UFC Star Joe Rogan Disputes Jiri Prochazka's Title Win Over Glover Teixeira

Rogan claims Prochazka appeared to tap out during their legendary title fight, though the referee allowed it to continue.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:05pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a UFC title fight, with the fighters' bodies and movements fractured into sharp, overlapping planes of color.A controversial moment in a UFC title fight sparks ongoing debate over the rules and officiating in mixed martial arts.Las Vegas Today

In a recent podcast, UFC commentator Joe Rogan disputed the outcome of the 2022 UFC light heavyweight title fight between Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira. Rogan claimed that in the first round, Prochazka appeared to tap on Teixeira's back while Teixeira had him in mount, but the referee Marc Goddard allowed the fight to continue. Prochazka went on to win the fight with a dramatic fifth-round submission, but Rogan believes the fight should have been stopped earlier due to the potential tap.

Why it matters

This controversy highlights the importance of clear communication and decisive refereeing in high-stakes title fights. If Prochazka did in fact tap, even briefly, it could have significantly altered the outcome of the fight and Teixeira's reign as champion. The dispute also speaks to the subjective nature of in-fight decisions and the need for clear protocols to ensure fighter safety.

The details

In the first round of the fight, Teixeira had Prochazka in full mount and appeared to have him in trouble. During this sequence, Prochazka was seen patting Teixeira's back and saying 'good job.' Referee Marc Goddard intervened, telling Prochazka 'you're playing a f------ dangerous game because it seems like you're tapping.' However, Goddard allowed the fight to continue, as Teixeira did not have a submission locked in. Prochazka went on to win the fight with a dramatic fifth-round submission, but Rogan believes the fight should have been stopped earlier due to the potential tap.

  • The UFC light heavyweight title fight between Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira took place in June 2022.
  • Rogan discussed the controversial moment from the fight on his podcast in 2023.

The players

Jiri Prochazka

The Czech mixed martial artist who won the UFC light heavyweight title from Glover Teixeira in 2022 with a dramatic fifth-round submission victory.

Glover Teixeira

The Brazilian mixed martial artist who was the UFC light heavyweight champion before losing the title to Jiri Prochazka in 2022.

Joe Rogan

The longtime UFC commentator and host of the popular Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

Marc Goddard

The British MMA referee who officiated the UFC light heavyweight title fight between Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira.

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What they’re saying

“He was doing something that's not wise, though. He was patting Glover saying 'good job, you're doing a good job'. And Marc Goddard was telling him 'hey, you're playing a f------ dangerous game because it seems like you're tapping'.”

— Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator

“Watch this, see he's on top and he's talking to him 'good job', see look, look at that, that's a f------ tap, man. That's a tap, you can't do that.”

— Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator

What’s next

Prochazka is set to rematch Carlos Ulberg for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title this Saturday at UFC 327 in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the need for clear communication and decisive refereeing in high-stakes title fights, as even brief, ambiguous gestures can lead to disputes over the legitimacy of fight outcomes. It also speaks to the subjective nature of in-fight decisions and the importance of established protocols to ensure fighter safety.