Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s recent criticism of UFC commentator Joe Rogan has forced the stand-up comedian to respond back.
Rogan, who has been employed with the company since 1997, addressed Jackson’s comments on his weekly podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
“Look, man, I love Rampage. I don’t mean to be rude when I assess things. I’m just trying to objectively figure out how this guy could be doing better than he’s doing,” Rogan said.
“When I’m doing commentary on a fight, all I’m trying to do is sort of objectively assess what I think someone could be doing differently to try to get themselves out of spot if they’re not winning or…I’m just trying to commentate.”
“I’m not, like, critiquing the guy’s soul,” he added.
Rogan is one of the most well-renowned and respected voices in mixed martial arts. Holding a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Rogan is very knowledgeable when it comes to analyzing fighters and bouts.
Jackson was clearly unhappy and insulted when he discussed Rogan’s responsibilities as a commentator and felt he was biased towards certain fighters.
Rogan, however, didn’t see it that way and believes his role as a commentator is to analyze a fight objectively, regardless of whether he offends someone or not.
“I’m analyzing the fight, that’s all it is,” he said. “I can’t protect someone’s feelings at the expense of doing what I’m supposed to be doing, which is sort of analyzing what’s going on.”
Jackson will meet Ryan Bader in the co-main event this weekend at UFC 144.
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