- Joe Rogan commentary blunder at UFC 316 misidentified Kayla Harrison’s Olympic sport as wrestling instead of judo.
- Fans and media slammed the mistake as lazy and disrespectful, especially given Harrison’s decorated judo background.
- The flub isn’t isolated—UFC 313 and UFC 310 featured similar lapses, leading to calls for the UFC commentator to be replaced in the booth.
Latest Joe Rogan Commentary Blunder Goes Viral — Again
Joe Rogan’s presence at the UFC commentary desk has long been considered iconic, but at UFC 316, the veteran broadcaster delivered a factual error that quickly ignited backlash.
During the live broadcast, Rogan referred to Kayla Harrison — a two-time Olympic gold medalist in Judo — as a double Olympic champion in wrestling.
The Joe Rogan mistake was glaring, not just for its inaccuracy, but because of Harrison’s well-documented judo background. Harrison herself has spoken extensively about her journey through judo to MMA, and fans were quick to notice the slip.
Daniel Cormier, Rogan’s broadcast partner that night, did not correct the error, adding fuel to the fire.
“Joe Rogan really said Kayla is a double gold medalist in wrestling?!?!?!?! WRESTLING? Why is he still on these broadcasts? He clearly couldn’t care less.”
– Rodrigo Del Campo González via X –
More Than One Lapse: From UFC 313 to UFC 316, a Pattern Emerges
The Kayla Harrison mistake might have been forgivable if it stood alone, but fans pointed to earlier flubs that show a pattern. At UFC 313, Rogan drew ridicule for calling a 26-year-old fighter a “young man still figuring things out.”
And during UFC 310, cameras caught him on his phone during a live segment, disengaged from the action.
The mounting incidents have sparked renewed criticism that Rogan’s focus has drifted. Fans and media outlets alike are beginning to ask whether his legendary status should shield him from accountability.
“Joe Rogan sucks. He hasn’t cared about MMA commentary in years.”
– Fan comment on Reddit –
Why These On-Air Mistakes Matter: Credibility, Fandom, Broadcast Standards
Mistakes in live broadcasting happen—but in a sport where athlete backgrounds and disciplines shape entire fight narratives, precision is key. Calling Kayla Harrison a wrestler isn’t just a mix-up; it disrespects her legacy and misinforms a global audience.
The UFC is not some local, fringe promotion. It’s a billion-dollar entertainment engine with fans tuning in from over 150 countries.
Commentators are not just color voices; they’re educators and narrators. When mistakes like the Joe Rogan UFC 316 error these go unchecked, they undermine credibility — and fans notice.
“MMA has evolved. The commentary team should too.”
– MMA fan on Instagram –
Is it Time for Rogan to be Replaced?
For years, the idea of replacing Joe Rogan felt unthinkable. He was the voice behind Anderson Silva’s matrix moments, Ronda Rousey’s rise, and McGregor’s chaos. But the tone is shifting. Fighters, analysts, and longtime fans are no longer as protective of his role.
The MMA community isn’t calling for cancellation — they’re calling for modernization. Suggestions for more dynamic, technically sharp commentators are gaining traction, especially among younger fans who demand a higher standard of accuracy.
“You can’t mess up who Kayla Harrison is. That’s not a small thing. It’s her identity as a fighter.”
– Anonymous pro fighter via Essentially Sports –
Whether Rogan responds or quietly moves on, UFC 316 may be remembered as more than just another event—it could be the inflection point that forces a re-evaluation of the broadcast team entirely.
The Mic Slips Again
The Joe Rogan commentary blunder at UFC 316 wasn’t just a harmless slip —i t’s become a lightning rod for broader criticism about UFC’s commentary quality and Rogan’s evolving role in the sport.
From Kayla Harrison’s judo legacy being rewritten on air to a string of recent flubs, the once-unshakeable voice of the UFC finds himself under more scrutiny than ever. And if the backlash is any indication, fans aren’t just watching the fights—they’re watching the people calling them too.
“If Rogan can’t tell who Kayla Harrison is, maybe it’s time he took a step back.”
– MMA fan –
