Joe Rogan expressed mixed feelings about Tony Ferguson‘s training with endurance athlete David Goggins before UFC 296, noting that while some criticize the intensity of the workouts, there may be benefits in terms of endurance.
Joe Rogan has a high opinion of David Goggins, calling him a “national treasure.” Yet, he’s unsure if Tony Ferguson is actually gaining any advantage from training with the endurance athlete and motivational speaker in preparation for UFC 296.
Rogan expressed his curiosity on his show, “The Joe Rogan Experience.” He said, “I’m very interested to see Tony after he’s been training with David Goggins. There’s a lot of mixed reviews about whether or not that would be a good thing or a bad thing for him. It’s interesting.”
Some fighters have voiced concerns about Goggins’ training methods with Ferguson. Videos have surfaced showing Ferguson looking extremely fatigued and even throwing up post-workout. Paddy Pimblett, Ferguson’s UFC 296 opponent, has openly criticized the partnership, calling it “f****** stupid.” He doesn’t believe Goggins can offer Ferguson anything worthwhile for an MMA fight.
Rogan, who has had Goggins on his popular video podcast several times, isn’t quick to dismiss the former Navy SEAL. Goggins is known for his dramatic transformation from an overweight couch potato to a published author and ultramarathon runner.
Rogan said, “I don’t know, because we’ve never seen anybody train with David before. You can say on one hand, clearly, when the two of them are training together, David is not struggling at all, and Tony is struggling. So there is definitely some ground to gain when it comes to endurance. Dave is not even f****** tired. They’re going side-by-side with each other, and he’s like, ‘Who’s gonna carry the boats?’ He’s not even f****** tired, because he can go for days. There’s without a doubt some benefit in that.”
Ferguson could certainly use a boost in the octagon. The former interim lightweight champ has lost six straight and could tie a record set by UFC Hall of Famer B.J. Penn for the most consecutive losses in the promotion. Despite criticism online, Ferguson has chosen to stick with Goggins.
Rogan continued, “They’re doing the workouts together, and David looks like he’s hanging out at f****** Planet Fitness trying to pick up a chic. Tony’s dying. But David said Tony was the first guy to get through hell week with him, which is incredible.”
Rogan defends Goggins, calling him an “animal” and stating that “weak men hate him.” He believes Goggins is misunderstood by some people he respects. He suggests that these people may be trying to find shortcomings in Goggins, who is excelling above and beyond everyone else.
Rogan concludes, “What is he saying? He’s saying take control, take control, use your f****** mind, take control of your life, and be better at everything, and I used to be a fat f*** and look at me. That’s a great message.”