Despite the UFC and USADA parting ways, the controversy surrounding their past relationship remains a hot topic, with UFC color commentator and podcast host Joe Rogan continuing to voice his criticism of the anti-doping agency. For nearly a decade, USADA and the UFC enjoyed a successful partnership. However, in late 2023, things took a dramatic turn when UFC megastar Conor McGregor re-entered the testing pool. Under USADA’s rules, ‘The Notorious’ was required to undergo at least six months of testing before being eligible to fight. The UFC, however, was unhappy with the way McGregor was treated.

In a surprising move, USADA announced the termination of its partnership with the UFC, stating that their relationship had become “untenable,” with the split officially taking effect on January 1, 2024. UFC President Dana White did not mince words, calling USADA’s decision a “dirty move” and labeling its officials as engaging in “s—-bagism.” Throughout its tenure, USADA played a key role in making the UFC a drug-free sport and was largely successful in its efforts. However, its stringent policies and testing procedures often drew backlash from fans and fighters alike, including the podcaster.

A strong advocate of cutting-edge scientific advancements such as TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) and stem cell therapy, Joe Rogan has been particularly critical of USADA’s ban on stem cell treatments—a therapy that has gained significant recognition in the medical field. On episode #2285 of his podcast, Rogan, joined by comedian Andrew Schulz, discussed the transformative impact of stem cell therapy. Schulz expressed his admiration for the advancements in the field, leading Rogan to recall how USADA had barred UFC fighters from utilizing the treatment.

Rogan explained, “Well, let me tell you something. There’s a reason why USADA didn’t let people use it in the UFC, and now drug-free sports don’t let people use it—it’s because it works. It’s really stupid, but the idea is that it’s performance-enhancing because it lets you heal quicker—heal from injuries quicker, potentially heal from recovering from training quicker.”

Stem cell therapy has since emerged as a revolutionary treatment in modern medicine. By extracting cells from sources such as bone marrow and fat tissue, doctors can regenerate damaged tissue, offering an alternative to traditional performance-enhancing drugs. Many elite athletes, including MMA fighter Liam Harrison and NFL star Aaron Rodgers, have credited stem cell therapy for revitalizing their careers.

Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time Joe Rogan spoke about the benefits of stem cell therapy. He previously praised Aaron Rodgers for using the treatment. What did he have to say about it back then?

Joe Rogan highlights the impact of stem cell therapy on Aaron Rodgers

Being an athlete is no small feat, whether you’re an MMA fighter, a football player, or a basketball star. These athletes constantly push their bodies to the limit, and injuries are a natural part of the process. NFL star, Aaron Rodgers, knows this all too well. At 41 years of age, Rodgers continues to play a vital role for the New York Jets. Like many athletes, he’s faced the challenges of maintaining his health and extending his career. However, with the help of stem cell therapy, Rodgers has managed to overcome these hurdles and has continued performing at an elite level.

In episode #2242 of his podcast, Joe Rogan, in conversation with Bert Sorin, shared details about Rodgers’s experience with stem cell therapy. Rogan revealed that doctors and traditional medical specialists had advised him against the treatment, but Rodgers chose to ignore their advice and pursued stem cell therapy, a decision that ultimately transformed his body.

Rogan recalled Rodgers’ words: “Aaron Rodgers was explaining this to me—that his doctors were telling him not to do stem cells after he got his Achilles fixed. He’s like, ‘What are you talking about? Yeah, like shut the f*** up.’ And so, of course, he did stem cells, and, of course, he recovered way better than expected, and, of course, he was back three months earlier than they thought he could ever be.”

What’s your take on stem cell therapy? Do you think doping agencies should classify it alongside performance-enhancing drugs, or should it be seen more as a recovery treatment? Should WADA reconsider its ban on the therapy? Share your thoughts below.