5 Decades After “Asian Superhero” Bruce Lee’s Death, Joe Rogan Says “That Guy Changed Martial Arts Before the UFC Came Along”

The Hollywood star Bruce Lee ushered MMA into a new era when he burst out on the scene with his unique fighting style. Not did the legendary figure start Jeet Kune Do, but he also put MMA on the world screen. Thus, having an influence on the audience worldwide. While the pop culture icon brought the western and eastern spheres together, his unique mixed style inspired what eventually became MMA. The contribution of the actor recently got recognition from UFC color commentator Joe Rogan. The famed podcaster called him the person ‘nobody saw coming’. Further, Rogan claimed that Lee revolutionized martial arts before the UFC.

In #ep. 1937 of The Joe Rogan Experience, the standup comic sat down with actress Punkie Johnson. The conversation hovered around Hollywood development as the duo discussed the controversial figure, Kanye West. Later in the conversation, the host pointed out an interesting fact about Bruce Lee, where Hollywood dubbed him in his initial movies. Following this, the 55-year-old heaped praises on the ‘Asian superhero’.

Joe Rogan reveals how Bruce Lee contributed to martial arts long before the UFC

The UFC personnel mentioned that no one made sounds now while depicting their action movements, which was a norm in earlier Hollywood projects.

Thus, he said, “If you think about Karate movies, people just do karate.” This prompted the SNL actor to cut him short. She replied, “No swag and fashion, man. He [Bruce Lee] was smooth.”

The former Fear Factor host seconded his guest’s opinion and continued the praises of the American director.

Subsequently, the comedian declared, “And he was Asian superhero. You know, which was, you know, they didn’t ever see that coming. This dude, out of nowhere, throwing Karate kicks and doing Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. And mixing them all together.”

“Nobody saw that coming. He, that guy, changed martial arts. Before the UFC came along. That was the guy that combined things. He was the one who kind of opened the door for the UFC in a while,” the podcast host summed up later on.

Markedly, Bruce Lee got famous for his work in The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, The Way of the Dragon, Enter the Dragon, and The Game of Death. Hence, cementing his legacy in Hollywood as well as establishing an Asian presence in the industry.

Read More: “That Was Very Taboo” – Bruce Lee Rewriting Martial Arts Laws Impressed Joe Rogan the Most as UFC Star Revealed What He Loved the Most About the Pioneer

What do you think of these statements by Joe Rogan about the legend, Bruce Lee? Do you also agree that Bruce Lee pioneered MMA before the UFC? Let us know in the comments below.

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