Joe Rogan reckons more fighters should take a page out of Jon Jones’ playbook when it comes to how they handle themselves.
Jon Jones, the former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, is often mentioned in the GOAT conversation. He’s gone unbeaten throughout his career, with his only blemish being a disqualification.
Despite his success inside the Octagon – which includes wins over Daniel Cormier, Chael Sonnen, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida and Shogun Rua – Jones’ career hasn’t been without its share of controversies and disputes with the UFC.
One of the more public disputes between Dana White and Jones came in 2012 when the UFC president was furious over a fight Jon turned down. But Rogan believes ‘Bones’ made the right call.
Joe Rogan warns fighters against accepting short-notice bouts in the UFC
The UFC had to scrap the entire card after Dan Henderson pulled out with a knee injury, leaving Jones without an opponent. Lyoto Machida passed on the fight too, but Sonnen stepped in, and the promotion even began rolling out new material.
But it didn’t get that far. Jones turned down the fight.
“It was eight days’ notice for a new opponent and Dana said that his decision was disgusting and selfish,” Rogan said. “I disagree; I think he was right.”
On a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, he said:
“The Alexander Volkanovski fight is a perfect example — the Islam Makhachev fight. He took that fight on 11 days’ notice. He’d just been hanging around, drinking.”
Joe Rogan offers familiar advice to Jon Jones’ trainee
Interestingly, Rogan offered that same advice during a conversation with a rising MMA prospect who happens to train under Jones.
After starting his career 2-0, Gable Steveson has set his sights on making his UFC debut at the White House in 2026. The heavyweight division isn’t exactly deep at the moment, and plenty of people think he could quickly become a legitimate contender.
Rogan is one of those people. Speaking on JRE in late 2025, he didn’t hold back on how much trouble he thinks the division will be in once Steveson arrives.
“The heavyweight division is so devoid of talent. Gable Steveson is the f——guy,” Rogan said.
“That’s the guy. He’s not even in the UFC yet. Olympic gold medalist, f—— freak athlete, 250 pounds, moves like a cat.
“I sent a text message to Dana White. I sent him a video of Gable’s last fight. I said, ‘Everyone’s f—- when this guy comes out.’ He KO’ed this guy with a left hand and then took him down as he was knocked out,” he continued.
“The speed that this guy has. Really good striking already, and he’s only been striking for like a f—— year… Everyone’s f—-. That kind of speed is nuts for a heavyweight.”
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