Joe Rogan Tired of ‘Fat Heavyweights’; Jokes About Wanting ‘Saucy’ Fighters

UFC veteran Joe Rogan wants to bring back PED usage in UFC to have monster heavyweight fighters.

Joe Rogan Tired of ‘Fat Heavyweights’; Jokes About Wanting ‘Saucy’ Fighters

UFC veteran Joe Rogan talks about fat heavyweights and wants to have PEDs again in the UFC (via Imago/X)

The UFC heavyweight division was once thrilling, packed with giants and unforgettable knockouts that left fans in absolute awe. Recently, excitement dwindled as the superstar presence faded and matchmaking issues plagued the division’s momentum, disappointing long-time followers. Veteran commentator Joe Rogan believes a bold, unique solution could revive the division’s savage charm and restore its former brutality.

Rogan has witnessed UFC’s evolution for over twenty years, always showing excitement for the early heavyweight division era. Before USADA’s arrival, heavyweights were jacked monsters, and Rogan loved the raw power they brought into the cage. On a recent JRE episode, he reflected on those times, pointing out specific changes and memorable heavyweight fighters he admired.

When UFC brought in USADA… People’s physiques melted. Alistair Overeem’s the greatest example. Alistair when he fought Brock Lesnar got drug tested, and he was saucy as f***. 

Alistair Overeem and Brock Lesnar fought in 2011, at UFC 141 in a highly anticipated heavyweight clash. Overeem won the bout via first-round TKO, delivering a brutal liver kick followed by punches that overwhelmed the former champion. After UFC 141, Overeem tested positive for elevated testosterone levels before his next fight, not immediately after defeating Lesnar.

He was removed from UFC 146 and given a nine-month suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission due to the failed test. Lesnar wasn’t flagged for banned substances at UFC 141 but later failed drug tests during his UFC 200 comeback. During the conversation, Rogan also jokingly mocked the current set of heavyweights and wants the use of PEDs again. 

Oh yeah, I want fun. I don’t want to see fat heavyweights. Get the f*ck out of here. I want Alistair back. Get them back on the sauce. 

For UFC 200, Lesnar tested positive for clomiphene and was suspended for one year, fined $250,000, and his win was overturned. Following that, his opponent Mark Hunt had also filed a lawsuit against Lesnar and UFC for putting his life in danger. Nevertheless, it was Lesnar’s final UFC fight as left the promotion to continue his WWE career.

UFC veteran explains PEDs on Joe Rogan’s podcast 

PEDs have historically tainted the UFC, prompting stricter regulations through USADA, implemented to ensure fairness and fighter safety globally. Notable fighters like Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, and Brock Lesnar faced suspensions, damaged reputations, and altered title pictures significantly. T.J. Dillashaw’s EPO admission highlighted how far some athletes go to gain unfair advantages in this fiercely competitive sport.

UFC veteran talks about steroid use
UFC veteran talks about steroid use (via Imago)

Despite rigorous testing, occasional failures still occur, raising questions about supplement contamination and enforcement consistency within the anti-doping framework. UFC veteran Georges St-Pierre is one of few legends who has never had any controversies or PED usage. In a discussion with Joe Rogan, he shared how it makes the difference. 

When we talk about performance enhancing drug Joe people misunderstand, ‘Yeah, but it still doesn’t make a difference’. Yes it does make the difference in the athlete. Now with the technology, they have stuff that will change your reaction time. Your confidence. Your reset time. This is a huge application, if you are fighting, you see the things coming. What’s make the guy athletic is not in his muscle. 

Among them, Jones’ career has been repeatedly marred by PED controversies, testing positive multiple times and facing suspensions from USADA. Despite his unmatched skill and accolades, many fans exclude him from GOAT conversations due to his multiple drug-related infractions. He was stripped of his title multiple times, including after UFC 214, but retained massive drawing power regardless.

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