Former UFC star turned comedian Brendan Schaub is finding it increasingly difficult to handle the mounting criticism from fellow comedians who regularly mock him on their podcasts. In a recent episode of his show Schaub expressed visible frustration over what he perceives as coordinated attacks from the comedy community.
The discussion began with talk of Mark Maron‘s recent podcast appearances where he dismissed various comedians including Jeff Dye. The UFC star appeared particularly bothered by the casual way established comedians tear down their peers during promotional tours.
“I don’t think it’s good for the brotherhood,” Schaub lamented
seemingly forgetting his own tenuous relationship with that very community.
However the UFC star‘s concept of “brotherhood” rang hollow when confronted with reality. When questioned about this supposed brotherhood he was reminded of how his friends Chris D’Elia and Bryan Callen were ostracized from comedy circles.
“What brotherhood? The one that kicked my friends out?” he asked defensively
revealing the contradictory nature of his complaints.
The conversation exposed the UFC star‘s deep insecurity about his position in comedy. He admitted that criticism bothers him personally
“when I see somebody talking sh– about me, it bothers me, dude.”
Despite trying to project indifference the UFC star acknowledged the emotional toll
“It’s not because you truly don’t give a f–. That sh– sucks.”
What makes the UFC star‘s complaints particularly ironic is his own history as a comedy outsider. Critics point out that he was never truly accepted by the LA comedy scene functioning more as a “hanger-on” who leveraged his relationship with Joe Rogan for access. When Rogan moved to Austin and their relationship cooled the UFC star‘s comedy career stagnated.
His frustration extends beyond personal attacks to broader industry dynamics. The UFC star complained about podcasters who
“made their living talking sh–“
and getting clicks through negativity. Yet this criticism seems to ignore his own participation in similar behavior during his rise in entertainment.
The root of the UFC star‘s anger appears to stem from his diminished status within comedy circles. No longer able to rely on Rogan‘s protection or regular appearances at comedy clubs he finds himself increasingly isolated. His move to Austin ostensibly to be near Callen but really following Rogan has left him further removed from the comedy scene he desperately wants to rejoin.
“the fans kicked you out”
because audiences simply weren’t interested in his comedy. Rather than accepting this reality the UFC star continues to lash out at a community that has largely moved on without him making his frustration more about personal grievances than professional solidarity.
