On a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, UFC commentator Joe Rogan expressed strong opinions about how testing has transformed the sport, particularly in the heavyweight division.
Rogan specifically pointed to the UFC’s former partnership with the USADA, which began in 2015 and ended in 2023 amid disagreements over the testing of Conor McGregor. The testing program is now overseen by DFSI.
“When UFC brought in USADA, people’s physiques MELTED… Alistair Overeem’s the greatest example. He was saucy as f*ck… I don’t wanna see fat heavyweights. Get the f*ck out of here. I want Alistair back. Get them back on the sauce,” Rogan stated during his podcast.
The commentator referenced former UFC heavyweight title challenger Alistair Overeem, who made a memorable UFC debut in 2011 against Brock Lesnar, securing a first-round victory. Overeem earned a title shot against then-champion Junior dos Santos, but before the bout could take place, he failed a pre-fight test, showing elevated testosterone levels. This resulted in a suspension from competition.
When Overeem returned to the octagon in 2013, his performance had noticeably changed, and he lost his next two fights.
Despite his controversial stance on performance enhancement in the heavyweight division, Rogan maintains confidence in current heavyweight champion Jon Jones. With speculation surrounding a potential title unification bout with interim champion Tom Aspinall, Rogan believes Jones will not shy away from the challenge.
In a previous conversation with Ilia Topuria, Rogan expressed his belief that Jones would face Aspinall: “Yes. I think he’ll fight Tom. I think he’ll hang out… for glory. One more glory before the lights fade. Jon’s a conqueror. I think he can’t sit back.”
The UFC heavyweight title unification bout remains unscheduled, with Aspinall publicly expressing frustration over his inactivity while Jones has hinted at possible retirement.
