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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – APRIL 09: Joe Rogan looks on during the UFC 273 event at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on April 09, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – APRIL 09: Joe Rogan looks on during the UFC 273 event at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on April 09, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
MMA is probably the closest a sport can get to real-time fighting. There are an endless number of moves that can cause severe damage and so many styles. Athletes are allowed to strike with their hands, elbows, knees, and legs. They can also wrestle. There are a few moves, however, that are deemed illegal. They can earn you penalties and even disqualification. In his recent interview with bantamweight fighter Cory Sandhagen, Joe Rogan discussed some moves that are illegal but could be allowed in MMA. Joe Rogan was hosting Sandhagen in episode #138 of his JRE MMA show.
While the two discussed a lot of things around MMA and the UFC, they stumbled upon the topics of moves that are allowed in other sports and could be incorporated into the sport to bring it closer to real fighting. Sandhagen suggested fighters should be allowed to use elbows in Bare Knuckle fighting. Joe Rogan then talked about a move he thought should definitely be legalized in the UFC.
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Joe Rogan wants Mark Coleman’s move to be legalized
Talking to the #3 ranked fighter in the UFC bantamweight division, Joe Rogan explained how Mark Coleman used to beat down his opponents with his headbutts. He mentioned the move was an important part of Coleman’s strategy. He said he didn’t understand why headbutts were not allowed in the sport. Rogan said, “Why wouldn’t you be allowed to headbutt? Mark Coleman when he was the fucking king would take guys down get them in their guard and then headbutt the f**k out of them, it was a big part of his strategy beating the shit out of you on the ground including headbutts.”
Joe Rogan added how he thought moves like the headbutt and soccer kicks were not around at the moment, only because the fight happens in a cage. Athletes may get stuck and may not have any place to move in such situations and it may become a safety issue.
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Joe Rogan advocates for shorter fights
Rogan also expressed his opinions about the length of the UFC fights. He said it was impossible for any fighter to fight for 25 minutes at his peak. Sandhagen agreed with Rogan and explained how he feels after fights. Sandhagen says it becomes difficult to move on the day after a fight for him as his body is sore. He said his legs withstand the knee kicks he throws, and that it took at least two days for him to get back to normal after going in for a fight.
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DALLAS, TEXAS – JULY 29: Joe Rogan attends the UFC 277 ceremonial weigh-in at American Airlines Center on July 29, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
While the UFC remains the biggest MMA promotion at the moment, fans will like to see innovations in the game to keep it exciting and fair at the same time. What’s your take on legalizing the headbutt in the UFC? Let us know.
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Watch This Story: Joe Rogan Criticized for calling to Legalize Banned strikes in MMA