In a recent episode of his podcast, Joe Rogan delved into the contentious topic of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in sports, particularly focusing on their use in high-stakes competitions like the Tour de France and mixed martial arts (MMA).
Rogan argued that the use of steroids in endurance sports such as cycling might actually be beneficial due to the grueling nature of the events. He explained that during the Tour de France, which involves cycling for hours every day, steroids can aid in recovery and potentially offer a health benefit over not using them. “When they do that tour to France, the doctors say that it’s actually healthier to do that thing on steroids than it is to not be on steroids, because your body just can’t recover,” Rogan stated.
He contrasted this with combat sports, where he expressed strong opposition to the use of steroids. Rogan emphasized that while he is generally indifferent about PEDs in sports like baseball and basketball—arguing that it wouldn’t significantly alter the game—he believes the risks are far too high in contact sports. “If you’re doing full contact against another human, I think it should be outlawed,” he said. He believes that in combat sports, the potential for harm outweighs any benefits, underscoring that if all fighters were on a level playing field with everyone agreeing to the use of PEDs, it would be a different story. However, he opposed any form of cheating or manipulation of tests.
Rogan shared personal anecdotes from his fighting career to illustrate his point. He recounted his experiences fighting against opponents who he suspected were using steroids, particularly in Japan’s Pride Fighting Championships. Rogan noted his encounters with fighters like Vitor Belfort, whom he described as being “obviously on steroids,” and the fear they instilled in others due to their intimidating presence and performance.
Additionally, Rogan reminisced about a memorable confrontation with fellow fighter Vanderlei Silva. He recalled a tense elevator encounter where Silva, accompanied by his corner men, seemed visibly agitated by Rogan’s presence. Despite the intimidating situation, Rogan remained unphased, highlighting his lack of fear even in challenging scenarios.
Rogan also touched on the controversial stories surrounding fighters like Charles “Crazy Horse” Bennett, who reportedly knocked out Silva in a backstage altercation. Rogan’s storytelling painted a vivid picture of the unpredictable and sometimes chaotic nature of the fight world.
In a lighter note, Rogan shared his experiences with Crazy Horse, including a night out at a Brock Lesnar fight and Crazy Horse’s current exploits in Thailand fighting multiple opponents simultaneously. This anecdote showcased the colorful and often surreal aspects of the combat sports scene.
Overall, Rogan’s discussion provided a nuanced perspective on the use of performance-enhancing drugs, reflecting his complex views on their role across different sports and the ethical considerations involved.
