Joe Rogan fiercely calls on Dana White to protect fighters with new UFC rules

Joe Rogan wants UFC boss Dana White to change rules now to protect fighters. On August 28, 2025, Dana White announced Valentina Shevchenko will defend the women’s flyweight title against Zhang Weili at UFC 322.

The event is set for November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Rogan spoke on the Joe Rogan Experience and said even a 10-pound jump can make a big difference in a fight. He urged clearer weight classes and tougher penalties for blatant fouls to keep fighters safe.

Joe Rogan calls for 10-pound weight classes and strict penalties

Joe Rogan said there should be a weight class every 10 pounds for men. He argued gaps like 185 to 205 pounds are too large and can be dangerous at fight night. Rogan said,

during a recent podcast transcription. He also pushed for immediate, automatic punishments for clear fouls like fence grabs and eye pokes. Rogan pointed to past fights where those fouls changed results and said consistent penalties would stop people from cheating.

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Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili headline UFC 322 as debate grows

Valentina Shevchenko will face Zhang Weili after Zhang vacated the strawweight title and moved up to flyweight. That move means Zhang will fight at 125 pounds instead of 115.

Fans and fighters now ask if a 10-pound jump will matter when two elite fighters meet on November 15 at Madison Square Garden. Rogan said he worries about how hard fighters cut weight and how different they look on fight night. The champion and challenger both bring big records and big stakes, and their fight has made the weight-class debate louder across the sport.