UFC commentary legend Joe Rogan is concerned about the heavyweight division
Dana White has promised to deliver a heavyweight unification clash between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, which he believes could be the biggest fight in company history.
However, negotiations have been slow since Jones knocked out Stipe Miocic to defend his belt at UFC 309 in November.
If for some reason that fight doesn’t come together, Joe Rogan fears that the heavyweight division could suffer due to the distinct lack of talented fighters on the UFC roster.
Joe Rogan expresses heavyweight concern
Rogan recently streamed his live reaction to UFC 312, which saw middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis obliterate Sean Strickland’s nose to defend his belt via a lopsided unanimous decision in the main event.
Midway through the main card, the popular podcaster, who has been commentating for the UFC since 1997, shared his thoughts on the heavyweight division.
Rogan branded it ‘shallow’ and expressed his concern about Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall potentially falling through.
“Man, the heavyweight division is so shallow,” the 57-year-old said.
“I was just thinking that the other day, because if they don’t make Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall, what is compelling?
“Unless they bring Francis [Ngannou] back. Unless the PFL collapses, and he gets released.”
Ngannou recently claimed that Dana White is standing in the way of him fighting Jon Jones – but he remains hopeful that boxing’s most powerful man, Turki Alalshikh, can convince the UFC boss to make the matchup.
For now, he’ll return to boxing after previously facing Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in the ring.
Two heavyweight prospects emerge
A new heavyweight prospect emerged soon after Rogan voiced his worries.
6ft 7in KO artist Tallison Teixeira stopped Justin Tafa in 35 seconds to enjoy a perfect debut at UFC 312.
The MMA icon and his friends immediately began talking about him fighting two-time title challenger Ciryl Gane, who is currently the heavyweight division’s #2 ranked fighter.
“That guy just rose to the top of the heap,” Rogan insisted.
“I’ll tell you what, he’s a f—— problem. Let’s see what his ground game is like because Aspinall is fast as f— and a black belt on the ground. You can’t give him Aspinall right away from Tafa, but this is his introduction.
“What we have now is some new blood. Now we’ve gotta get some more.”
One week later, another heavyweight prospect emerged as Johnny Walker’s brother, Valter, recorded his second consecutive heel hook win at UFC Vegas 102 where he celebrated by ragdolling his older sibling.
So, surely Rogan is feeling a bit better about the state of heavyweight MMA right now.