Valentina Shevchenko Defends Joe Rogan Against Ronda Rousey

UFC fighter Valentina Shevchenko voiced her support for Joe Rogan on Sunday following criticism he received from Ronda Rousey, a prominent figure in mixed martial arts.

Rousey expressed her disapproval of Rogan during a podcast conversation with Bert Kreischer, stating that she wouldn’t seek martial arts guidance from him since she doesn’t view him as an expert.

In response to the buzz created by the interview, Shevchenko took to X to share her perspective. “I see Joe Rogan as a true martial arts expert, a respectable person, and a good role model for the youth,” she mentioned in her post.

This conversation unfolded during Rousey’s appearance on the “Bartcast Podcast,” where Kreischer playfully inquired about what it would take to bring her back to fighting in the Octagon.

During their chat, when Kreischer jested about a potential financial incentive, Rousey humorously replied that she would defeat him outside his home, prompting laughter from the host. When he suggested seeking advice from Logan, Rousey retorted, “He won’t know. He’s not an expert—just a fan with an audience.” She pointed out that he hasn’t engaged in actual fighting.

The rapport between Rousey and Rogan appeared to decline towards the end of her UFC career, especially after setbacks against Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm. She mentioned in a previous interview that some, including Rogan, seemed to have turned against her.

Rousey, who clinched a bronze medal in judo at the 2008 Olympics, transitioned successfully to MMA, becoming the women’s bantamweight champion and defending her title six times, ultimately earning a place in the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018. In WWE, she held the Women’s Championship and the Tag Team Championship multiple times before stepping away from the ring.