UFC commentator Joe Rogan has sparked debate among combat sports fans after describing YouTube star KSI as a “legit boxer” while dismissing Dillon Danis’s abilities in the ring.
During a recent episode of his podcast, Rogan shared his assessment of KSI’s boxing prowess: “KSI’s a pretty good boxer. He’s legit. Like, for those kind of guys, he’s a good boxer. For that class…he’s legit. He’s got hands. But Dillon is not a boxer.”
The comments came while discussing KSI’s withdrawal from his scheduled March 29 bout against Danis at the AO Arena in Manchester. KSI pulled out due to illness, explaining in a video: “I’ve never been this ill for this long in my life. And I hate it. I feel useless, and it’s depressing. I feel like I’ve let so many people down.”
Rogan’s praise of KSI, who holds a 4-1 professional record with one no contest, didn’t sit well with many fans who questioned the assessment on social media.
“Rare L take by Joe,” wrote one fan on X.
Another commented: “He hasn’t watched KSI box.”
A particularly critical response read: “Hate to say it but when it comes to boxing JR [Joe Rogan] doesn’t know sh*t, HUGE fan of him but his takes are always so sh*t when it comes to boxing.”
Others questioned the basis for Rogan’s evaluation: “Literally where has KSI proven that though LMAO? Where has he proven he’s ‘a good boxer’?”
Meanwhile, Danis, who previously withdrew from their planned bout in January 2023, responded to KSI’s cancellation by calling out his rival’s friend Logan Paul: “I feel bad for every fighter on the card and the fans who bought tickets. Logan Paul, step up for your boyfriend who pulled out with the sniffles and let’s save the show, and everyone’s time and money.”
Danis is now preparing for a May 24 MMA bout against Tony Ferguson in GFL.
