Joe Rogan is facing calls to step down from his UFC commentary role after a widely criticized impression of Paddy Pimblett during Saturday night`s broadcast.
Rogan was commentating at UFC 314 for the co-main event where Paddy Pimblett defeated Michael Chandler. Following the fight, Rogan interviewed Pimblett, who delivered an energetic post-fight speech.
Later, during the post-fight show, Rogan, known for his stand-up comedy, attempted an impression of Pimblett`s distinctive Liverpool accent. The impression was poorly received, leading to widespread criticism on social media, with many viewers suggesting he should retire from UFC commentary.
Fans React Negatively to Joe Rogan’s Paddy Pimblett Impression, Demand UFC Retirement
Following Pimblett`s victory over Michael Chandler, Rogan, along with Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik, discussed the fight. Rogan commented on Pimblett`s entertaining personality and his fondness for the fighter`s trash talk.
However, his subsequent impression was deemed so bad that fans quickly took to social media to express their disapproval and call for his retirement from UFC commentary. Happy Punch, a social media clipping account, shared the video with the caption, “Joe Rogan gotta retire after that Paddy Pimblett impression on the UFC broadcast.”
Many fans echoed this sentiment, with one commenting that Rogan should have retired “over half a decade ago” and calling him “a low IQ casual.”
Another viewer described it as “one of the worst impressions of anybody I’ve ever seen.” Some also criticized Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik for laughing along, suggesting they needed someone like Michael Bisping to offer more honest feedback.
Joe Rogan Explains Paddy Pimblett`s Colorful Language to Daniel Cormier
Another humorous moment during the ESPN post-fight show occurred when Daniel Cormier seemed confused by Pimblett`s trash talk. Pimblett uses terms like `helmets` and `sausages` to describe his opponents, which can have cruder connotations.
Rogan, drawing on his experience as a comedian, clarified the meaning. He carefully explained the slang to make it appropriate for television, considering the broadcast was on ESPN in America and TNT Sports in the UK.
“It means the head of your, you know,” Rogan gestured, while Anik added that Pimblett uses similar phallic imagery by calling rivals `sausages`. Rogan continued, “They call it a bell end, it’s a helmet, you get it?” which caused Cormier to laugh.
Rupert Hartwell