Joe Rogan (right) came to the defense of J. Jones (left). Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
In recent weeks, especially due to the episode involving the Grêmio fan and goalkeeper Aranha during the Copa do Brasil match, racism in sport has been a constant topic in the Brazilian public debate. The topic has been recurring in the press, in everyday political life and in conversations. But it is not just in Brazil that the subject is in vogue. On his personal podcast, official UFC commentator Joe Rogan raised the issue in the United States when talking about the relative unpopularity of Jon Jones and the excessive criticism directed at the light heavyweight champion and current number one in the weight-for-weight ranking.
“I don't know why Jon (Jones) isn't more loved and popular than he actually is. I don't understand. In my opinion, I would never miss a damn pay-per-view with Jon Jones. I hear people say, 'Oh, he's cocky. He is this and that.' I keep asking myself what the fuck is going on and I get it out there, I say: I wonder how much of this is not because of racism. I really wonder”, asked the commentator during the “Joe Rogan's Experience” program.
“Do you know why?” Rogan continued. “Because I think they look at him as an arrogant black man and a lot of people have problems with that. I think if he was a white guy and did the same thing, à la Chael Sonnen, then he would be much more popular. Chael was never as successful as an athlete as Jon is, but I think Chael is much more successful as a promoter than Jon. Jon was never as cocky and arrogant as Chael was,” he added.
Finally, Rogan admitted that he may receive criticism from the public for his opinion, but he remained firm in his convictions. “I will probably receive a lot of criticism from the 'Aryan race', angry at me for defending the Jon Jones, 'the convinced black man'. I really think there is something there. I think people want a guy who is physically privileged, young, brash, black and rich to have more humility, or false humility, so to speak,” he concluded.
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