“He’s the most terrifying wrestler ever,” Joe Rogan showers praise on the three-time Olympic Gold medalist Greco Roman wrestler Aleksandr Karelin

UFC announcer Joe Rogan offers high regard for Russian Greco-Roman wrestler Aleksandr Karelin. The Russian wrestler had one of the greatest prime in the sport of wrestling.

“He’s the most terrifying wrestler ever,” Joe Rogan showers praise on the three-time Olympic Gold medalist Greco Roman wrestler Aleksandr Karelin

 Joe Rogan presents respect for Aleksandr Karelin who has had one of the finest careers to date (via Imago/ Medium)

The world of combat sports has many different branches other than MMA. Wrestling is one of the integral parts of MMA as well as a standalone sport. Icons in wrestling are rarely praised, but Joe Rogan went above and beyond for this one guy. The UFC icon recently heaped immense praise on Russian wrestling icon Aleksandr Karelin.

Rogan lauded Karelin’s hulking body and phenomenal grappling abilities that produced three consecutive Olympic gold medals. Joe Rogan showed intimidating photos on his podcast showing Karelin’s muscular 6’3” frame that dwarfed opponents. He explained that Karelin also had cat-like agility rarely seen in super heavyweights despite his size and strength. This is what he said:

Who’s the scariest f***ing wrestler of all time, it’s [Aleksandr] Karelin... And you know what his move is? He throws people around. He picks them up and beats them with the Earth. He’s the most terrifying wrestler ever.
Joe Rogan via JRE
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This extreme blend of size, speed, and flexibility mystified the UFC commentator. He struggled to comprehend how the giant Karelin moved, unlike anyone. Karelin earned the iconic “Experiment” nickname by systematically dominating every opponent he faced. His unprecedented Greco-Roman wrestling success spanned over a decade.

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Karelin has clearly left a lasting impression on Rogan regarding what elite wrestling mastery entails. Rogan aimed to convey Karelin’s intimidating aura and grappling wizardry through his podcast.

A look back at Aleksandr Karelin’s incredible career

Legendary Russian wrestler Aleksandr Karelin boasted an extraordinary career spanning over 12 years of sheer dominance. He compiled one of history’s most impressive competitive careers across any sport.

A look back at the illustrious career of Aleksandr Karelin
A look back at the illustrious career of Aleksandr Karelin (via IWMBuzz)

Karelin captured Olympic gold medals in the super heavyweight division in 1988, 1992, and 1996. He went undefeated in global and European competitions for an astonishing stretch lasting 13 years. The intimidating Russian icon obliterated opponents at a nearly 90% submission rate.

Karelin crafted arguably the most feared skill set ever witnessed on a wrestling mat. Using explosive power combined with cat-like quickness, Karelin lifted and violently slammed much larger combatants to the canvas. His signature reverse lift amplified Karelin’s already significant physical prowess.

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Karelin controlled opponents from seemingly impossible positions by using his massive reach. His anaconda-like grip strength enabled Karelin to ragdoll competitors despite massive resistance. Karelin ultimately crafted a style that allowed few offensive moves for opponents to counter. His streak lasted over a decade without losing points to elite opposition. 

Karelin’s incredible career concluded with a controversial Sydney Olympics loss in 2000. The shocking defeat largely owed to age finally diminished Karelin’s overwhelming attributes. Global wrestling authorities fittingly labeled Karelin the greatest Greco-Roman wrestler ever after his retirement.

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