Joe Rogan faces backlash after rough Kayla Harrison gaffe on UFC 316 broadcast
Joe Rogan came in for criticism from MMA fans after making a major error when discussing Kayla Harrison's accomplishments on the live UFC 316 broadcast.
Joe Rogan mistakenly said that Kayla Harrison won two Olympic gold medals in wrestling - when the newly-crowned UFC bantamweight champion actually earned the medals in judo.
As is the case of the UFC pay-per-view events based in the United States, Rogan was on commentary duty alongside Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik.
The veteran color commentator had a front-row seat to watch Harrison capture UFC gold for the first time in her career as she dethroned Julianna Pena via a kimura in the second round.
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It's the second world title the 34-year-old has won in a major MMA promotion, given her prior status as lightweight champion in the PFL.
Among the most accomplished combat sports athletes in history, Rogan made sure to discuss Harrison's achievements on the broadcast but made a mess of it when he said her two Olympic gold medals (2012 and 2016) were in wrestling instead of judo
The novice error was instantly realised by viewers who took to social media to voice their displeasure over Rogan's error who was lambasted by fans.
One X user wrote: Joe Rogan really said Kayla is a double gold medalist in wrestling?!?!?! Wrestling? Why is he still on these broadcasts, he clearly couldn't care less. Another user echoed their sentiments and claimed Rogan's passion for the sport is over as they said: "he just shows up and collects his check, hes completely clocked out."
Becoming UFC champion has only risen what is already an illustrious career for Harrison who had an emotional message after her victory as she dedicated her victory for those struggling in life.
"This is for anyone who's ever felt hopeless, who's wanted to quit, who's wanted to give up. On Thursday I wanted to quit, I wanted to give up," she said.
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"I'm referring to 135lb - only God can get that last pound off me, I'm not strong enough. You have to go to a bad place and the only way through is to have surrender and have faith." It was in 2020 when Harrison adopted her niece and nephew after her mother suffered a stroke and her stepdad died suddenly, leaving the children without caregivers.
Her post-fight interview also saw the Ohio-born fighter pay tribute to her children and mothers across the world. "This is for my family, my two beautiful children I love you unconditionally," Harrison added.
"This is for all the mums, especially the single mums. I know it's hard, I know what it feels like to be punished but you're not - you're being positioned. You have a place in those children's lives."
