Joe Rogan blames matchmakers for ‘crazy bad fight’ between MVP, Sam Patterson at UFC London - MMA Fighting

Joe Rogan, a prominent commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), voiced strong criticism regarding the matchmaking for a recent event in London. On March 22, 2026, Rogan specifically highlighted the bout between Michael "Venom" Page and Sam Patterson, which he described as a "crazy bad fight" due to its low level of engagement.

Page ultimately secured a decision victory over Patterson. However, the fight was notable for its minimal offensive output, with the two competitors collectively landing only 39 significant strikes across the entire 15-minute duration. Rogan attributed this lack of action directly to the decision by UFC matchmakers to pair two fighters who had previously trained together.

Matchmaking Concerns Raised

Speaking on his "Fight Companion" podcast, Rogan suggested that the matchmakers should have foreseen the potential for a cautious and uneventful contest given the shared training history between Page and Patterson. He speculated that the challenge of finding suitable opponents for Page, particularly for a London event, might have influenced this specific pairing.

Page and Patterson's prior relationship meant Patterson possessed an intimate understanding of Page's distinctive fighting style, having assisted him in preparation for previous bouts. This familiarity, Rogan argued, likely led to a defensive approach from both sides, resulting in a stagnant fight.

Historical Parallels and Fighter Reputation

The fight garnered significant criticism from fans and analysts alike for its slow pace. Rogan drew a parallel to the 2018 heavyweight clash between Derrick Lewis and Francis Ngannou, another bout widely remembered for its lack of action. He emphasized that while Page secured the win, the nature of the fight could potentially harm his reputation by demonstrating a viable strategy to neutralize his typically aggressive and dynamic style.

For Sam Patterson, the loss to Page marked the end of his four-fight winning streak. The incident underscores ongoing discussions within the mixed martial arts community regarding the balance between competitive integrity, fighter safety, and delivering entertaining matchups for the audience. The UFC often faces the challenge of balancing competitive fairness with the need to create compelling narratives and high-action fights that appeal to a global fanbase.

Implications for Future Matchmaking

This critique from a high-profile figure like Rogan could prompt the UFC to re-evaluate its matchmaking criteria, especially when considering fighters with shared training backgrounds. Ensuring competitive and engaging fights is crucial for maintaining viewer interest and the sport's overall appeal.

The incident highlights the complexities involved in scheduling bouts that are both fair to the athletes and exciting for the audience, particularly in a sport where strategic familiarity can sometimes lead to less aggressive encounters.

Future events will likely be scrutinized for similar pairings, as the organization aims to avoid a repeat of such a widely criticized performance. The balance between competitive integrity and entertainment value remains a constant challenge for the UFC's matchmaking team.

Implications

Country Impact: The event in London, a key international market for UFC, faced criticism, potentially impacting future event perception in the UK.

Industry Impact: The mixed martial arts industry may face increased scrutiny regarding matchmaking practices, particularly concerning fighters with shared training histories, to ensure competitive and entertaining bouts.

Market Impact: While direct market impact is limited, repeated low-action fights could affect fan engagement and subscription numbers for UFC events in the long term.