Referee controversially separates Kamaru Usman from Demian Maia submission position in worst call ever
"That's the worst fucking over that anybody's ever gotten in the UFC. That's crazy. That's crazy right there. Fucking crazy. That's crazy. That's the worst."
About this episode
Joe Rogan hosts UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra and fight expert Dean Thomas for a wide-ranging conversation covering MMA analysis, entertainment, and controversial historical claims. The episode makes headlines when Rogan discusses allegations that Michael Jackson was chemically castrated as a child by his father to preserve his singing voice, a claim reportedly made by the same doctor who later killed Jackson with propofol. The three men provide extensive fight analysis ahead of Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return against Max Holloway after five years away, questioning whether McGregor can regain elite form after his broken leg and years of partying. They identify Carlos Prates as the scariest striker in the welterweight division after his devastating knockouts of elite competition, backed by 34 professional Muay Thai fights. Rogan reviews what he calls the worst referee decision in UFC history, when an official separated Kamaru Usman from Demian Maia despite Maia having back control with hooks in working toward a submission. The group discusses the evolution of MMA rules, why certain techniques like strikes to the back of the head remain illegal while similar moves are permitted, and debate whether wrestling shoes or headbutts should be allowed. They criticize Broadway adaptations of action properties like Rocky and Spider-Man as poorly executed productions. The conversation touches on the rise of independent comedy films as comedians bypass studios to avoid content restrictions, the proliferation of quality television content making it impossible to watch everything, and Kanye West selling out arena shows immediately after controversial incidents. Throughout the episode, the group demonstrates deep technical knowledge of grappling and striking while maintaining humor and camaraderie, with Serra and Thomas providing insider perspectives on training elite fighters and the realities of competition.
Key takeaways
- Joe Rogan discusses doctor's claim that Michael Jackson was chemically castrated as child by his father to preserve his high-pitched singing voice, comparing it to historical castrati practices
- Conor McGregor returns to face Max Holloway after five years away with serious questions about whether he can regain elite form after broken leg and limited training
- Carlos Prates identified as scariest striker at welterweight after demolishing Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena with world-class Muay Thai background of 34 professional fights
- Rogan calls referee's decision to separate Kamaru Usman from Demian Maia's back control the worst officiating error in UFC history
- Group debates MMA rules inconsistencies, questioning why strikes to back of head are illegal while similar techniques like wheel kicks that land there are permitted
- Broadway adaptations of Rocky and Spider-Man criticized as terrible productions with poor effects and performances compared to original properties
- Comedians increasingly funding their own films to bypass studio content restrictions, with Tom Brady roast credited with helping restore edgy comedy's popularity