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Joe Rogan tells UFC fighters to avoid ‘giant mistake’ by adopting this ‘admirable’ Jon Jones mindset

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Jan 3, 2026 9:46 AM ET

Joe Rogan thinks fighters would do well to replicate this Jon Jones approach.

The former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion is widely regarded as a leading contender for GOAT status, having gone unbeaten across his career aside from a disqualification.

Despite his greatness inside the Octagon, which includes wins over legends like Daniel Cormier, Chael Sonnen, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, and Shogun Rua, Jones’ career has not been without controversies and squabbles with the UFC higher-ups.

Among the public fallouts between Dana White and Jones was the UFC president’s fury over a rejected fight in 2012. But in the eyes of Rogan, ‘Bones’ was on the right side of that argument.

Joe Rogan tells fighters not to take short-notice UFC fights

The UFC was forced to cancel UFC 151 after Dan Henderson’s knee injury pushed him out of a bout against Jones. After Machida turned down the short-notice opportunity, Sonnen accepted and the promotion began creating new promotional material.

There was only one problem — the champion rejected the replacement.

Jones refused to fight the new opponent on eight days’ notice. White called Jones’ decision “disgusting and selfish,” but Rogan maintains that it was the correct call.

“I think that’s a giant mistake that guys make,” the UFC color commentator said regarding short-notice fights on a recent episode of his Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

“The Alexander Volkanovski fight is a perfect example — the Islam Makhachev fight. He took that fight on 11 days’ notice. He’d just been hanging around, drinking.

“First fight was a razor-thin decision,” he continued. “He’s like, ‘I can do better,’ but you can’t do better without a camp!

“One of the things I really always admired about Jon… they offered him Chael Sonnen on short notice and he was like, ‘Nope.’ And they’re like, ‘We need you to do this!’ … ‘Nope, I am a professional world champion and I prepare for my opponents.’

“Look at him, he’s the GOAT.”

Joe Rogan gave that advice to Jon Jones’ protege

Interestingly, Rogan shared those words of wisdom while speaking to an MMA prospect who trains with Jones.

After a 2-0 start to life inside the cage, Gable Steveson has his sights on a UFC debut at the White House in 2026. And given the shallow nature of the heavyweight division, many think he could already be a threat to the best in the weight class.

Rogan is among them, stating in no uncertain terms during an episode of JRE in late 2025 that the rest of the division is in serious trouble when the 2020 Olympic gold medalist arrives.

“The heavyweight division is so devoid of talent. Gable Steveson is the f——guy,” Rogan said.

“That’s the guy. He’s not even in the UFC yet. Olympic gold medalist, f—— freak athlete, 250 pounds, moves like a cat.

“I sent a text message to Dana White. I sent him a video of Gable’s last fight. I said, ‘Everyone’s f—- when this guy comes out.’ He KO’ed this guy with a left hand and then took him down as he was knocked out,” he continued.

“The speed that this guy has. Really good striking already, and he’s only been striking for like a f—— year… Everyone’s f—-. That kind of speed is nuts for a heavyweight.”

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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