“Make It as Huge as It Deserves” – After Claiming It Could Be “As Big as MMA”, Joe Rogan Puts His Weight Behind This Combat Sports

UFC commentator Joe Rogan is one of the most passionate combat sports lovers. The 56-year-old is a black belt in BJJ and a former amateur kickboxer who holds combat sports close to his heart. Recently, Rogan was highly impressed after watching the Muay Thai showdown between Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Rodtang Jitmuangnon. The matchup was highly interesting, as it involved two of the best strikers in the world. The much-anticipated showdown resulted in Superlek Kiatmoo9 winning over Rodtang Jitmuangnon by unanimous decision in a 140-pound catchweight fight at ONE Friday Fights 34.

The bout was highly close and competitive throughout. During the electrifying bout, it was Superlek who landed more significant strikes. However, the result of the bout ended in huge controversy, as many felt that the judges scored unfairly. Following this controversy, a UFC star detailed his take on the bout. Rogan agreed to his thoughts and later came up with a solution to avoid controversies in the world of Muay Thai.

Joe Rogan proposes some changes

The bout between Superlek and Rodtang was a highly close affair, which made many appreciate both fighters for their spectacular performances. After watching the bout UFC star, Matt Brown took to his Instagram handle and wrote, “HOW is Muay Thai not the biggest sport in the world?!?! You rather watch football? Or soccer? I don’t get it. Respect to these killers @rodtang_jimungnon and @superlek789 thanks for an amazing fight!“

Later the UFC commentator reposted Matt Brown’s post and Rogan wrote, “I completely agree with Matt Brown. Out of all the combat sports out there Muay Thai has the biggest untapped potential in the western world. The talent is there, the excitement is off the charts. I think it’s just going to take the right organization with deep pockets to make it as huge as it deserves to be over here. Absolutely amazing fight between two masters of the art at @onechampionship!“

Rogan strongly feels that Muay Thai can be a tremendous success when promoted by the right hands. He once suggested Dana White promote Muay Thai instead of slap fighting. He said, “Think about what the UFC has done with the slap fighting[Power Slap]. Which is not really my thing. But Muay Thai, I feel like is more marketable. You get like elite Joe Schilling type strikers, and have like [what] Glory did. Glory is wild. I f**king love Glory”

The UFC commentator strongly believed that Muay Thai, as a combat sport, has a lot of potential that is left unexplored. “I think it could be as big as MMA,” he added. If big combat sports promotions promoted Muay Thai as a sport, the fighters would be treated fairly and would receive the popularity they deserved.

The UFC commentator’s take on Muay Thai

Joe Rogan once detailed his love for Muay Thai in his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. While talking to Paul Felder in JRE, the 56-year-old reminisced about a time when Muay Thai was not as well known as it is today. The former Factor host detailed his admiration for Rick Roufus and his association with PKA, which introduced him to and helped him learn more about the sport. Rogan easily gained interest in the sport and trained alongside individuals who frequently traveled to Thailand for their matches.

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Back then, Rogan realized that the elbow strikes and leg kicks that fighters throw during a Muay Thai showdown are unimaginably strong and painful. After listening to Rogan, the UFC star, Felder agreed that Muay Thai is a highly interesting sport. However, he added that some people believe it is dangerous to take part in.

Do you think that Muay Thai deserves more popularity? What did you think of Rodtang vs. Superlek? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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