Joe Rogan issues apology for interviewing distraught Daniel Cormier after 214 loss... no need, it's part of the game
UFC colour commentator Joe Rogan took to Instagram this evening to apologise for his interviewing Daniel Cormier in the Octagon immediately after he suffered a devastating 3rd round KO to Jon Jones.
Rogan wrote:
My apologies to D.C. And to everyone else upset at me for interviewing him after the fight. In all honestly I was kind of in shock and I don't think I realized what I was doing until I had a mic in my hand and I was talking to him.
I've said that I don't want to interview fighters after they've been KO'ed and then I did it to someone that I care a great deal about. It was 100% my fuck up and no one pressured me to do it.
I posted a series of tweets about it on twitter but I know some of you folks only use instagram or Facebook so I thought the right thing to do is post it here as well.
I was beating myself up about it all night, and whenever something like that happens it's always my sincere intention to apologize and express my honest feelings.
It'll never happen again.
I understand why Rogan apologised. To expect someone who has suffered head trauma to seconds later speak in front of the world and 'give their take' on the beating they've suffered seems a bit much.
However Cormier's corner had plenty of opportunity to lead 'DC' out of the ring before the opportunity came for him to be interview. Most defeated fighters leave when the victor is making their speech. Also the UFC have had no issue with posting the video on YouTube... so far it has garnered over 1 million views:
I find it ironic that we lock two men on the cage and let them beat each other to a pulp for 15 to 25 minutes... yet feel the need to apologise when we expose them as being only human, with normal human fragilities.
In all honesty, the camera did not lie. Everyone saw how angry, confused, hurt and sadden Cormier was by defeat to his bitter rivalry. All Rogan did was enable Cormier to put some context and words to his feelings.
Pre-fight interviews... post fight interviews... for better or worse are part of "The Show". The more content you can get the better. The viewer is king. And the viewer laps up these moments. To see the protagonists laid bear in the shining moment and darkest hour.
When Cormier is not fighting in the Octagon, he himself is either commentating or analysing fights for Fox;
So Cormier knows the game... he have revelled in victory, with little regard for his foes:
Now he is lamenting in defeat... and the 'meme brigade' won't let him forget this in a hurry:
Ultimately, prizefighting is theatre. A sometimes cruel, a lot of the time bloody production. And Rogan and Cormier served up a thirty second cameo that will live in the memory for a long time.
Although I agree it's parts of the show and what people want to see, I thought it was in bad taste, but I have a biased opinion. As a former boxer, I know how much a loss hurts. Although I can't fathom the feelings rushing through DC with everything he had at stake in this fight, I do know that after a tough loss you are not yourself for a bit, especially after suffering the head trauma he endured just 5-6 minutes before. When you put everything you have into a thing and come up short, emotions tend to spill out before you gain clarity and some level of control.
While this makes for some added drama and gives the viewer a glance behind the curtain, Rogan is well versed in the fight game and knows you have to protect your own and I pray he stands by his word and never does this again. I'm more pissed at DC's trainer for allowing him to be put in this situation more than Rogan himself though. That is bush league bullshit on his corner's part.
It's likely the first time Cormier has ever been knocked out. I'm guessing somewhere in the back of DC's mind he felt the need to say something on the mic given his role on Fox etc. However his corner at the very least should have got him out of there asap. However I suspect they are somewhat in awe of DC and didn't know what to do.
It was an awesome fight, his corner had plenty of time to save him from that interview and have his best interests to heart but they failed. Can't see him becoming champ again unless Jones moves up a division.
I think DC could have done really well if he had stayed at heavyweight. Probably a bit old now. It's ironic that he went down to Light Heavy to avoid a clash with Cain, only for Velasquez end up perpetually injured.
Well done Rogan.. when a fighter loses and gets ko'd.. he not only is hurt physically but also mentally.. what we see is a fight.. but for the fighter its his livelihood and to interview a fighter just after a loss is not ideal for all parties...
I like to see him just to interview the winner and not the loser. Who will be next for Jon Jones rematch with Gustafsson or maybe a fight with Oezdemir? I am happy he made it back I could not see DC anymore. Have a nice day.
I want to see Jones vs Brock Lesner!
Damn yes that would be a fun fight but I don't think it will happen USADA is a problem for Brock. What you think about Mayweather vs Mcgregor? Okay have a nice day :)
Another interesting post. I've been on vacation so I'm catching up on your blogs. The meme is hilarious at the bottom. It is a show, but Rogan is a guy that has a level of class that is rare in that arena. He did the right thing by apologizing, but the interview also seems like the right thing to do for job and the viewers, who you say are king after all. Very true.
thanks for bringing up my fighting IQ and for all the support on my posts. You rock.
It was a great fight. Thought Bone Jones was going to lose! DC was winning until that kick to the face.
I had it even until the knock out. Jones taking the first round. DC the second. The difference ultimately is Jones has way too many tools in his toolkit for Cormier.
He interviews the winners and the losers, No need to apologies. I am sure it was hard for Cormier, but one person wins, one person loses.
That fight was badass... I remember Joe Rogan always talked about it on his podcasts that they should not interview anyone after a knockout but you are right, its part of the game.
Well, next up... Mayweather and Mcgregor ... I was looking for tickets for the fight, nose bleeds $2000. Shesh! haha
Sometimes when you're on stage and expected to perform, your body goes through the motions without your head being aware of what's going on. Just speculating is all.