“No one should be cutting weight, kids. I think, what they [the commision] really should do, is just find what they fu—-g actually weigh and just stop this nonsense. It should be looked at the same way steroids are looked at. It should be looked at the same way all other kind of cheating [in sports] is looked at. It’s sanctioned cheating.” Joe Rogan said on episode #163 of his JRE MMA Show as he weighed in on the last-minute chaos that led to Dan Ige filling in at UFC 303 against Diego Lopes as his original opponent Brian Ortega pulled out due to an injury. Pretty solid opinion on one of the most prominent issues in MMA!

Being one of MMA’s most influential voices, Rogan has been deeply involved in the combat sports industry for over three decades. As the “ultimate voice of MMA,” his presence in UFC events is pivotal. He’s consistently used his platform to push Dana White and the UFC to improve the sport, whether it’s calling out the 10-point must system that he cited as a “stupid boxing system” used by commission judges for officiating and believes that it “doesn’t make sense.”

So, it came as a big surprise when the podcaster recently stirred controversy with a new viewpoint. During an episode of his JRE podcast, he urged White & Co. to legalize strikes to the back of the head. “I don’t even know if we should stop hitting people in the back of the head; it doesn’t make any sense to me, and it should be legal. If you talk to a neuroscientist they say that’s a particularly vulnerable area…isn’t the temple? Aren’t the eyes? Everything is so vulnerable.”

The UFC commentator argued that such strikes are currently banned in the UFC. While the commission and UFC recently lifted the ban on the 12-6 elbow, a once controversial move, Rogan now hopes the commission will follow suit with back-of-the-head shots.

This move, however, raises serious concerns given the potential danger. A prime example of the devastating effects of illegal head strikes is the case of Prichard Colon, a former undefeated boxing star, who was left severely injured after rabbit shots on the back of the head. And now, many fans, particularly on Instagram, have voiced their strong opposition to Rogan’s opinion, highlighting the risks associated with making back-of-the-head shots legal. Let’s take a look at the reactions from the fans.

Fans reacted as Joe Rogan wants MMA fighters “to die”

Joe Rogan, known for his constant drive to improve the UFC, has never shied away from offering tough criticism. Dana White, UFC CEO and close ally of Rogan admitted that the commentator thrives on pushing the boundaries of toughness in sports, aiming to make things more challenging for the athletes. White recalled how Rogan once advocated for the removal of the 12-6 elbow strike, and after receiving the green light from the commission, the UFC took action. Now, Rogan has proposed another bold idea—removing the cage.

Yes, you heard that right. Joe Rogan believes it would be “better if it was like a basketball court.” While the UFC isn’t likely to follow through with this suggestion anytime soon, fans have already expressed their discontent. One fan criticized the Podcaster’s mindset, saying, “Joe acts like he knows everything,” while another fan lashed out at his unconventional thinking, stating, “Joe, I can’t keep defending you.”

With 11 million listeners tuning into his podcast every month, Rogan has long been a target for critics, whether from mainstream media or outlets like CNBC. His 2021 vaccine opinions and claims about using animal drugs to treat COVID-19 brought him significant controversy. But true to form, the commentator always stands his ground. One critic even commented with, “Brain damage speedrun,” while another mocked Rogan’s strange ideas, claiming, “Joe wants street brawls with him commentating at this point.”

While some fans mock his views, others are taking his words more seriously. One fan even asked, “Does Joe know who Prichard Colon is?” referring to the tragic incident involving the fighter. The criticism doesn’t stop at Rogan but also extends to lightweight contender Michael Chandler. Known for his thrilling fights, Chandler has drawn fire for questionable actions inside the Octagon.

Dustin Poirier knows this firsthand, having faced ‘Iron’s dirty tactics years ago. Most recently, at UFC 309, Charles Oliveira became the latest victim, with fans and officials catching Chandler landing illegal blows to Oliveira’s head. One fan summed it up, saying, “Chandler would be happy.”

As the debate over the legalization of back-of-the-head shots rages on, many fans continue to argue that “Joe wants people to die.” What’s your take on Joe Rogan’s position? Do you believe his argument holds merit, or do the fans’ concerns outweigh his plea? Drop your thoughts below.