Looking back, 2024 stands out as an incredible year for combat sports, offering fans unforgettable moments. From Max Holloway’s spectacular knockout of Justin Gaethje at the historic UFC 300 to the visually stunning UFC Sphere: Noché, and even Mike Tyson‘s return to the ring after more than two decades, this year has been nothing short of remarkable. Emerging talents have left their mark, setting high expectations for 2025. Records were shattered, new milestones were achieved, and history was made.
With so much achieved, it’s only fitting to celebrate the individuals who shaped this remarkable year. Renowned sports publication Sports Illustrated has returned with its eagerly awaited year-end list, honoring the influential figures who elevated boxing and combat sports to new heights. Among the usual suspects, such as Tyson Fury, Jake Paul, and Saudi Arabian powerhouse Turki Al-Sheikh—whose generous funding breathed new life into boxing—another name on the list took fans by surprise: Joe Rogan.
The news, shared by MMA heritage page ACD MMA on X, came with the caption: “Jake Paul and Joe Rogan have been named by Sports Illustrated as two of the ‘most influential and powerful people in Boxing in 2024.” While Rogan has hosted legendary boxers like Claressa Shields, Mike Tyson, and Lennox Lewis on his multimillion-dollar podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, his direct involvement in boxing this year has been minimal at best.
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Jake Paul and Joe Rogan have been named by Sports Illustrated as two of “the most influential and powerful people in Boxing in 2024”
Other names on the list include Eddie Hearn, Artur Beterbiev, Mike Tyson, Tyson Fury, Usyk, Canelo and Turki Alalshikh pic.twitter.com/OIXZVS6FyL
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) December 24, 2024
This unexpected inclusion ignited a wave of debate among fans. Many questioned Sports Illustrated’s reasoning, with some arguing that Rogan’s influence lies primarily in MMA, not boxing. ACD MMA’s post on X became a hotbed for fan commentary, with opinions ranging from disbelief to spirited defenses of Rogan’s impact. Here’s a closer look at the online buzz surrounding this surprising addition to Sports Illustrated’s 2024 list.
Fans Reacted to Joe Rogan joining Mike Tyson and Jake Paul on boxing List
Joe Rogan, a lifelong martial arts enthusiast, has been involved in combat sports since his teenage years, beginning with Taekwondo and achieving success in regional contests. He later gained some experience in amateur kickboxing, boasting a 2-1 record, before pivoting to television. Rogan joined the UFC as a backstage interviewer and eventually became a full-time commentator. After more than two decades, the UFC has become a second home for him, and MMA remains his primary passion. Fans, who likely know all this, have emphasized, “The podcaster is obviously majorly influential in MMA.” However, they questioned Joe Rogan’s role in boxing, stating, “But to the extent you consume boxing news or watch events, he almost never comes up.”
Another fan echoed this sentiment, commenting, “Maybe I am wrong, but does Joe even get into boxing?” Although Joe Rogan has never participated in boxing professionally, he has consistently supported the sport, such as in a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), where he praised Jake Paul’s boxing skills. He has also responded to high-profile boxing fights featuring the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Tyson Fury and Artur Beterbiev to name a few.
Several fans have made jokes about Sports Illustrated’s list, remarking, “Joe Rogan, one of the best boxing commentators. Who could forget when he commentated…,” followed by further jokes. One fan pointed out Rogan’s limited presence at UFC pay-per-views, especially those outside of the U.S., saying, ” the podcaster what???? Hysterical. Dude does a couple PPVs for UFC a year and has no impact on boxing.” Rogan’s commitments to his podcast and comedy clubs often keep him away from international UFC events.
Others have outright dismissed Sports Illustrated’s acknowledgment of Rogan, calling it “pathetic” and a “f***ing joke.” Now, the ball is in Sports Illustrated’s court to justify Rogan’s place on the list. If his influence in discussing boxing and supporting boxing athletes is sufficient, then perhaps Rogan should also be considered for prestigious lists in other sports, like the NFL or MLB, given his occasional mentions of them as well. What do you think about Sports Illustrated‘s list? Does Joe Rogan truly deserve to be included? Share your thoughts below.
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