Joe Rogan disagrees with Ciryl Gane's 'evil' and Herb Dean's ill intent towards Alex Poatan: 'He didn't do it on purpose'

Poatan shaken after being knocked out by Gane at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

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As expected, the controversy involving Alex Poatan , Ciryl Gane , and Herb Dean continues to generate discussion. At UFC Casa Branca , an event held in June in Washington (USA), the Brazilian suffered at the hands of 'Bon Gamin' and was knocked out in the second round in his heavyweight debut (up to 120,2 kg). Irritated, the veteran claims that the defeat only happened because of the referee's mistake and the blows to the back of the head he received from the Frenchman. Aware of the discussion, Joe Rogan, the company's official commentator, finally gave his opinion on the incident and surprised many.

In his official podcast 'The Joe Rogan Experience', the professional disagreed with many who classify Gane as a 'dirty' fighter and blame Herb for Poatan's defeat. It's worth remembering that Rogan is one of the Brazilian's biggest fans and bet on his success in the UFC even before he joined the organization.

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However, despite liking and rooting for the renowned striker, the veteran, like Dana White, downplayed the controversy, as the episode is common in MMA, especially when fighters are in the heat of battle. Therefore, Rogan acknowledges that the Brazilian has the right to complain about the illegally received blows, but emphasizes that the incident is not so simple to judge.

"Now here's the thing: one of the things Alex is talking about a lot is that there were illegal blows. Many of the blows were illegal and hit the back of the neck, but many of them hit the side of the head and they were also moving," said the commentator.

“Some of those strikes were definitely illegal, but there was also movement and chaos. It’s not like he was trying to do it on purpose . The fight continued. He landed a heavy elbow and rocked him. It was a good stoppage ,” he concluded.

Watch Ciryl Gane's knockout of Alex Poatan at UFC White House.

HE JUST DID THAT 😮‍💨 @Ciryl_Gane creates an unforgettable moment as he earns the RD2 TKO victory! #UFCWhiteHouse LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!

[Title fights presented by @Cryptocom ] pic.twitter.com/3gzvdR4kqe

— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026

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