Joe Rogan Passes Savage Comment on Women’s Flyweight Fight at UFC 324

UFC commentator and podcast host Joe Rogan talks about why Rose Namajunas vs Carla Esparza 2 should not be in the Paramount archives.

Joe Rogan Passes Savage Comment on Women’s Flyweight Fight at UFC 324

Joe Rogan talks about Rose Namajunas vs Carla Esparza (via MMA Fighting, Variety)

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Rose Namajunas was one of the most entertaining and popular champions during her strawweight title reign, delivering multiple standout performances. Her momentum was halted after losing the title to Carla Esparza at UFC 274. The five-round rematch failed to meet expectations, with limited action and a cautious pace. That perception was recently reflected by longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan.

The rematch between Namajunas and Esparza took place at UFC 274 in May 2022, with the strawweight title on the line. It marked their second meeting after Esparza submitted Namajunas at The Ultimate Fighter 20 finale in 2014. Unlike their first encounter, the championship bout unfolded over five rounds, with a cautious, tactical approach. Esparza ultimately won by split decision to reclaim the title.

Following that bout, Namajunas endured a rocky period in her career with inconsistent results. She went 3–3 in her next six outings while facing elite opposition. Most recently, Namajunas suffered a unanimous decision loss to Natalia Silva at UFC 324. The bout’s reputation resurfaced when Joe Rogan suggested the rematch be removed from archives as the UFC enters its new Paramount+ deal with UFC 324.

I hope that fight’s not even in the Paramount archive. Delete that.

Joe Rogan via Damon Martin

The UFC is entering a new media rights agreement with Paramount+, which will expand distribution across live events and archival content. Namajunas’ bout against Silva was positioned as an opportunity to build on winning momentum. That narrative followed her previous victory over Miranda Maverick in June 2025. Instead, the loss halted that push as the promotion transitions into its new broadcast era.

‘Thug Rose’ has long been a favorite of Rogan throughout her UFC career. His admiration was especially evident when she captured the strawweight title by defeating Zhang Weili at UFC 261. During that moment, Rogan became emotional while discussing the intense mental pressure fighters face. He also highlighted the physical demands required to reach and sustain championship success in MMA.

Joe Rogan’s comments about removing Namajunas vs. Esparza 2 underscored how the bout is still viewed years later. As the UFC moves into a new broadcast era, the fight remains a notable reference point in title fight discussions. It also remains to be seen what the future holds for Rose Namajunas following her loss to Natalia Silva. Her next steps carry wider stakes as the promotion reshapes its landscape.

Joe Rogan talks about lightweight champion Ilia Topuria’s greatness

Ilia Topuria has established himself as one of the UFC’s most dominant fighters after a rapid rise through the featherweight ranks. He won the title by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski and later defended it with a historic knockout of Max Holloway. After knocking out two of the most accomplished featherweights in UFC, Topuria won the lightweight belt after knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

Joe Rogan talks on Ilia Topuria's ex-partner
Joe Rogan talks about Ilia Topuria (via X)

Joe Rogan has consistently shown appreciation for ‘El Matador’s rise. He has previously highlighted Topuria’s recent run as one of the most impressive championship stretches in modern MMA. That praise has often centered on the difficulty of finding weaknesses in his game. The discussion resurfaced on The Joe Rogan Experience, leading to his recent remarks about the Georgian champion.

He doesn’t have any disadvantages. He doesn’t have any weaknesses, man.

Joe Rogan via PowerfulJRE

Ilia Topuria has received increased attention outside the Octagon amid reports about his former partner and their separation. Joe Rogan publicly called out Topuria’s ex for posting images that fans later recognized as AI-generated. The situation brought further scrutiny during a challenging period in Topuria’s life. It highlighted how off-cage matters can intersect with a fighter’s personal profile.

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