‘He’s Checked Out’ — Fans Upset Over Joe Rogan’s Alleged Kayla Harrison Faux Pas During Live UFC 316 Broadcast

Joe Rogan has been the voice of the UFC for over two decades and is known for his deep knowledge of combat sports. But during the live UFC 316 broadcast, Rogan slipped up while talking about bantamweight fighter Kayla Harrison. He got her athletic background wrong, and fans are not happy about it.

Joe Rogan Mixes Up Kayla Harrison’s Olympic Achievements

Kayla Harrison is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo (2012 and 2016), has made a big name for herself in MMA. But during the broadcast, Rogan mistakenly said she won her Olympic medals in wrestling instead of judo.

Harrison’s achievements are well-known, so Rogan’s mistake really stood out to fans who follow her career. It was not just a small slip, it was a big mix-up, especially considering how important she is in the UFC. Fans didn’t let go of the moment and jumped on X to point it out and made it even bigger.

One user felt that the commentator had “checked out.”

He’s checked out.

— Thomas Walker (@FStylesMMA) June 8, 2025

Another user shared the same sentiments and commented, “Joe Rogan hasn’t changed his shirt in 28 years. He stopped caring 2 decades ago.”

Joe Rogan hasn’t changed his shirt in 28 years. He stopped caring 2 decades ago

— Rory. (@RawrEWreckz) June 8, 2025

One user felt “someone should’ve instantly corrected him like DC.”

That’s the bigger problem imo. Someone should’ve instantly corrected him like DC

— Kay Why (@kayrrot) June 8, 2025

Another user commented that Rogan doesn’t care anymore as “he just shows up and collects his check.”

he just shows up and collects his check, hes completely clocked out

— brain (@braiiinnnnn) June 8, 2025

One user outright stated, “Joe is bad at commentary.”

joe is bad at commentary

— Monday Morning Cornerman (@MMCornerman) June 8, 2025

Rogan has been an important part of UFC broadcasts since 1997, and his ability to break down fights easily and his energy and chemistry with co-commentators have made him a fan favorite. But this isn’t the first time he has been called out for getting something wrong.

Even though the mistake was probably unintentional, it’s a good reminder of the responsibility that comes with being the voice of such a huge sport like the UFC. Rogan might clear things up on his podcast later on.

Kayla Harrison’s Judo Career

Harrison is seen as the most successful American judoka ever. She started judo at just six years old and went on to become the first American to win Olympic gold in the sport. Harrison got into judo thanks to her mom, Jeannie Yazell, who’s a black belt herself. By age eight, Harrison was training at Renshuden Judo Academy in Centerville, Ohio.

The UFC star moved up fast in her early years. She won her first big tournament in 2003 at the Junior U.S. Open in the 48 kg category, then grabbed national junior titles in 2004 (52 kg) and 2005 (63 kg). By 15, she had already won two national championships and was seen as one of the top junior judokas in the country. She even became a two-time U.S. Senior National Champion before she turned 18.

In 2008, Harrison won the Junior World Championship, and followed it up with a silver in 2009. Her big breakthrough on the senior stage came in 2010 at the World Judo Championships in Tokyo, where she won gold in the 78 kg category.

That same year, she also won bronze at the Pan American Championships in San Salvador, won the U.S. Championships, the U.S. Open, and five World Cup events. In 2011, she grabbed gold at both the Pan American Championships and Pan American Games, plus a bronze at the World Championships.

Her biggest moments came at the Olympics. In 2012, despite struggling with an MCL injury, she won gold in London. Then in 2016, she defended her title in Rio. That same year, the United States Judo Association promoted her to rokudan, which is a sixth-degree black belt. She was the youngest American ever to reach that level.