Podcast host Joe Rogan has faced significant backlash from a former UFC fighter after his remarks about the appearance of undefeated PFL champion Dakota Ditcheva during a recent episode of his show.
Rogan's 'Pretty' Comments Spark Controversy
While hosting comedian Shane Gillis, Rogan brought up the rising British star, who has begun her professional career with an impressive 15-0 record. 'Have you seen that really pretty girl that fights in the PFL?' Rogan asked his guest, before identifying her as Dakota Ditcheva. He went on to describe the Muay Thai specialist as 'pretty and slim and slender' and noted she 'just f***s these girls up.'
As clips of Ditcheva's knockout victories played, Rogan continued to focus on her looks, stating: 'She’s got a nice body. If you saw her at a club, you’d say, ‘Wow, she looks really fit. Maybe she’s a crossfitter or something.’ And then she just f***s you up.' Gillis responded with a joke about getting elbowed if he tried to hug her.
Ex-UFC Fighter's Sarcastic Retort
The clip was shared on the PFL's official Instagram page, where it was seen by former UFC athlete Bec 'Rowdy' Rawlings. She was clearly unimpressed by Rogan's emphasis on Ditcheva's appearance.
Rawlings posted a sarcastic comment in reply: 'Have you seen that like really hot guy? He fights guys & he’s really f***ing hot.' Her remark highlighted the double standard often applied when discussing female athletes, shifting the focus from their skill and athletic prowess to their physical appearance.
Ditcheva's Own Take on Stereotypes and Injury Setback
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail in June 2024, Dakota Ditcheva herself addressed the common surprise people express when they learn she is a fighter. 'I mean, that's one of the first things people say, that "you don't look like a fighter,"' she said. 'I'm like "why?". I get where they are coming from, there is a stereotype. But I don't look rough, is basically what they are saying.'
Fans will have to wait to see Ditcheva add to her highlight reel, however. The champion has been forced to withdraw from her next bout, scheduled for February 7 in Abu Dhabi, due to an undisclosed injury.
Her most recent victory came in Cape Town in July, where she defeated Sumiko Inaba but suffered a broken left hand during the fight. Despite the setback, Ditcheva affirmed in her post-fight interview that she plans to compete in the PFL for years to come, asking her growing fanbase for patience during her recovery.
