UFC color commentator Joe Rogan has always shared his feelings openly, even about controversial matters. Many believe that one of the sporting world’s most significant flaws is the presence and usage of performance-enhancing drugs. However, Rogan doesn’t agree with this sentiment.
Joe Rogan Makes Feelings Known About PED Use
During episode #2325 of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the UFC commentator engaged in an open conversation about steroid use with guest Aaron Rodgers, the superstar NFL quarterback.
When Rodgers mentioned Manny Pacquiao’s return to professional boxing at 46, Rogan speculated that “Pacman” might be using steroids. “He is not going to come back 46 on the natch, I guarantee,” Rogan said.
He clarified his claim, noting Pacquiao carried his knockout power even though he fought in eight weight classes and boxing’s history with steroid use. The 57-year-old claimed that tests on the day of the weigh-ins, which were also done in the UFC in the past, were just a hoax. Rogan believes that expert doctors could easily find a way around it.
Coming to MMA, Rogan singled out Alistair Overeem, who many believe used steroids before USADA arrived as the UFC’s drug testing partner.
“Alistair Overeem is the greatest example,” Rogan said. “Alistair, when he fought Brock Lesnar, got drug tested, and he was saucy as f**k. When he’s flexing on stage, that’s when he was “Ubereem,” solid as f**k ripped, and just one of the more elite strikers on planet Earth. And Brock was f**ked.”
Overeem fought Lesnar at UFC 141 on Dec. 30, 2011, easily winning in the first round by TKO. After the arrival of USADA in 2015, many noted a significant difference in Overeem’s body structure and performance. However, Rogan believes he should’ve been allowed to continue the alleged use of steroids.
He even expressed interest in seeing Overeem back in the UFC, with the use of PEDs. “I want fun. I don’t want to see fat heavyweights. Get the f**k out of here. I want Alistair back, get him back on the sauce,” Rogan said, noting Overeem has become vegan.
When Rodgers asked about Jon Jones’ return, Rogan expressed skepticism, particularly citing the rampant drug testing in the sport. Though he didn’t openly say it, Jones has failed drug tests multiple times and served suspensions for the violations.
Despite the strict drug testing, Rogan believes that fighters could always work around it. Even Jeff Novitzky, Senior Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance for the UFC, had admitted to Rogan that it could happen.
The UFC’s current anti-doping partner is Drug Free Sport International, which began in Jan. 2024 after it ended its partnership with USADA in Dec. 2023. George Piro, a former FBI Special Agent, leads the UFC’s anti-doping program.