Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

UFC legend launches impassioned defence of Joe Rogan after Ronda Rousey slammed commentator

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Nov 3, 2025 12:02 PM ET

Ronda Rousey’s feud with Joe Rogan has seen the MMA community leap to the defence of the veteran commentator, with one legend throwing her hat in the ring.

Iconic former bantamweight champion Rousey appeared on Rogan’s pal Bert Kreischer’s podcast last week. And despite his fellow comedian’s efforts to laugh it all off as a joke, she insisted on mocking the famed voice of the octagon, insisting he is little more than a ‘fan’ and not an ‘expert’ in fighting.

The clip went viral over social media and caused division in the MMA fan world. Rogan is not the most popular member of the commentary desk, but he is a beloved comedian and veteran of the game, while Rousey is quite divisive.

Valentina Shevchenko defends Joe Rogan after Ronda Rousey dig

Valentina Shevchenko was one of the biggest names in the UFC to jump to Joe Rogan’s defence on social media over the weekend. The legendary flyweight champion is currently preparing for her latest defence against strawweight champion Weili Zhang next week in New York.

I see Joe Rogan as huge expert of Martial Arts, noble man, hunter, sportsman, and good example for youth! https://t.co/12C44V5uGL
— Valentina Shevchenko (@BulletValentina) November 3, 2025

Shevchenko has always been respectful of Rogan, and appeared as a guest on his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience. She took to social media after reading Rousey’s comments, writing on X: “I see Joe Rogan as huge expert of Martial Arts, noble man, hunter, sportsman, and good example for youth!”

The post appeared to be popular with fans, garnering over 1million views in a day and receiving mostly positive feedback. Many even noted that if they had ever met in their primes, Shevchenko would have comfortably beaten Rousey.

Ronda Rousey tears into Joe Rogan in awkward podcast appearance

The controversy kicked off when Ronda Rousey appeared on Bert Kreischer’s Bertcast last week. The episode proved controversial as the former champion and Olympic bronze medalist went in on Joe Rogan, shutting down suggestions that he is an MMA expert and dismissing his fighting accolades.

When Kreischer mentioned his close friend Rogan – to whom he can credit almost the entirety of his fame – Rousey insisted that “He wouldn’t know.” “He’s not an expert,” she continued. “He’s a fan with an audience. He never fought.”

It made the comedian squirm and awkwardly laugh, before claiming his friend had a respectable career in taekwondo. “He never fought,” Rousey replied. “That’s not fighting.”

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

More must-reads: