Mike Tyson’s presence has always been intimidating—whether in the ring or in casual conversation. Even today, years after his prime, the former world heavyweight champion still strikes fear into the hearts of those around him. One person who knows this all too well is comedian and UFC commentator Joe Rogan. Despite their close relationship, Rogan admits that being around Tyson still makes him nervous, likening him to a “pit bull” in terms of raw, unrestrained power and aggression.
Tyson’s Presence: “Like a Pit Bull”
In a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan shared his thoughts on being around Tyson, highlighting the sheer intensity the boxing legend exudes. Even though Tyson has softened in some ways over the years, the former champ’s primal energy remains as potent as ever. Rogan compared Tyson to a pit bull—”a pit bull that’s just waiting to snap at any moment.” He explained that Tyson’s energy and presence are so intense that it’s impossible not to feel the weight of it when you’re in the same room.
Rogan’s description is telling. Tyson’s reputation as one of the most ferocious fighters in the history of boxing precedes him. And even now, decades after his peak, he remains a figure who can turn heads, command attention, and make people uneasy with just his gaze.
“Mike’s like a pit bull, man,” Rogan said. “He’s unpredictable, he’s got that energy, and you never know when he’s gonna snap.” While Tyson has evolved over the years—becoming more reflective and spiritually focused—his instincts and fierce energy remain deeply ingrained in his personality.
The Transformation: A More Controlled Tyson
While Tyson still makes Rogan nervous, the fighter has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. Once known for his reckless and volatile behavior inside and outside the ring, Tyson has worked hard to regain control of his life. Through his own spiritual journey, and with the help of people close to him, Tyson has found peace, or at least a deeper sense of self-awareness, that he didn’t have during his earlier years.
In their interviews, Rogan has often spoken about how Tyson seems to have grown as a person. However, despite his attempts at calm and reflection, the old Tyson is never far beneath the surface. “He’s definitely a different person now,” Rogan said. “He’s more peaceful, more reflective, but you can still feel that energy. You can still feel that dangerous edge.”
Rogan’s comments highlight the duality of Tyson’s character: He’s both a man who’s worked to control his anger and aggression, but also a man who, at his core, is still a fighter. That edge is what makes Tyson so unpredictable and intimidating, even to someone as confident and experienced as Rogan.
“I’m Always Afraid When He’s Around”
Rogan didn’t shy away from admitting that, even though he’s spent plenty of time with Tyson, there’s still an underlying sense of fear when Tyson is near. “I’m always afraid when he’s around,” Rogan confessed. While the two have a close relationship, it’s clear that Tyson’s power and intensity still strike a deep chord in Rogan’s psyche.
That fear isn’t irrational. Tyson’s legacy as one of the most ferocious fighters in history is built on his brutal knockouts and ability to dominate opponents with an intensity that was unrivaled in his prime. The fact that Rogan, who is no stranger to dealing with fighters and intense personalities, still feels fear around Tyson speaks volumes about the lasting impression Tyson has left on the world.
Rogan mentioned how it can be hard to keep a conversation going when Tyson is in one of his more intense moods. His focus and energy are so powerful that it becomes almost impossible to have a light-hearted or casual conversation. “He’s so locked in when he’s focused,” Rogan explained. “It’s hard to pull a conversation out of him because he’s always in that zone, and you feel it.”
Tyson’s Comeback: The Fight With Roy Jones Jr.
One of the most notable moments in Tyson’s recent return to the public eye was his exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020. In the lead-up to that fight, Tyson underwent a stunning physical transformation. The man who once had the physique of a brute force was now chiseling his body with incredible precision and dedication. Rogan, who spent time with Tyson before the fight, spoke about how different Tyson was after getting in shape for the showdown with Jones.
“He came back looking like a beast,” Rogan said. “And when I saw him, I felt that same nervous energy. It wasn’t just the physical presence—it was his intensity. Even now, with all the changes he’s gone through, there’s still that part of him that can snap into ‘fight mode’ at any time. And you feel it when he’s around.”
Despite being in his 50s, Tyson showed he was still a formidable force in the ring. The fight with Jones ended in a split draw, but Tyson’s movement and energy during the match reminded everyone that, despite the passing years, the heart of the pit bull was still very much alive.
A Lasting Legacy of Power
Mike Tyson’s legacy in the boxing world is built on his unparalleled aggression, his devastating punching power, and his fearlessness in the ring. But what Rogan’s comments highlight is that Tyson’s legacy extends far beyond just his boxing career. His aura, his unpredictability, and the sheer intensity he carries with him are what continue to make people nervous around him, even those who know him well.
In Tyson’s case, it’s not just about the reputation he built as a fighter; it’s about the man himself—someone who embodies power, aggression, and the ability to shift between moments of calm and moments of utter unpredictability.
Even now, after all these years, Mike Tyson is still a force to be reckoned with, both inside and outside the ring. As Rogan put it, “He’s like a pit bull. You can’t forget that.” Tyson’s power and presence will forever be part of who he is—an undeniable force that continues to make an impact, whether you’re a fan, a fellow fighter, or even someone like Joe Rogan, who’s spent years in the company of some of the most intense personalities in combat sports.
Mike Tyson, the “pit bull” of boxing, is still very much alive and well—and he continues to make everyone around him feel the heat.
