(Video) Joe Rogan calls for women to wear cups in MMA after UFC 306 groin kick

Ben King

At UFC 306, commentator Joe Rogan has ignited a debate about protective gear for female UFC stars. The incident occurred during a preliminary bout between Ketlen Souza and Yazmin Jauregui when an unintentional low kick landed in a sensitive area, causing visible discomfort to Jauregui.

Rogan, known for his candid commentary, immediately questioned why female fighters don’t wear protective equipment similar to their male counterparts. “I think it’s time we consider mandatory groin protectors for women in MMA,” Rogan stated during the broadcast.

The suggestion has sparked mixed reactions from fans and professionals alike. Some supporters argue that additional protection could prevent unnecessary injuries and interruptions during matches. However, critics point out that the anatomy of female stars doesn’t necessarily warrant the same type of protection as male athletes.

 

 

One fan took to social media, explaining, “It’s because we don’t have any external organs to permanently damage.” This sentiment echoes the general consensus among medical professionals that the risk of severe injury from groin strikes is significantly lower for women.

Despite the rarity of such incidents in women’s MMA, the topic has gained traction, with many questioning whether current safety measures are sufficient. UFC veteran Mackenzie Dern, who has experienced both childbirth and in-ring injuries, shared her perspective on the matter. “A solid hit to the groin is far more painful than giving birth,” Dern revealed in a recent interview, adding weight to the discussion about enhanced protection.

Yan Xiaonan experienced this firsthand during UFC 272, where she competed against Marina Rodriguez. After a strong start, Xiaonan was hit with a significant illegal groin strike, leaving both the commentary team and audience unsure of how to react. Commentator Joe Rogan acknowledged the lack of protection for women in that area, making the situation uncomfortable to watch. Despite the intense pain and injury, Xiaonan chose to continue, concerned that a language barrier might lead to it being stopped. She later revealed the strike caused serious damage, including bleeding, but kept it hidden to avoid ending the match.

Yan revealed:
“The groin getting kneed or kicked does not only affect male fighters. So at that moment, what I felt was my bone got hit and I can feel immediately there was some blood and plenty of pain, of course. But I didn’t tell my translator and the doctors. I was just worried that they will stop

As the debate continues, it’s clear that safety remains a top priority for the UFC. The organization has a history of adapting its rules and equipment to ensure the well-being of its athletes. Whether this incident will lead to changes in protective gear requirements for female stars remains to be seen.

In the meantime, the UFC continues to evolve, with Rogan at the forefront of suggesting improvements. The longtime commentator has previously proposed several changes to the sport, including eliminating the cage and altering referee protocols.

 

Ben King