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Joe Rogan, the iconic UFC commentator and podcast heavyweight, isn’t just a voice behind the mic—he’s a vocal critic when he believes the fight game strays off course. For years, Rogan has leveraged his insider status to challenge UFC brass, including CEO Dana White, on contentious decisions. Now, the veteran analyst is doubling down on past warnings about the promotion’s handling of rising star Magomed Ankalaev and doubling down on a bold claim: The UFC missed a golden opportunity by prioritizing slap fighting over kickboxing. Here’s why Rogan thinks the promotion is leaving money—and legitimacy—on the table.
Joe Rogan’s fight against Dana White for Magomed Ankalaev’s spotlight
Magomed Ankalaev, the Dagestani light heavyweight with a 19-1-1 record, has long been pegged as a future champion. Yet despite his dominance, Ankalaev’s trajectory has stalled—a fact Rogan attributes to questionable UFC decisions. The commentator has repeatedly urged Dana White and matchmakers to invest in Ankalaev’s stardom, arguing that his blend of precision striking and grappling mastery deserves marquee billing.
Joe Rogan’s frustration stems from Magomed Ankalaev’s under-the-radar status compared to peers. While the UFC pushes charismatic brawlers, Ankalaev’s stoic demeanor and technical style have kept him on the periphery. “This guy’s a problem for anyone in the division,” Rogan has insisted, emphasizing that sidelining such talent risks alienating purists who crave skill over spectacle.
Rogan’s combat sports crusade
But Magomed Ankalaev isn’t Rogan’s only gripe. During a recent JRE Fight Companion episode, Rogan unleashed a fiery critique of the UFC’s foray into Power Slap, calling it a misstep that overlooks a richer opportunity: revitalizing kickboxing.
“I’ve been telling [the UFC] forever—get into kickboxing,” Rogan declared. “Slap fighting was a mistake. Imagine kickboxing in the Octagon with MMA gloves. The knockouts would be insane, and Glory [Kickboxing] already has elite fighters nobody knows about.”
Joe Rogan’s vision? A UFC-stamped kickboxing league that leverages the promotion’s production muscle to showcase high-level strikers. Instead, the UFC doubled down on Power Slap, a divisive venture critics label a “circus act.” For Rogan, it’s a baffling pivot: “Kickboxing could’ve been massive. Now we’re stuck watching people slap each other?”
A Clash of Philosophies
Rogan’s critiques reveal a deeper tension: entertainment vs. sport. While the UFC thrives on viral moments (see: Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Alex Pereira), Joe Rogan argues neglecting disciplined fighters like Magomed Ankalaev—or ignoring kickboxing’s potential—erodes the UFC’s credibility.
Will Dana White listen? Unlikely. Power Slap continues expanding, and Ankalaev remains without a title shot. But Rogan’s warnings serve as a rallying cry for fans who believe MMA’s soul lies in its athletes, not gimmicks. As for Ankalaev? He’ll keep winning—quietly waiting for the spotlight Rogan insists he deserves.
