UFC Champion Shevchenko Addresses Rogan Criticism Ahead of UFC 322 Title Defense

Valentina Shevchenko, the reigning UFC flyweight champion, has publicly voiced her staunch support for veteran commentator Joe Rogan, defending his martial arts expertise against recent criticisms from former UFC star Ronda Rousey. Shevchenko’s remarks, initially made on social media and further elaborated during a media scrum in New York, precede her highly anticipated title defense against Zhang Weili at UFC 322 this Saturday. The champion’s comments have injected a new dimension into the ongoing discourse surrounding Rogan’s role and credibility within the mixed martial arts community.

Shevchenko’s defense of Rogan emerged following a tweet where she described him as "a huge expert of martial arts" and "a noble man." These statements directly countered Rousey’s assertion that Rogan is "not an expert, he’s a fan with an audience." Addressing the media, Shevchenko clarified her position, stating, "I’m for justice and I like Ronda, I like her lifestyle, being close to nature and animals and farm and anything like that, she’s a great champion, but I feel in this particular case it was not right to say these things that she said." Shevchenko emphasized Rogan’s multifaceted impact, describing him as "a true example for the youth," a "true martial artist," and a "successful man" possessing "a lot of knowledge in martial arts." Her conviction stemmed from a perceived injustice, declaring, "I felt when there is no justice, no, it’s something wrong."

Ronda Rousey, a pioneering figure in women’s mixed martial arts, had recently reignited a long-standing debate about Rogan’s qualifications as a commentator. Her direct quote, "He’s not an expert, he’s a fan with an audience," questioned the depth of Rogan’s understanding of the sport, particularly from the perspective of a former elite competitor. While the immediate catalyst for Rousey’s most recent comments remains unclear, this is not the first instance of her publicly criticizing Rogan. In the past, Rousey had accused the long-time UFC personality of abandoning her after her two consecutive losses, which ultimately marked the conclusion of her storied MMA career. Despite the contentious nature of her departure from the sport, Rousey’s legacy as the first female UFC champion and a catalyst for women’s MMA remains widely recognized and celebrated within the sport.

Joe Rogan’s extensive career in the UFC spans decades, primarily as a color commentator for pay-per-view events. While his commentary appearances have become less frequent in recent years, he maintains a significant presence and influence within the MMA community, largely amplified by his globally popular podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, which began in 2009. Rogan’s background in martial arts, often cited by his supporters, includes significant achievements as a Taekwondo practitioner during his youth. He holds a black belt in Taekwondo and was a four-time Massachusetts state champion, even winning the U.S. Open Grand Champion title. Additionally, he pursued kickboxing before transitioning into careers in acting and stand-up comedy. His proponents frequently point to this practical martial arts experience as evidence of his foundational understanding of combat sports, countering the narrative that he is merely an observer.

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The differing perspectives from Rousey and Shevchenko highlight a broader, recurring discussion within combat sports regarding the nature of expertise in commentary. While many contemporary UFC commentators, such as Daniel Cormier, Michael Bisping, and Dominick Cruz, are former champions or elite fighters, Rogan’s unique position as a martial artist who did not compete professionally in MMA at the highest level often places his insights under scrutiny. The debate frequently revolves around whether direct professional fighting experience is a prerequisite for insightful analysis, or if a deep-seated theoretical and practical understanding of martial arts, combined with years of observing and interviewing elite athletes, can equally qualify one as an "expert" commentator. Shevchenko’s unequivocal endorsement of Rogan leans heavily on the latter, emphasizing his comprehensive knowledge and the integrity of his character.

Shevchenko’s focus, however, extends beyond defending Rogan. Her primary challenge at UFC 322 is a pivotal flyweight title defense against Zhang Weili, a former strawweight champion. Shevchenko, with a professional record of 26 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, has established herself as one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, known for her precise striking, powerful grappling, and exceptional fight IQ. Her journey to the top has been marked by a string of impressive performances against top contenders, solidifying her status as a pound-for-pound elite. Zhang Weili, boasting a record of 25 wins and 3 losses, is renowned for her explosive power, aggressive striking, and formidable wrestling. Her move up to flyweight from strawweight adds an intriguing dynamic to the matchup, as she seeks to become a two-division champion. The stylistic clash between Shevchenko’s technical prowess and Zhang’s raw power promises a compelling contest, with both fighters aiming to cement their legacies further. The bout carries significant implications for the women’s pound-for-pound rankings and could potentially set up future super-fights for the victor.

During the same media session, Shevchenko was also prompted to weigh in on the perennial "female GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time) discussion in women’s MMA. While acknowledging Rousey’s pioneering role, Shevchenko offered a perspective rooted in her own extensive history in martial arts. "I don’t know, I think Ronda she’s a great fighter and definitely she’s the first one who fought in the UFC," Shevchenko stated, acknowledging Rousey’s foundational contribution. "Definitely, she deserves to be the greatest fighter, but I started to practice martial arts when no one started. I was five years old, 32 years I do what I do, and my first title that I won in MMA it was back in 2003. No one would fight. There were no women. After seven years, there was the first female fight in UFC, but in 2003 I already won the title of world champion in MMA in South Korea. So in 2005, I won it again, and it’s kind of like I can say that from the experience because I’ve been in this business for a long, long time."

Shevchenko further highlighted the generational gap, noting, "Modern fighters they’re not even born at that year, you can see many of them is like, 2005, 2006, but I’ve been here for a long time and I have all rights to speak about how it evolved and how it was back then and now." Despite her profound experience and numerous accolades, Shevchenko maintained a humble stance on the GOAT debate, refusing to name herself. "So for me, it’s a very hard question who is the greatest and I never will [say] myself because I’m not that kind of person who puts the name in front of everyone. I feel everyone did enough things to secure the spot to be in this position, the greatest fighter ever." Her comments underscore the depth of her journey in martial arts, predating the mainstream recognition of women’s MMA and offering a unique historical perspective on the sport’s evolution.

As Valentina Shevchenko prepares for her championship defense at UFC 322, her public commentary on Joe Rogan and her reflections on the history of women’s MMA provide insight into her values and deep understanding of the sport. Her upcoming bout against Zhang Weili stands as a testament to her enduring legacy, while her recent remarks contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding expertise, respect, and the foundational figures within the mixed martial arts landscape.