The highly anticipated Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight had fans buzzing for weeks leading up to the event, but as the fight unfolded, it left many—including UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan—feeling a mix of shock, disappointment, and concern. Rogan, known for his frank and often brutal takes on combat sports, shared his thoughts on the spectacle, and his reaction was far from flattering for Jake Paul.
The Build-Up: A Clash of Generations
Jake Paul, at 27 years old, has been a polarizing figure in the boxing world. His rapid rise through the ranks, taking on fighters from various backgrounds, has earned him both criticism and praise. But his opponent, the legendary Mike Tyson, is a whole different story. Tyson, now 58, was once the most feared fighter on the planet, but his age and long absence from the ring raised serious concerns. Despite Tyson’s impressive training footage in the lead-up to the fight, many—including Rogan—had doubts about whether the boxing icon could still compete at a high level.
Rogan wasn’t just worried about Tyson’s age. He also voiced concern about the fight’s legitimacy, questioning why an older, retired fighter like Tyson was even stepping into the ring in the first place. “What other sport are we allowing a 58-year-old to compete?” Rogan said, highlighting the absurdity of the match-up. “Other than golf, this shouldn’t be happening.”
Jake Paul: A Smart Boxer, But Not a Legend
When the fight finally took place, Jake Paul came in with confidence, as expected. He wasn’t fighting a novice—he was fighting a living legend. However, despite all the hype, Rogan was quick to point out that Jake Paul’s victory shouldn’t be seen as a testament to his boxing prowess. “Jake Paul is smart. He picks his opponents wisely,” Rogan said. “The only real boxer he fought was Tommy Fury, and he lost. That’s the reality.”
While Rogan admitted that Jake Paul had certainly built a reputation as a skilled boxer—no longer the YouTuber-turned-fighter he once was—he still emphasized that the win over Tyson didn’t prove much in the grand scheme of things. “He’s worked hard, he’s clearly trained a lot, but he fought a 58-year-old man who’s clearly past his prime. It’s not impressive. It’s just the way the cards fell.”
Tyson’s Struggles: A Sad Reality
Throughout the fight, Tyson’s physical limitations were on full display. His once-legendary speed and power had faded with age, and Rogan couldn’t help but notice the stark difference between the fighter Tyson once was and the man standing in the ring. “Tyson’s balance was off. Something was clearly wrong. His legs weren’t under him, and his movements were slower than they used to be,” Rogan noted.
Tyson, for his part, showed his signature heart and determination, but it was evident that age had taken its toll. Even fans who tuned in to witness Tyson’s last hurrah couldn’t deny the reality: the Mike Tyson they grew up watching was no longer there. “I didn’t want to see Mike Tyson in that state,” Rogan confessed. “I love Mike Tyson. I wanted to see the old Mike Tyson, but that’s not what we got.”
The Fallout: A Legacy Tarnished?
One of Rogan’s most intense reactions came after the fight, where he expressed how disappointed he was that Tyson had agreed to fight again. “Mike Tyson, in his prime, could have knocked out Jake Paul with one punch. But he’s not in his prime anymore. And this fight should never have happened,” Rogan stated. “He’s 58! We shouldn’t be putting legends like Tyson through this, especially when they’re clearly past their best.”
Rogan also voiced concerns about the broader implications of the fight for boxing. “This fight could set a dangerous precedent. What happens next? Do we keep bringing back old fighters for the sake of views? It’s not good for the sport,” Rogan argued. He also pointed out that Tyson’s performance might end up hurting his legacy in the eyes of casual fans, who may not understand the physical limitations that come with age.
The Bigger Picture: A Mixed Reaction
The fight sparked a variety of reactions from across the combat sports world. Many praised Jake Paul for his continued dedication to boxing, while others, like UFC President Dana White, questioned the wisdom of Tyson stepping back into the ring at his age. “I love Mike Tyson, but this wasn’t the Mike Tyson we know,” White said. “This wasn’t the guy who was knocking people out left and right. This was a shell of that fighter.”
Even fellow fighters like Colby Covington weighed in, expressing mixed feelings. While Covington acknowledged Jake Paul’s abilities, he also noted that Tyson’s age and lack of conditioning made it a “sad” spectacle. “Mike’s a legend, and I’m glad he’s walking away healthy. But I really didn’t want to see him get hurt,” Covington said.
Conclusion: A Controversial Victory
In the end, while Jake Paul’s victory over Mike Tyson was a momentous event, it didn’t feel like the type of victory that would elevate his standing among true boxing fans. Many, like Joe Rogan, felt that Tyson’s decision to fight again was a mistake, and the fight ended up tarnishing the legacy of one of the sport’s all-time greats.
For Jake Paul, the win may have solidified his place as a legitimate boxer, but it also added fuel to the fire of those who argue he’s simply taking advantage of aging legends to pad his record. Whether or not this fight will define his career is still to be seen, but one thing is clear—his victory over Mike Tyson was a bittersweet moment, and it left many, including Joe Rogan, with more questions than answers.
As for Tyson, many fans will remember him as the ferocious fighter he once was, but this fight may have only served as a harsh reminder of the inevitable passage of time. Rogan’s blunt reaction sums it all up: “He should be ashamed. We all should be ashamed for letting this happen.”