Wednesday, February 25, 2026 — Joe Rogan, the influential host of The Joe Rogan Experience and veteran UFC commentator, is making headlines this week for his candid remarks on the current political climate and his active role in reshaping the future of mixed martial arts (MMA).
Rogan Addresses “Overwhelming” News Cycle and Political Backlash
In recent episodes of his podcast, the 58-year-old media mogul revealed that he has been struggling to “wind down” at night due to an “overwhelming” amount of news. Rogan specifically cited the constant updates regarding President Trump and international tensions with Iran as sources of late-night anxiety.
The admission has sparked a polarized reaction across social media. While some listeners empathize with “news fatigue,” critics on platforms like Reddit and X have pointed to Rogan’s own role in the political landscape, particularly following his high-profile interviews with figures like Elon Musk and his influence on young voters during the 2024 election cycle. Some users have labeled his recent comments as ironic, given his platform’s significant impact on public discourse.
UFC Collaboration: Tackling the “Weight Cut” Crisis
Beyond politics, Rogan is leveraging his position within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to address what he calls “the most problematic part of MMA.” In a broadcast aired on February 25, Rogan confirmed he is in active discussions with UFC leadership to develop strategies that discourage extreme weight cutting.
Rogan has long been a critic of the practice, where fighters dehydrate themselves to meet weight classes, often risking long-term organ damage and diminished performance. “The UFC is trying to come up with strategies to discourage these big cuts,” Rogan stated, suggesting that the promotion is looking for “cheat codes” or structural changes to ensure fighter safety and competitive integrity.
Cultural Commentary: Masculinity and Cross-Training
Rogan also recently hosted actor and martial artist Michael Jai White, sparking a viral conversation about the “demonization of masculinity” in America. During the episode, the duo discussed the “masculinity crisis,” with White suggesting that modern American boys are becoming “too soft.”
In a lighter moment that has since trended among fitness enthusiasts, White and Rogan discussed unconventional training methods. White claimed that “any heavyweight who put themselves through ballet would be a better fighter,” emphasizing the importance of flexibility and fluid movement in professional combat sports.
The “Pyramid” Podcast That Almost Was
Fans of Rogan’s more adventurous content were disappointed to learn that a planned episode atop the Pyramids of Giza was recently scrapped. Rogan revealed he was “close” to filming an insane podcast episode on the ancient Egyptian landmark, but the project was ultimately halted due to a “conflict of schedule” and logistical hurdles.
Impact and Controversy
As one of the most-followed individuals in digital media, Rogan’s influence continues to be a double-edged sword. A study released this week by PhillyVoice highlighted the lasting impact of his platform, noting a decline in newborn hepatitis B vaccinations following a 2023 episode featuring Robert Kennedy Jr. This serves as a reminder of the massive reach The Joe Rogan Experience maintains as it navigates the complexities of 2026’s media environment.