Rousey Calls Rogan Fan Not Expert, Shevchenko Defends

Former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey sparked renewed debate in the mixed martial arts community last week by criticizing longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan during an appearance on comedian Bert Kreischer's podcast. Rousey described Rogan as "a fan with an audience" and questioned his expertise in the sport, prompting a swift defense from current UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko.

The exchange occurred on Kreischer's "Bertcast" episode, where the host, a close friend of Rogan, brought up the commentator's name while discussing potential advice for a hypothetical fight. Rousey dismissed the idea, stating, "He wouldn't know. He's not an expert, he's a fan with an audience." When Kreischer noted Rogan's background in taekwondo, Rousey replied, "He never fought. That's not fighting." The comments, which Kreischer attempted to lighten with humor, quickly went viral on social media, dividing fans and drawing responses from several MMA figures.

Shevchenko, preparing for her flyweight title defense against former strawweight champion Zhang Weili at UFC 322 on November 15 in New York, reposted a clip of the podcast on her X account. She wrote, "I see Joe Rogan as huge...