Joe Rogan talks jiu-jitsu’s back-breaking effect on his life, and how Daniel Cormier’s career-altering experience changed his mind about surgery

Joe Rogan has consistently been one of the biggest advocates of Brazilian jiu-jitsu but has admitted that the sport is not without its drawbacks. In a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, the podcast host opened up on the toll grappling has taken on his body as he has aged.

Rogan, 56, told guest and health expert Max Lugavere in an episode released on June 27 that jiu-jitsu has given him chronic back pain. The UFC analyst told Lugavere, who also admitted to having back pain, that his health issues have worsened with age.

Rogan said:

"Twenty years of wrestling with men and getting your neck strangled, it does a lot of stuff to your back that's not good."

However, as he continued, the comedian noted that he was firmly against back surgery and never took to the procedure. Rogan noted that several athletes have warned him against having the operation, including former UFC two-division champion Daniel Cormier.

Rogan continued:

"I do not know anyone that has had back surgery that's like, 'That's the best thing I ever did.' Daniel Cormier, UFC champion, he was like: 'I was never the same once they cut my back open.'"

The journalist continued to discuss his thoughts on stem cells with Lugavere, which he believes to be a better option for back pain.

Watch the full episode of The Joe Rogan Experience from Powerful JRE on YouTube below:

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Is Joe Rogan a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt?

Joe Rogan has never had a career as a professional fighter but has been a lifelong martial artist and is considered an expert in Taekwondo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Owning a black belt in both disciplines, Rogan earned his career-defining promotion from 10th Planet BJJ founder Eddie Bravo in 2012.

In his appearances on UFC broadcasts, Rogan is typically accompanied by Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier. While Cormier provides the fighter perspective with elite wrestling knowledge, Rogan is often considered the jiu-jitsu expert of the team with his extensive background and dedication to the sport.