Joe Rogan recently revisited what he considers the greatest post-fight speech in MMA history. The renowned commentator has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in UFC, often stepping into the cage post-fight to interview the victors. At 58, Rogan has conducted countless memorable interviews but highlights one that remains unparalleled.
Specifically, Rogan praised Israel Adesanya’s emotional post-fight speech following his victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 287. Known as “The Last Stylebender,” Adesanya faced his kickboxing rival, whom he had never beaten before, entering their April 2023 battle. After delivering a knockout that reclaimed the middleweight title, Adesanya celebrated by miming shooting an arrow at his defeated opponent before requesting the microphone. His speech impressed Rogan so much that he expressed admiration for it as recently as 2025, calling it one of the best ever.
Reflecting on the moment during an episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Rogan remarked, “Remember Israel Adesanya’s speech after knocking out Pereira? Let’s play it because it was amazing.” Logan, also commenting, called it the “best post-game speech ever,” adding that Adesanya’s dynamic celebration and words set a historic standard unmatched by any other, except perhaps Rose Namajunas, who once boldly claimed to be the best herself.
Despite this peak, Adesanya’s career has faced challenges since UFC 287. The 36-year-old fighter has suffered three straight losses and is no longer a middleweight title contender. His last match was a knockout loss to Nasoudin Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia in February. Although a rematch against Sean Strickland was a top goal for Adesanya entering 2026, Strickland is scheduled to fight Anthony Hernandez instead. As of September, Adesanya has moved past that and expressed his readiness to face any opponent.
Fan Take: Joe Rogan’s recognition of Adesanya’s post-fight speech highlights the importance of powerful storytelling and personality in MMA, adding depth beyond the physical battles. For fight fans, this moment and Adesanya’s journey underscore the dramatic highs and lows that make the sport so captivating, reminding us why fighters’ words can resonate as much as their punches.
