AUSTIN, TEXAS: In an unexpected turn of events, prominent podcaster and UFC commentator Joe Rogan didn't shy away from criticizing Brendan Schaub during his appearance on 'The Fighter and the Kid' podcast. To no one's wonder, it left the MMA world speculating if Rogan effectively ended Schaub's fighting career.
The intervention-style discussion during the podcast episode focused on Ronda Rousey's ex-boyfriend Schaub's loss to Travis Browne at UFC 181 and the broader implications for his fighting career. And Rogan took the opportunity to harshly criticize Schaub's performance, highlighting his flaws and emphasizing the gap between him and the best fighters in his division, such as Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos. Notably, Schaub did announce his retirement from the MMA in October 2015.
'You just didn't look good'
Rogan analyzed Schaub's style with surgical precision, criticizing his rigid movement, lack of fluidity, and obvious fear in the fight. He didn't spare time to tell her the harsh truth. He said, "You just didn't look good, you didn't look like you were well-prepared." The UFC commentator also questioned Schaub's commitment and ability to compete with the top-tier behemoths after examining his technical abilities, saying, "Your movement didn't look like an elite fighter's movement. Just very stiff. It was like there was a lot of apprehension in your movement."
Using the analogy of a red line on a car's speedometer, Rogan warned Schaub about the irrevocable damage that could await him. The message was clear, staying in the red zone can have serious consequences for a fighter's knees, back, and, most crucially, brain. Schaub, Rousey's ex-boyfriend, was chastised by Rogan for his weak knees, back, and head, even though defended himself and continued fighting during the match. Rogan's statements struck a chord with Schaub and enthralled the audience, who were skeptical of his ability to become a championship-level fighter. He claimed to have built a major connection between himself and the world's greatest fighters.
Are Joe Rogan and Brendan Schaub friends?
The long-standing friendship between former UFC heavyweight Schaub and famed UFC announcer Rogan is well-known. Their friendship has been on public display countless times, with Schaub routinely appearing as a guest on 'The Joe Rogan Experience' podcast. A critical milestone in their relationship occurred during an edition of 'The Fighter and the Kid' podcast when Rogan frankly advised Schaub to consider retirement and went forward to make some contentious remarks about his fighting style.
Despite the apparent conflict, Rogan and Schaub's friendship remains unwavering. The two are extremely close, their bond distinguished by lively banter and, at times, caustic humor. This closeness was on display during the 'JRE' episode, where comedian Whitney Cummings was featured as a guest. Schaub was not present, but he was once again at the center of a joke.
