Joe Rogan has never been one to stay silent when it comes to protecting his buddies, and this time Brendan Schaub found himself at the heart of the conversation. The former UFC heavyweight, who turned to comedy and podcasting after quitting the fight game, has long been controversial in the MMA world. While some admire his career and insights, others disregard his combat achievements and views. Schaub has been the subject of much internet ridicule throughout the years, with many dismissing his credentials inside the Octagon. However, Rogan and comic Big Jay Oakerson were not about to ignore those criticisms. As a result, the JRE host took to his podcast to defend his buddy by reminding fans of who he really is!

Oakerson was the first to address the issue on JRE #2296, challenging those who underestimate ‘Big Brown.’ He highlighted that Schaub’s toughness stemmed not just from his victories but also from whom he faced and what he had gone through. “He’s been punched by the best,” Oakerson said, emphasizing that whatever criticism the comedian receives, he’s already faced worse.

Joe Rogan echoed that sentiment, going so far as to remind everyone that Schaub not only faced world champions but also defeated them. One such prime fight was Schaub’s stunning victory over Mirko Cro Cop, a great striker who was formerly regarded as one of the most dangerous fighters in MMA.

He said, “He’s been beaten up by world champions. And he’s knocked out world champions. He knocked out Mirko Cro Cop, which was crazy. Mirko Cro Cop, back in the day, was the f—– man. He was like the first elite kickboxer to really excel in MMA.” The JRE host saw this as more than simply proof of Schaub’s credentials; it was a reminder that he had been in the cage with some of the most terrifying men on the globe and had survived.

Even though it’s been a decade since Schaub’s last fight, his name is still often mentioned in MMA circles. The former heavyweight remains involved in the sport, serving as a commentator for Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred FC and frequently discussing fights on his own podcast. In fact, just last year, Masvidal offered Schaub a fight to see if he could be enticed back into combat.

But unfortunately for his fans, ‘Big Brown’ eventually declined. Despite his decision to stop fighting, he acknowledged that if the perfect opportunity presented itself, he would consider donning the gloves again. However, the move might not be liked by Joe Rogan, as the UFC commentator played a key role in the fighter calling it quits in the first place.

Brendan Shaub reveals Joe Rogan’s role behind his retirement

Brendan Schaub didn’t quit fighting on a whim. It wasn’t a last-minute choice, nor had he been debating it for years. Instead, it hit him in the most unexpected way: during a conversation that began as simply another podcast episode. Sitting across from Joe Rogan on The Joe Rogan Experience, Schaub assumed he was about to have a typical post-fight conversation. However the JRE host had different plans. What happened was more of an intervention than an interview, forcing ‘Big Brown’ to confront a reality he was not prepared to embrace.

On his show, Joe Rogan definitely didn’t sugarcoat it. “I don’t see you beating the elite guys,” he remarked simply, naming Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, and Fabricio Werdum—fighters who were not only champions but killers in their prime. He was not doubting Schaub’s commitment or toughness. He was telling him directly that toughness wasn’t enough. Some fighters were just created differently. ‘Big Brown’ pushed back, saying he still had more to offer, but deep down, the words had already taken root. He could feel it, even if he wasn’t willing to accept it. The fight with Travis Browne had left him beaten, but this talk was far more devastating.

“I think you’d be surprised. I really do. I think he’d f**k you up”, said Rogan in response to Schaub who stated Rogan would be surprised at him taking on Cain Velasquez in wrestling. This moment made it’s way into UFC memedom, and even became the title for Brendan Schaub’s first comedy special called You’d Be Surprised.

Brendan Schaub was outraged at the time. His family was livid, as his mother, father, and brother all believed the UFC commentator had crossed a line. However, things have a tendency to change over time. A decade later, the anger is gone, replaced with thankfulness. “At the time, I was mad. My mom and my brother, and Dad were so mad at him for doing that publicly, and I told him that. Now they thank him. They’ll call him; they’ll thank him because he’s the one that really helped me out with that stuff.”

Schaub confessed. In the end, Rogan was not simply pointing out his inadequacies. He was offering him a route out, an alternative to combat in which Brendan Schaub could thrive without shattered bones and injuries. Schaub took it. But what do you think? Did he make the right call? Let us know in the comments.