreischer inquiring about the financial incentive required to lure Rousey back into competitive fighting. Rousey jokingly responded by stating she would engage Kreischer in a physical altercation outside his residence, prompting the comedian to suggest seeking advice from Rogan.

Rousey’s response was direct; she questioned Rogan’s authority as an expert, characterizing him as “a fan with an audience” who lacks practical fighting experience. She further dismissed the relevance of Taekwondo, stating, “Taekwondo is not fighting.”

A History of Discord

This recent exchange appears to be a continuation of a strained relationship between Rousey and Rogan, dating back to the later stages of her career in the Ultimate Fighting championship. rousey has previously expressed feelings of abandonment, alleging that Rogan and other commentators turned against her following defeats against Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm.

Rousey achieved widespread acclaim as a pioneer in Women’s Mixed Martial Arts,securing an Olympic bronze medal in Judo in 2008 before transitioning to the UFC. She dominated the bantamweight division, defending her title six times before experiencing back-to-back losses that altered her career trajectory.

From MMA to pro Wrestling

Following her departure from the UFC, Rousey transitioned to professional wrestling, signing with WWE in 2018. She quickly rose to prominence, becoming a three-time women’s champion and a one-time Tag Team Champion within the organization before leaving the company.Her impact on both sports is undeniable.

Ronda rousey battles competitors during the women’s Royal Rumble match during the Royal Rumble at The Dome at America’s Center Jan. 29, 2022. (Joe Camporeale/USA Today Sports)

The Evolution of Combat Sports Commentary

The role of commentators in combat sports has evolved significantly over the years. Initially focused on providing play-by-play analysis, commentators now frequently enough offer expert opinions, ancient context, and personality-driven narratives. This shift has led to increased scrutiny, with athletes ofen holding commentators accountable for their interpretations and assessments.

Did You Know? As of October 2024, the global combat sports market was valued at approximately $8.5 billion, with an projected annual growth rate of 6.2% through 2030,according to a report by Grand View Research.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ronda Rousey and Joe Rogan

• What prompted ronda Rousey’s recent criticism of Joe Rogan? Rousey criticized Rogan’s lack of fighting experience and questioned his expertise during an interview.
• What is the history between ronda rousey and Joe Rogan? Their relationship reportedly soured following Rousey’s losses in the UFC, with Rousey feeling Rogan and others turned against her.
• What were Ronda Rousey’s major accomplishments in the UFC? She was a dominant champion in the women’s bantamweight division, with six successful title defenses.
• What did Ronda Rousey achieve after leaving the UFC? She transitioned to professional wrestling, signing with WWE and becoming a multi-time champion.
• Is Ronda Rousey considered a pioneer in women’s MMA? Absolutely, Rousey is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in the rise of women’s mixed martial arts.

What are your thoughts on Rousey’s comments? Do you think Rogan’s commentary is fair and accurate?

Share your opinion in the comments below!

How might Ronda Rousey’s critique impact the future role of former fighters in sports commentary?

The Spark: A Lex Fridman Podcast Appearance

The recent friction between Ronda Rousey and Joe Rogan ignited following Rousey’s appearance on the Lex Fridman Podcast (october 27, 2025). During a detailed discussion about her transition from Judo and MMA to professional wrestling with WWE, Rousey openly questioned Rogan’s understanding of nuanced fighting techniques, specifically grappling and submission holds. This wasn’t a broad dismissal of Rogan’s commentary, but rather a pointed critique of his interpretations of technical aspects within combat sports. The conversation quickly became a trending topic amongst fans of MMA,UFC,WWE,and the Joe Rogan Experience.

Specific Points of Contention: Judo & Armbars

Rousey’s primary issue stemmed from Rogan’s frequent analysis of armbars during UFC events. She argued that his explanations often oversimplified the mechanics and strategic considerations involved in executing a successful armbar, particularly from a Judo perspective.

Here’s a breakdown of the key disagreements:

* Grip Fighting: rousey emphasized the critical importance of grip fighting in Judo and its influence on setting up submissions like the armbar.She felt Rogan frequently enough glossed over this foundational element, focusing rather on the final, visually dramatic extension of the arm.

* Body Positioning & Weight Distribution: A core tenet of Judo is utilizing body weight and proper positioning to maximize leverage.Rousey stated Rogan’s commentary frequently neglected the subtle shifts in weight and body angle necessary for a secure and effective armbar.

* The Role of Kuzushi (Breaking Balance): Rousey repeatedly highlighted kuzushi – breaking an opponent’s balance – as the crucial first step in any Judo throw or submission. She felt Rogan’s analysis often skipped this vital component, presenting armbars as purely strength-based maneuvers.

* Judo vs. BJJ Armbar Differences: Rousey clarified the distinct approaches to armbars in Judo versus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).Judo armbars often prioritize speed and explosiveness, while BJJ armbars tend to be more methodical and leverage-focused. She believed Rogan frequently enough conflated the two.

Why This Matters: Accuracy in Combat Sports Analysis

The debate isn’t simply about ego or a disagreement between personalities. It touches upon a larger issue: the importance of accurate technical analysis in combat sports. Misinformation can:

* Mislead Aspiring Athletes: Incorrect explanations of techniques can hinder the progress of fighters learning the sport.

* Undermine the complexity of Martial Arts: Oversimplification diminishes the skill and strategy involved in disciplines like Judo, BJJ, and MMA.

* Impact Fan Understanding: Inaccurate commentary can shape public perception and gratitude of the nuances within fighting.

Rogan’s Response & The Broader Context

Joe Rogan has acknowledged Rousey’s critique, stating on his podcast (October 29, 2025) that he relies on input from experts and admits his knowledge of Judo is less comprehensive then his understanding of other martial arts. He emphasized his role as a commentator is to provide entertainment and accessibility for a broad audience, sometimes necessitating simplification.

This situation highlights the challenge of balancing technical accuracy with engaging commentary. Rogan’s strength lies in his enthusiasm and ability to connect with fans, while Rousey brings a uniquely qualified perspective as a world-class Judoka and MMA fighter.

the Impact on MMA & Wrestling Commentary

This exchange is likely to influence future commentary in both MMA and professional wrestling. Expect to see:

* Increased Emphasis on Technical Detail: Commentators may strive for greater precision when describing grappling techniques.

* More Collaboration with Experts: Networks and promoters might seek input from specialized martial arts instructors to enhance the accuracy of their broadcasts.

* Greater Appreciation for Judo: Rousey’s comments have sparked renewed interest in Judo and its influence on MMA.

* A Shift in Fan Expectations: Viewers may demand more informed and nuanced analysis from commentators.

Ronda Rousey’s fighting Background: A Swift Recap

Rousey’s credentials lend significant weight to her critique. Her accomplishments include:

* 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal in Judo: A historic achievement, making her the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in Judo.

* Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion: Dominating run in Strikeforce, establishing her as a rising star in MMA.

* First UFC Women’s bantamweight Champion: Pioneering figure in women’s MMA, captivating audiences with her aggressive style and submission