Joe Rogan, the veteran UFC commentator, was left stunned by an unprecedented situation at UFC 323, marking a first in his 28-year career.
Rogan, who began his journey with the UFC in 1997, has witnessed countless fights and moments in the Octagon. But at UFC 323, he encountered a scenario that left him perplexed.
After the main card fight between former UFC light heavyweight Jan Blachowicz and Bogdan Guskov, which ended in a controversial majority draw, Rogan prepared for his usual post-fight interview routine. However, this time, he was denied entry into the Octagon due to the absence of a clear winner.
'That's never happened,' Rogan exclaimed to his fellow commentators, Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik, expressing his bewilderment at this unexpected turn of events. This moment highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport, even for a seasoned veteran like Rogan.
But the surprises didn't end there. Rogan also reacted to a distressing injury during the UFC 323 co-main event. Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja suffered a swift TKO due to an arm injury just 26 seconds into his fight with Joshua Van. The replay left Rogan concerned, especially when the UFC's medical update seemed to contradict the visual evidence.
'I spoke to the UFC's chief medical physician, Dr. Jeff Davidson, and he confirmed a left shoulder dislocation with spontaneous reduction,' reported Megan Olivi. But Rogan was unconvinced, recalling the gruesome sight of Pantoja's elbow dislocation. This incident sparked a debate: should fights with such injuries be ruled as no-contests?
These incidents at UFC 323 showcase the unexpected twists and turns in MMA, even for a commentator as experienced as Joe Rogan. And it leaves us wondering: how will the UFC handle these controversial moments moving forward? Will there be changes to ensure fair outcomes for all fighters?
