Rogan: Game has changed post Conor McGregor

Every fighter on Earth but one wishes he or she had Conor McGregor’s bank. It’s not lost on fighters with a propensity for the skill, that talking trash gets asses in seats, and thus creates opportunities not available to fighters who exude grace and humility. Of course, like being an overtly sexy female fighter, you have to back it up or you suffer beating after beating until you quit.

UFC welterweight Colby Covington and Bellator MMA Dillon Danis getting outsized coverage for all the stupid stuff they say, so it’s not even stupid. During a recent podcast, UFC commentator Joe Rogan discussed Covington, who recently threatened to slap him, and has an interim title fight vs. Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 225.

“It is going to be a good one. Colby Covington, don’t slap me,” said a jovial Rogan, as transcribed by Anton Tabuena for Bloody Elbow. “I know you said you’re going to slap me. Don’t slap me. I’m just talking s***.”

I like Colby. I like what he’s doing. He’s talking a lot of s***. I’m just saying, be careful who you talk s*** to — talking s*** to Jon Jones, one of the baddest motherf***ers who has ever lived.

The reason why Colby is gonna fight Rafael dos Anjos for the interim title, is not just because he’s beaten good guys — he’s beaten Demian Maia — it’s more because he is putting asses on the seats. It’s part of the business now. Post-Conor McGregor, the game has changed.”

Pull up his record. He lost to Warlley Alves. Look at the guys he has beaten, Bryan Barbarena is a tough guy, Dong Hyun Kim is a tough guy, and Demian Maia. I’m going to be honest. This is not a resume of someone who you would normally see fighting for the title right now.

He’s a controversial, very popular character because he talks so much s*** — and because he’s talked so much s*** about Brazilians. Maia was a big victory, but it was his only big victory — a top level guy, who is also 40-years-old. His best days are behind him, and I say this as a huge Demian Maia fan.