Soccer is known around the world as the beautiful game, bringing people together through passion, skill, and unforgettable moments. But underlying the thrill and loyalty lay a far more frightening reality—one that Joe Rogan had never really explored. In episode #2297 of The Joe Rogan Experience, guest Konstantin Kisin revealed the violent subculture that thrives within soccer fandom, where matches serve as a backdrop for something far worse. So, what did his guests reveal that shocked Rogan?
Kisin stated that in Britain, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, almost every soccer team had a “firm”—a gang of hooligans who had little interest in the sport itself. Instead, their purpose was to meet other groups outside stadiums and fight, often traveling across the country for brawls. Rogan, taken aback by the sheer lunacy of it all, could only shake his head before stating, “Any group like that, like a soccer traveling group, you’re going to attract some f—— psychos that hop along.”
However, that is when Francis Foster joined the conversation and revealed that it wasn’t only a British phenomena. From Italy to South America, violent fan groups have infiltrated the game, sometimes wielding terrifying amounts of power. Foster brought up Italy’s infamous “Ultras,” who, unlike typical hooligans, have so much power that they can dictate what happens within the club. In certain circumstances, following a disappointing loss, team captains have been obliged to personally meet with the Ultras to explain themselves. So, as expected, the UFC commentator was left in shock. “Oh my God, the kind of pressure while you’re playing a world-class soccer match!” he said.
But luckily for his faint heart, he did not find out that these groups weren’t just about violence; they also had strong ties to organized crime, controlling ticket sales, stadium parking, and even running illegal operations behind the scenes. Joe Rogan couldn’t help but draw parallels to American sports, saying that fans in the United States, no matter how rowdy, don’t operate on this level. Konstantine Kisin agreed, stating that in America, you can take your children to a game without worrying about riots.
Joe Rogan learning about Ultras and football hooligans is probably my favorite part of this episode pic.twitter.com/5fmNcyPBuh
— GoalRival (@G0alRival) March 31, 2025
However, in some regions of Europe, the sport is more than just a competition; it is a battleground, both inside and outside the stadium. But it is surely interesting to see that such a popular sports figure as Joe Rogan did not know about the ultras? Why? Well, that’s because the JRE host has previously revealed why he lacks knowledge of other sports apart from MMA.
Joe Rogan reveals why he lacks knowledge about non-combat sports
Joe Rogan’s surprise at soccer’s violent fan culture was unsurprising given that he had never paid much attention to the sport in the past. Football never made sense to a man who spends countless hours watching fights, evaluating technique, and keeping track of rising stars in combat sports. And it isn’t just soccer. Rogan has previously claimed that he fails to follow any sport that does not entail fighting. So, why is that? The answer is simple: he lacks the necessary brain space.
During a conversation with Mike Rowe on The Joe Rogan Experience #2235, the UFC commentator addressed why combat sports take his entire mind. “I can’t follow other sports. I don’t have any room,” he stated, confessing that despite his wife’s interest in football, he can’t get himself to care. His passion for MMA, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and kickboxing drives him to watch fights for up to two hours every day. “I have to keep track of a thousand fighters… I might watch fights for two hours every day,” he continued, emphasizing that keeping up with talent across many promotions is almost a full-time job in and of itself.
For the JRE host, it’s more than simply being a fan; it’s also about maintaining his position as one of the most-known voices in MMA. He believes it is his responsibility to stay up to date with the world’s best fighters, whether they compete in the UFC, PFL, Bellator, or One FC. His passion for combat sports has been the driving force behind his career, and while he never became a professional fighter, his desire has not faded. So, while he may be unaware of European football’s violent fan culture, there’s almost no one better at the fight game than Joe Rogan. What do you think? Were you shocked when you first heard about the ultras? Let us know in the comments.
The post “Some F***ing Psychos”- Joe Rogan Left Dumbfounded Over Soccer’s Violent ‘Hooligans’ in Europe appeared first on EssentiallySports.
