Joe Rogan’s Emotional Reaction to Israel Adesanya’s UFC 305 Performance

During the highly anticipated UFC 305 event, all eyes were focused on Israel Adesanya‘s comeback. However, the unexpected turn of events left Joe Rogan visibly frustrated and unable to hide his feelings about the fight. Adesanya, often referred to as ‘The Last Stylebender’, stepped back into the octagon after a brief hiatus and faced off against the reigning middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis. Despite showcasing moments of brilliance, Adesanya struggled to capitalize on his opportunities, ultimately facing the first submission defeat of his professional career.

In a departure from his usual role as a commentator for UFC events, Rogan chose to host a Fight Companion session alongside fellow commentators Brendan Schaub, Tony Hinchcliffe, and Brian Simpson. Their dynamic discussion provided insights into the match, but also drew attention due to their strong reactions to the unfolding drama. Rogan, who shares a close friendship with Adesanya, found himself torn between admiration for his friend and the harsh realities of the fight.

As the fight progressed, Rogan’s commentary frequently highlighted Adesanya’s impressive skill set. “Oh, Izzy just hit a beautiful combination. He stunned him,” Rogan exclaimed during the crucial moments of the event. His analysis emphasized Adesanya’s striking abilities, noting, “Dricus is in real trouble,” indicating the tension that permeated the air. Rogan’s commentary aimed to rally the audience’s spirits, celebrating Adesanya’s skills while also acknowledging the challenge presented by Du Plessis.

Rogan’s enthusiasm peaked as he commented on Adesanya’s fighting style, saying, “This is the Stylebender of old, kids.” He elaborated on how Adesanya was capitalizing on opportunities presented by a visibly fatigued Du Plessis, asserting, “You’ve been beating him up and chipping away at him.” Unfortunately, as the fight swung in Du Plessis’s favor, Rogan’s demeanor changed dramatically. His growing concern was evident as he reacted to Du Plessis’s powerful strikes.

When the fight took a decisive turn, with Du Plessis landing significant blows, Rogan’s anxiety grew. “Dude, dude, dude. Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God. He hurt him, dude. He hurt him,” he exclaimed, clearly unsettled by the unexpected direction of the match. The palpable tension reached its climax when Du Plessis secured the chokehold, leading Rogan to lean back in disbelief, his hands on his head as he processed the outcome.

Related: UFC 305 Octagon Interview – Israel Adesanya: ‘I’m not f—ing leaving’

Despite his emotional response to Adesanya’s loss, Rogan later acknowledged Dricus Du Plessis‘s impressive performance, stating, “Dricus is a f*ing animal, dude. He’s a f*ing animal. Holy sh*t.” His comments highlighted the resilience and skill of the champion, emphasizing the danger present in every exchange, especially against an opponent as formidable as Du Plessis. Rogan warned viewers of the risks involved, stating, “If you get clipped, you’re in real trouble,” as he reflected on the intensity of the fight.