“Mr Rogan take your meds” – Joe Rogan’s controversially suggesting shots to back of fighter’s head ripped by fans

Commentator Joe Rogan talks about the legalization of back of the head shots in UFC and faces criticism for it.

“Mr Rogan take your meds” – Joe Rogan’s controversially suggesting shots to back of fighter’s head ripped by fans

Joe Rogan's hot take on back-of-the-head shots (via Imago/X)

Joe Rogan is a legendary UFC commentator with vast MMA knowledge, witnessing intense octagon battles throughout his career. Rogan remains a respected voice in the sport, consistently providing insightful analysis during UFC events and shaping discussions on fighter performances. His strong opinions on MMA rules sometimes spark debate among fans, who don’t always agree.

MMA is undoubtedly one of the most brutal sports in the world where fighters risk their lives every time. Despite the risk, Joe Rogan likes the sport to be as real as possible and fighters could utilize all the lethal moves. In a recent interview, Rogan went on about the legalization of back of the head strikes as they are a natural way of attack. 

I don’t even know if we should stop hitting people in the back of the head, it doesn’t make any sense to me and it should be legal…If you talk to a neuroscientist they say that’s a particularly vulnerable area…isn’t the temple? Aren’t the eyes? Everything is so vulnerable.

Joe Rogan via JRE MMA Show #137
YouTube video

Strikes to the back of the head are illegal in MMA because they can cause severe brain and spinal injuries. The back of the head houses the brainstem, which controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate. Trauma to this area increases the risk of concussions, paralysis, or even death. To protect fighters, athletic commissions enforce this rule strictly. 

Accidental strikes may result in warnings, point deductions, or disqualifications, ensuring fighter safety while maintaining fair competition in the sport. Rogan himself has been in various kickboxing bouts and left the sport after seriously hurting someone. Given his experience, many fans thought that the veteran would have a better take on this. 

Fight fans react to Joe Rogan’s take on back-of-the-head shots 

Accidental back-of-the-head shots have caused controversy in UFC multiple times. Brock Lesnar lost a point against Frank Mir (2008) for illegal strikes. Petr Yan’s DQ loss to Aljamain Sterling (2021) involved questionable shots. Kevin Burns vs. Anthony Johnson (2008) had similar issues. Greg Hardy’s fight vs. Ben Sosoli (2019) saw accidental strikes but was ruled a No Contest. 

Back-of-the-head shots are illegal due to their lethality
Back-of-the-head shots are illegal due to their lethality (via MMA Fighting)

Michel Pereira vs. Niko Price (2021) also had warnings for illegal shots. Such strikes risk severe injuries, leading to penalties or disqualifications. Here are reactions from fans who didn’t agree with Rogan’s comments.

As expected, fans didn’t like this opinion and slammed him for saying such an insensitive thing. Some commented that Rogan might have lost his mind and want fighters to die. While he has a record of saying some outrageous things, this one definitely takes the cake.

Joe Rogan’s stance on other illegal movies 

In the UFC despite the strict rules, fighters often get away with making illegal moves. From vage holding to eye pokes these are extremely common in UFC bouts. Recently, veteran Henry Cejudo faced a similar eye poke situation which started a discussion around the situation.

Jon Jones's infamous 12 to 6 elbows
Jon Jones’s infamous 12 to 6 elbows (via X)

Talking about other back of head shots, at UFC 309 former Bellator champion, Michael Chandler went away after striking various shots on Charles Oliveira. While Daniel Cormier called it out, Rogan was mostly silent. Rogan also was in favor of the legalization of 12 to 6 elbows. These were previously banned which gave Jon Jones his first and only loss in the UFC via disqualification. 

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