AUSTIN, TEXAS: Joe Rogan is one of the most well-known names in the UFC and MMA. The veteran sportscaster has worked for the main promotion for nearly two decades, commentating on numerous high-profile fights. However, critics once accused color commentator Rogan of bias against Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The MMA star apologized after facing backlash during the Nurmagomedov vs Al Iaquinta. UFC president Dana White has frequently acknowledged Rogan's extensive knowledge of jiu-jitsu and his ability to dissect various MMA methods as a proponent for popularizing MMA in its early days.
'Constantly looking for cracks'
'The Eagle' won a unanimous decision over Al Iaquinta on the fight card. Although Nurmagomedov won the fight, many people were astonished that it went the distance, including Rogan. Only a few days after the event, Rogan offered a public apology for his conduct, stating that he never intended to be biased against Nurmagomedov and was merely attempting to point out how Al Iaquinta may have uncovered flaws in the Dagestani's game.
Rogan stated, "When I'm commentating on someone that dominant, I am constantly looking for cracks in their armor, and on Saturday night, we saw the first of those cracks exposed by an incredibly game Al Iaquinta... Most people, myself included, expected the highly favored Khabib to ragdoll his last-minute opponent."
He continued, "Khabib won that fight by a landslide, but it went to a decision, and that in and of itself was an upset...If any of you were annoyed by my concentrating on that aspect of an incredibly dominant performance by one of the most impressive guys in the history of the division, please accept my sincere apology."
'I don't know if he's the strongest guy'
Dustin Poirier's first UFC championship defense resulted in a heartbreaking loss to Nurmagomedov via third-round submission at UFC 242. Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as one of the greatest grapplers to ever compete in the octagon. Nurmagomedov appears to be a difficult opponent on the ground for reasons other than raw power.
Poirier revealed on the #102 MMA episode of 'The Joe Rogan Experience' podcast that it is 'The Eagle's grasp of weight placement that sets him apart, "I don't know if he's the strongest guy I've ever fought... Nothing overwhelming or that surprises me... I've been fighting and wrestling a long time as well but he just knew where my weight was and where it needed to be for me to stay up, with his foot trips. It's hard to explain man. He's good."
