UFC 290 proved to be a banger of a PPV event for UFC. The fans witnessed nine finishes on Saturday night on July 8 at the T-Mobile Arena. Besides the fireworks, the fans also saw the MMA stars registering their presence in the stands. The most prominent non-MMA figure was former POTUS Donald Trump. His relationship with UFC President Dana White dates a long time back and the duo share a deep bond. However, new visuals from the event have been unearthed as UFC commentator Joe Rogan had an “overly long awkward” handshake with the business mogul.
Notably, Alexander Volkanovski successfully defended his title against Yair Rodriguez. Meanwhile, Brandon Moreno had an unlucky night in the office. The flyweight gold exchanged hands as Alexandre Pantoja clinched the title in a closely contested fight. Likewise, Israel Adesanya got what he manifested, a true African challenger in Dricus du Plessis. But it was the color commentator who had to navigate his way out of a firm handshake with the 77-year-old businessperson, as he once reiterated his stance to not interview him.
How did the fans react to the awkward Joe Rogan situation?
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The two giants of their respective fields crossed paths when Trump made his way to the side of the Octagon alongside the UFC lynchpin. The two then shared a few words and a long handshake as the Republican refused to let go of Rogan.
One fan suggested he would love to see the podcaster interview Trump.
I’d love to see Joe interview Trump because I trust Joe to be Joe.
— Shane (@ChooseGoodKarma) July 9, 2023
A comment called it an overly long, awkward handshake.
He's doing that overly long awkward handshake thing.
— Biggus Dickus (@BiggusDickus77) July 9, 2023
A fan announced it was a solid handshake with respect on both sides.
solid handshake, lots of respect from both sides.
— D’ARTAGNAN ŁEON (@dartagnan_777) July 9, 2023
Someone admitted to never witnessing such a firm handshake.
I have never seen a handshake so firm in my life
— Eric Christian von Fricken (@ericchristian_) July 9, 2023
A user theorized Rogan was slowly becoming a Trump fan.
Rogan is slowly turning into a Trump fan.
— Calisthenic Kyle (@CalisthenicKyle) July 9, 2023
An MMA fan believed both were at the top of their game.
Thats what it looks like when 2 men at the top of their game shake hands!
— Ⓜ️att the Phoenix (@mallred32) July 9, 2023
Someone declared both were trying to prove something to each other.
Watch the handshake closely. Both are trying to 'prove' each others, um…um…. well, it worked. Perfectly on both sides.
— MsHolly (@msholly) July 9, 2023
Alpha vs Alpha.
— Phil Shenton (@PhilShenton1812) July 9, 2023
A reply announced Rogan wanted to end the handshake quickly.
Joe looked like he wanted that handshake to end right away but didn’t want to offend him lmao
— The Chosen One 180+ IQ (@NBAtheChosen) July 9, 2023
These visuals ignite a glimmer of hope in the fans who want the noted media personality to make an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience. The American politician notably has never indulged in a conversation with the standup comic on JRE. But a vow of Rogan to not help Trump is hindering the collaboration.
Why does Rogan have Donald Trump banned from JRE?
Appearing on the Lex Fridman Podcast, the 55-year-old disclosed he was not a Trump supporter. He later suggested having artists like Kanye on over Trump as the singer’s performance would have no effect on the course the country would take.
He said, “I’m not a Trump supporter in any way, shape, or form. I’ve had the opportunity to have him on my show more than once, I’ve said no every time.”
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Rogan continued, “I don’t want to help him. I’m not interested in helping him.”
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What do you think of this interaction between former POTUS and UFC commentator Joe Rogan? Do you believe Donald Trump will appear on JRE in the immediate future? Let us know in the comments below.
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