“She’s a Pitbull” – Joe Rogan Forgives Ronda Rousey Despite Insulting Remarks

UFC veteran Joe Rogan reacts to former UFC women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey's harsh comments about him.


“She’s a Pitbull” – Joe Rogan Forgives Ronda Rousey Despite Insulting Remarks

Joe Rogan reacts to Ronda Rousey (via X)

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Joe Rogan has been a long-time face of the UFC, known for his passionate commentary, humor, and occasional controversial takes. Recently, he found himself in headlines again after former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey criticized him during an interview. Rousey’s remarks quickly sparked a storm across the combat sports community, reigniting debates about Rogan’s influence.

Ronda Rousey criticized Joe Rogan in her interview, claiming the veteran commentator was not a true expert but simply had a huge audience. She argued that Rogan has never fought professionally and dismissed his taekwondo background despite his long history in martial arts. Rogan later addressed her comments and calmly responded to her claims and sharing his personal perspective.

The Ronda Rousey one didn’t really bother me. She’s a (expletive) Pitbull, man. I got nothing but love and respect for that lady. What she did was so impressive. She was the first legitimate female superstar. She made the UFC female division possible. And to be that type, like, when she said I wasn’t an expert… Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, you know? But you gotta understand why she thinks like that… She has a champion mentality. You never fought, you ain’t (expletive) It’s real simple… I get it. It’s totally fine. 

Joe Rogan via JRE #2410

Rogan mentioned that Dana White originally had no intention of creating a women’s UFC division until Ronda Rousey persuaded him. Rousey and Rogan were previously close friends, sharing a strong professional bond built during her rapid rise. Rogan used to consistently praise Rousey during her prime because her performances genuinely impressed everyone watching live events.

In her prime, Rousey was unstoppable, overwhelming opponents with unmatched dominance and relentless pressure whenever she competed in the octagon. She defended the bantamweight title multiple times, showcasing her superiority and maintaining complete control throughout her championship reign.

She became known for her signature armbar submission, using exceptional technique and precision to secure rapid victories over skilled opponents. However, she experienced a downfall after suffering a devastating KO loss to Holly Holm in 2015, altering her trajectory forever.

Valentina Shevchenko explains why she defended Joe Rogan against Ronda Rousey 

Following her loss to Holly Holm, Ronda Rousey suffered another defeat and ultimately chose to leave the UFC entirely afterward. She faced widespread criticism from fans, which deeply affected her emotions and contributed significantly to her decision to step away. Rousey publicly stated that many MMA fans were ungrateful, expressing frustration toward their reactions, especially after her consecutive losses occurred.

Valentina Shevchenko backs Joe Rogan
Valentina Shevchenko backs Joe Rogan (via X)

She also claimed Joe Rogan disappointed her greatly, suggesting his commentary shifted dramatically against her following the difficult defeats she endured. According to Rousey, Rogan turned his back on her, reinforcing feelings of betrayal that impacted her relationship with fans. 

Nevertheless, after her earlier comments about Rogan, women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko defended Rogan on social media, clarifying her stance carefully. In a recent interview before UFC 322, Shevchenko reiterated that position and explained precisely why she felt obligated to publicly support him. 

I’m for justice and I like Ronda, I like her lifestyle, being close to nature and animals and farm and anything like that, she’s a great champion, but I feel in this particular case it was not right to say these things that she said. Joe Rogan is a true example for the youth. He is a true martial artist. He has a lot of knowledge in martial arts, and he’s a successful man. 

Valentina Shevchenko via UFC 322 Media Day

Shevchenko enters UFC 322 as Zhang Weili’s co-main opponent, carrying proven composure and tactical depth that strengthen her favored status. Her superior size, measured striking control, and championship experience make her a formidable challenge in this high-stakes flyweight title showdown.

A dominant victory would reinforce her long-established reputation as a generational talent capable of ruling multiple eras within women’s MMA. Such a win could move Shevchenko significantly closer to matching Ronda Rousey’s celebrated legacy as one of history’s greatest female fighters.

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