The UFC delivers some of the most thrilling and unforgettable moments, solidifying its place at the pinnacle of combat sports. Fighters like Alexander Volkanovski reach incredible heights, showcasing skill, and determination to cement their legacy as champions. Others, like Brian Ortega, come agonizingly close to greatness, but ultimately fail to achieve their dreams of championship glory.
Joe Rogan recently hosted Hollywood superstar Mel Gibson on his podcast, where they discussed the thrilling Volkanovski vs. Ortega fight. The bout, held at UFC 266, saw Brian Ortega fall short of capturing the belt, losing via unanimous decision. During the conversation, Gibson opened up about his emotional connection and how the challenger’s defeat deeply impacted him.
You know I’m addicted to the UFC right? I love it. I feel kind of feel sorry for them. And one of the guys… I knew one of the guys fairly well.. It was Brian Ortega and he was getting his a*s handed to him in one fight. He almost got him a couple of times but because I knew Brian, it was like my son was in there. I almost started crying.
Mel Gibson via JRE #2254
Rogan reflected on the heartbreak he feels when fighters, close to him suffer devastating losses inside the octagon. He has previously talked about a similar sentiment when witnessing Daniel Cormier‘s tears after his second loss to Jon Jones. Cormier also went viral for his emotional reaction to Justin Gaethje‘s knockout defeat at UFC 300.
Mel Gibson: Like, I’m addicted to the UFC, right? I love it, but I know that these guys are…I feel kind of sorry for ’em.pic.twitter.com/3IVC9w4NfT
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) January 9, 2025
Fight fans share similar feelings toward fighters like Tony Ferguson, who despite repeated setbacks, remains reluctant to retire. ‘El Cucuy’ is currently on an eight-fight losing streak, with many urging him to step away to avoid further damage. Nevertheless, combat sports have always been unforgiving, and Mel Gibson’s emotions resonated deeply with Joe Rogan, who fully understood the sentiment.
Joe Rogan talks about Alexander Volkanovski’s iconic escape against Brian Ortega
Alexander Volkanovski is undoubtedly one of the most decorated featherweight champions of all time. During his reign, he went through some of the toughest challengers with ease. One of them was Brian Ortega, but this fight was definitely not a walk in the park for the champion.
Alexander Volkanovski escapes Brian Ortega’s deadly guillotine (via The New York Times)It was a pretty close fight initially with Ortega almost submitting Volkanovski with a nasty guillotine. When ‘T-City’ got the lock, everybody thought the fight was over. However, the Australian superstar survived and ultimately turned the tables. Joe Rogan was hyped after the fight and shared how exhilarating he felt watching it.
Full guillotine and mount on a world champion and the guy got out. He’s in a mount, but he also got his leg crossed underneath, which is like the most ruthless mount…that kind of guillotine with a guy like that is death and that crazy motherf***** from Australia got out.
Joe Rogan via JRE #1712
While talking about the escape, Volkanovski shared his determination to not give up as he was ready to die inside the octagon. That fight solidified his position as one of the all-time modern greats of the sport. On the other hand, Ortega couldn’t have gotten any closer to his title reign than this encounter.
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