Last weekend offered a thrilling experience for combat sports fans, featuring two legendary athletes—Jon Jones and Mike Tyson—stepping into their respective arenas for high-profile matchups. Both are often considered among the greatest in their fields, but determining the true combat sports GOAT remains a hotly debated topic. Joe Rogan, a lifelong enthusiast of combat sports and an influential voice in the community, recently shared his perspective on the matter. During an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience (#2232), Rogan declared Mike Tyson as his pick for the combat sports GOAT.
This week’s podcast featured American actor Josh Brolin as a guest, where the two bonded over their shared passion for combat sports. Brolin recounted a vivid memory of seeing both Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson in a green room during a boxing event. While Ali’s presence was awe-inspiring, Brolin emphasized that Tyson had a unique aura that captivated the room. The actor described a particular moment when Tyson’s opponent, who initially appeared confident and energized, completely lost his composure upon seeing Tyson enter the ring.
Brolin shared, “I went to go see this fight, and Tyson was fighting. This guy was building himself up with confidence, but then Mike came out. The moment I saw his face, I realized that the fight was already over. He had lost long before Tyson even stepped into the ring.” Brolin’s anecdote highlighted Tyson’s unparalleled psychological dominance, a key factor in his success.
Joe Rogan agreed, arguing that Tyson’s presence and fear factor were unmatched in the history of combat sports. Rogan stated, “During those two or three years when he was at his peak, Tyson was the greatest fighter of all time.” According to Rogan, Tyson’s sheer dominance in the ring, combined with his ability to intimidate opponents mentally before the fight even began, solidifies his status as the combat sports GOAT.
However, Rogan also acknowledged the remarkable achievements of Jon Jones, widely regarded as the greatest MMA fighter. Jones, along with UFC President Dana White, recognizes Jones’ contributions to MMA as unparalleled. While comparing Tyson and Jones, Rogan pointed out a shared characteristic that sets them apart from their contemporaries: their unique mental makeup.
“They’re conquerors,” Rogan explained. “There’s something different about how they’re wired. They’re uncommon among uncommon men.” Rogan elaborated on how both Tyson and Jones demonstrated resilience and dominance throughout their careers, even amidst controversies and challenges. Despite immense pressure, neither athlete succumbed to mental fatigue, continuing to excel and leave a lasting legacy in their respective sports.
Both Tyson and Jones also share another remarkable feat: they became the youngest champions in their disciplines. Tyson won the heavyweight boxing title at just 20 years old, while Jones claimed the UFC light heavyweight title at 23. Their early success marked them as prodigies and solidified their positions as all-time greats.
Today, Mike Tyson is semi-retired, having made a brief comeback in a losing effort against Jake Paul. In contrast, Jon Jones remains active and dominant, with his recent victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 serving as a testament to his enduring skill and determination.
The debate over who truly deserves the title of combat sports GOAT continues, but Rogan’s admiration for Tyson’s dominance during his prime is clear. Whether Tyson or Jones ultimately holds the crown depends on individual perspectives, but their legacies as trailblazing athletes are indisputable.