Longtime UFC color commentator Joe Rogan has defended the criticism of his commentary during Cris Cyborg’s fight with Felicia Spencer.

Cyborg defeated Spencer by decision in the co-main event of UFC 240, with all three judges scoring the fight (30-27) in the Brazilian's favour. Despite the one-sided win, Rogan was criticised for his commentary in the fight, ignoring Cyborg’s dominance and instead highlighting Spencer’s moments.

Talking on the most recent edition of his podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience”, Rogan discussed his commentary.

“That was the thing with the Spencer fight. Like, people were saying, ‘Oh, it was biased commentary.’ No, it wasn’t. That girl survived. She survived the onslaught. It was her eighth pro fight or ninth pro fight,” Rogan said. “It wasn’t close. And she cut Cyborg’s face wide open, too. But still, the idea was that she was going to run through that girl and she didn’t. That girl was tough as shit.” (Transcription via MMA Mania)

Since the fight, Cyborg has parted ways with the UFC. White said the promotion was ‘out of the Cyborg business’ after her fight with Spencer. The former featherweight champ then released a video painting White in a bad light but Cyborg later said the video was doctored and apologised to the UFC president.

“There was no one that thought Spencer won that fight after it was over, but it was amazing that she was able to endure the fucking beating that Cyborg put on her. It was incredible.”

Although Cyborg is yet to sign with any other promotion following her exit from the UFC, Bellator president Scott Coker did recently say he plans to negotiate with Cyborg.