Joe Rogan ‘most stunned I’ve ever been’ in live UFC 293 watch-along of Strickland’s shock win over Adesanya
JOE ROGAN admitted he was the “most stunned” he’s ever been after Sean Strickland’s win over Israel Adesanya.
The unfancied 185lbs star shocked the world by out-pointing Adesanya to claim middleweight gold in Sydney.
Strickland, 32, dropped the Last Stylebender towards the end of the first round, leaving Rogan flabbergasted.
The podcaster often commentates on big UFC pay-per-views, but opted not to make the trip to Australia this time around – instead live-streaming a watchalong with his friends.
As Adesanya was dropped by Strickland, Rogan repeatedly exclaimed “Oh my god” as he puffed on a cigar.
He then added: “Holy s***, Izzy just got cracked.”
Adesanya survived his first round scare, but went on to lose 49-46 on all three judges’ scorecards.
After the incredible upset, Rogan said: “I’m stunned.
“I think this is the most stunned I’ve ever been, surprised at a performance.
“Like, Holly Holm-Ronda [Rousey]. I knew Holly was dangerous. I knew Holly was a legit striker and if Ronda couldn’t get her to the ground, Holly is a multiple-time world kickboxing champion.
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“When he cracked him with that right hand in the first round, I was like, ‘What world? What timeline are we on?’”
Adesanya, 34, is among the UFC’s most marketable stars and is due to be on the cover of their upcoming video game.
Strickland, meanwhile, was nearly passed over for this fight, before other options fell through.
After his win, the new middleweight champion said: “Izzy’s had how many highlight knockouts, he’s beaten the majority of my friends pretty easily. I was even doubting myself at times, but the fans in Australia motivated me.
“I give so many brain cells to the MMA gods every day. I thought I’d be walking away a little bloody and broken up, I’m still shocked that didn’t happen, this is the first time I’m lost for words.
“But remember, this gold around my waist doesn’t mean [anything]. What matters is how you live your life, and I’m living better through you guys, for you guys, thank you.”
UFC president Dana White was left stunned by the result, and in particular Adesanya’s performance.
He looked very slow… Only Israel knows what’s going on
Dana White
White, 54, said in his press conference: “He looked like he couldn’t get off. He looked like he was really stiff tonight.
“He looked very slow… Only Israel knows what’s going on. I’m very curious to see what he says at this press conference tonight.
“There are a million things that could go wrong. Some days you wake up and you’re just not there, man. It’s just not there. He looked bone-dry tonight, standing up really tall.
“He looked very slow. He looked like he couldn’t get off at all. Even in the fifth round when everybody knew he needed a knockout to win the fight, there was no sense of urgency to try to finish the fight. So I don’t know if he’s hurt or if tonight’s the night.”
Dricus Du Plessis could be next in line for a shot at Strickland, having beaten Robert Whittaker earlier this summer.
While Khamzat Chimaev continues to wait in the wings.