Valentina Shevchenko, a rising star in the UFC, has publicly come to the defense of Joe Rogan following a public reprimand by Ronda Rousey, a former UFC Hall of Famer. The tension between the two figures has intensified after Rousey criticized Rogan’s credentials in a recent episode of the ‘Bertcast Podcast,’ where she dismissed his expertise in combat sports, claiming that he was not qualified to offer fighting advice. Shevchenko responded by issuing a public statement on social media, where she praised Rogan’s contributions to martial arts and his role as a positive influence on youth.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation within the MMA community about the credibility of public commentators and their influence on sports, especially as they engage with athletes and experts. Rousey’s comments were part of a larger exchange with Bert Kreischer, who humorously discussed hypothetical offers for Rousey to return to the Octagon. During the discussion, Rousey expressed her disdain for Rogan’s lack of real-world combat experience, stating that he was merely a ‘fan with an audience,’ and not a qualified expert in the field.
The situation also echoes a long-standing professional and personal rivalry between Rousey and Rogan, which has been on display since the end of her UFC tenure. Rousey, who once held the women’s bantamweight title, has accused Rogan and others of turning against her after her losses to Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm. Her recent remarks have reignited discussions about the dynamics of power and influence within the MMA space and the role of media in shaping perceptions of athletes and commentators alike.