Joe Rogan mind blown as ex-UFC friend reveals beating World Strongest Man
UFC veteran Joe Rogan shows a shocking reaction after learning about Brendan Schaub’s competition with Hafthor Bjornsson.
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Joe Rogan couldn't believe Brendan Schaub beating Hafthor Bjornsson in strength competition (via Imago/X)
Joe Rogan has been a UFC commentator for over 20 years, bringing excitement and insight to major pay-per-view events with his iconic voice. Despite his long tenure, he avoids international travel, preferring to stay in the US while still covering major fights. Instead of traveling, he hosts watch parties with friends like Brendan Schaub, analyzing fights in real-time.
Last weekend, Rogan and his friends watched UFC London where top welterweight Sean Brady defeated former champion Leon Edwards. During the conversation, Rogan asked Schaub about his recent training session with famous strongman, Hafthor Bjornsson. He and Schaub had a competition of holding a certain weight above the ground in which the UFC fighter won.
Who could hold the longest. It’s Thor and Hooper, who is also a strongman. Thor was like 58 seconds. Minute something (Schaub’s timing).
Brendan Schaub via JRE Fight Companion
Rogan was hyped about it and credited Schaub for beating Bjornsson in a demonstration of strength. Schaub also shared that he and Bjornsson had a competition over bench pressing 225 pounds. According to the former heavyweight fighter, the Icelandic strongman lifted it thirty-something times.
On the other hand, Schaub lifted 225-pounds 40 times. Rogan was shocked again and Bjornsson is well known for his raw strength. He is known as one of the strongest men ever. He also set a 501 kg deadlift world record, won World’s Strongest Man 2018, and dominated strongman events.
Bjornsson became famous for playing the character ‘The Mountain’ in popular series, The Game of Thrones. He has elite grip strength, overhead pressing power, and massive squats. Recently, he transitioned into boxing while maintaining his legendary strength and endurance. Nevertheless, it was really a wholesome moment for Rogan and Schaub.
When Joe Rogan helped Brendan Schaub to retire
Brendan Schaub made his UFC debut back in 2010 and had an incredible start, knocking out fighters like Mirko Cro Cop. However, his career was inconsistent and faced multiple KO losses. In that situation, Joe Rogan played a key role in Brendan Schaub’s retirement through a tough conversation.
Rogan told Schaub he couldn’t compete at the elite level, citing his losses and physical damage. He urged him to pursue comedy and podcasting instead. Though Schaub resisted, the talk planted the seed. After losing to Travis Browne in 2015, he retired. Schaub later admitted Rogan’s intervention saved him from further harm and guided his post-fight career.
The reality of your skill set, where you’re at now, I don’t see you beating the elite guys. I don’t see you beating Cain Velasquez. I don’t see you beating Junior dos Santos. I don’t see you beating Fabricio Werdum. It’s not that you don’t try hard, that you’re not dedicated, that you’re not disciplined, that you’re not intelligent. There’s shit that other people can do that you can’t do.
Joe Rogan via The Fighter and The Kid
Since then, Schaub has remained active as a stand-up comic and UFC youtuber. The ex-UFC heavyweight star often makes videos about major fights and fighters in general. He has a healthy audience and still remains close with Joe Rogan.
Joe Rogan’ influence on UFC
Joe Rogan has been a key figure in the UFC since the early 2000s, shaping how fans experience the sport. As a commentator, his deep knowledge of martial arts, energetic play-by-play, and ability to break down complex techniques have made fights more engaging. His podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, has given fighters a platform to share their stories, boosting their popularity.
Rogan also helped legitimize MMA by educating the mainstream audience. While he doesn’t make business decisions, his influence on UFC culture, fighter narratives, and fan engagement remains undeniable. All this makes him one of the most impactful voices in MMA history.
Related: Who holds the record for most wins in UFC history?
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