Have you ever pondered the individual behind the initiation of the concept of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)? In the past, Martial Arts were confined to the specific style practiced by each individual. The common notion of practicing a single style changed after Bruce Lee came into the spotlight. Lee emphasized that the use of different forms is the true essence of MMA. Lee’s teachings were like the footsteps in the desert for the fighters.

Joe Rogan in a recent JRE episode emphasized the fact that Bruce Lee’s influence was one of the most important things for the inception of Mixed Martial Arts. Let us dig in to understand the context behind Rogan’s words.

 Joe Rogan emphasizes Bruce Lee’s importance in MMA

Joe Rogan recently had the opportunity to host the Hollywood luminary Dwayne Johnson. While having a conversation about Mixed Martial Arts, Rogan emphasized that Bruce Lee was one of the most important figures behind the inception of Mixed Martial Arts.

“What Bruce Lee said is, use everything that’s useful. Everything that’s useful.” He put together a system of martial arts, incorporating everything he learned from grappling, like Gene LeBell, karate from Chuck Norris and Tang Soo Do, and kung fu from IP Man and Wing Chun. He blended it all with Western boxing and wrestling,” said Joe Rogan.

Rogan asserted that Lee realized that there were numerous methods of fighting and understood that the best style of fighting is having no style at all. Lee underscored that it is better to adapt to all the styles and follow the pattern again and again. “To be like water and be formless. He taught philosophy, and that philosophy eventually became mixed martial arts,” added Rogan.

It must be noted that this is not the first time that Rogan has admired Bruce Lee. In one of his previous episodes of JRE, Rogan stated that Lee brought MMA together.

Rogan’s constant admiration for Bruce Lee

Joe Rogan and fellow comedian Brian Redban once delved into a thoughtful discussion about Bruce Lee’s impact on the world of MMA. Rogan during the conversation said “First time, we ever see a tap, it’s here in Enter The Dragon. And they bow afterward. This is literally like an example for everybody to see of the first mixed martial arts fight and it was Bruce Lee.”

Rogan further emphasized the fact that Bruce Lee opened the door for everybody at that time. He was speaking about an era when the UFC didn’t even exist. The BJJ black belt added that everyone was pursuing their own interests. The judo practitioners were focused on judo, and kickboxers were immersed in kickboxing, etc. Hence, Rogan appreciated Lee’s role in bringing martial arts together.

Read More: Told Not to Fight at 170 Lbs, Islam Makhachev’s Hostile Plans for Colby Covington Could Be Halted by Justin Gaethje

What’s your opinion on Joe Rogan’s verdict about Bruce Lee? Do you believe that he was the reason for the inception of MMA? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Five Times Fans Got Mad at Floyd Mayweather