Joe Rogan and his $200-million-worth Spotify podcast never fail to make headlines. In the latest podcast of the Joe Rogan Experience, the UFC commentator invited one of the most buzzing names in the MMA community. The BJJ black belt hosted for a second time, UFC’s newly crowned Bantamweight champ ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley. Both of these MMA icons are quite the outspoken type, and neither shied away from voicing their bold opinions and intriguing stories.

However, the 56-year-old Rogan’s heartfelt confession about his favorite UFC arena to watch fights stole some of the spotlight. And it’s not the T-Mobile Arena or the ‘mecca’ of combat sports – Madison Square Garden. In fact, this confession even sparked a bold declaration and an amusing untold story from UFC’s ‘Sugar.’ So, what went down during this discussion? 

Joe Rogan makes a confession to Sean O’Malley

Sean O’Malley sat down with the JRE host for the JRE MMA Show #147, along with his coach, Tim Welch. The trio went on to discuss a plethora of topics. When Joe Rogan recounted a year-old memory about his visit to UFC Apex in Las Vegas – an exciting narrative popped up.

Rogan recounted a memorable visit to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, where he watched the Sandhagen vs. Song Yadong fight. He presented his POV, asking ‘Sugar’: “We went to see the Sandhagen vs. Song Yadong at the Apex[UFC Apex] – which is incredible! Have you gone to the Apex just to watch a fight?”

O’Malley enthusiastically shared his experience, adding, “We went to watch the Contender Series there once. It was fu**ing cool…”

Furthermore, Rogan mentioned his contemplation of flying out to witness the Fiziev vs. Gamrot fight at the Apex. He revealed, “I was thinking about flying out last weekend for Fiziev vs. Gamrot. I was like, ‘I gotta see that one!’ – That was at the Apex. It’s the best place to see fights!”

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But it seems like ‘Sugar’ didn’t entirely agree with the UFC commentator. He retorted back, saying: “I hate the small cage.”

For those of you who aren’t up to speed – the UFC Apex has been mired in controversy ever since it was opened way back in 2019. Why? It’s because of the small size of the arena and the rather small, enclosed cage. Fans and fighters have numerously criticized Dana White and Co. for this flaw in the Apex Center. However, Rogan has defended his friend Dana White‘s esteemed arena – and this time was no different. However, ‘Sugar’ made it clear that he has reservations about fighting in the small cage, except if it’s at the Apex.

‘Sugar’ tells Rogan about the adverse effects of fighting in a small cage

Sean O’Malley didn’t hold back when discussing the impact of cage size on his fighting style. He expressed a strong preference for more spacious arenas that allow him to move freely. When the JRE host asked ‘Sugar’: “It makes a big difference, right?” – O’Malley went off!

The bantamweight champ declared how much he dislikes fighting in a small cage, except when it’s at the UFC Apex, “I hate it. I’ll never – well, [except] if it’s at the Apex – I’ll never fight in a small cage again. It doesn’t help my style. I like being able to move around as much as possible.”

Rogan followed up with a pertinent question, “Here’s why I’m confused. Why – why have a small cage when you own the arena?”

This sparked something in ‘Sugar’ – making him reflect on a time when he had warned a fellow bantamweight about this same issue. He recounted, “I remember when Cory fought Aljo in the small cage. And then I said something about not wanting to fight in a small cage, and I don’t think Cory should either – because of his style. And then Cory is like, ‘Oh, that’s just your insecurity!’ I’m like, ‘Dude, you got f***ing choked out in 14 seconds against Aljo!’”

Rogan’s candid confession about the UFC Apex’s charm prompted a lively discussion, shedding light on the significance of cage size in the UFC. And O’Malley’s bold stance on fighting in the small cage adds an intriguing layer to the conversation. So, what do you make of this revealing discussion between the duo? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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