UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van says comments made by Joe Rogan before UFC 331 influenced his mindset ahead of the event. According to outlets covering Van’s remarks, Van describes Rogan’s statement as something that landed with him and changed how he approached the lead-up to his fight.
Van explains that Rogan’s role as someone he admires is part of why the comment had an effect. He says Rogan does not necessarily have to apologize, but he did communicate his feelings about the remark. NDTV specifically frames the comment as an “accident” line tied to the motivation that fueled Van’s continued push, while Yahoo Sports presents Van’s reaction as criticism that got to him. Across reports, the differing emphasis is on the source of motivation versus the impact of being criticized by a figure he looks up to.
Overall, the outlets agree that Van attributes a personal emotional response to Rogan’s pre-fight remarks, describing it as upsetting while also suggesting the exchange is not an issue that requires formal confrontation.
