The long-running feud between internet influencer Liver King and podcast giant Joe Rogan has taken a new and dramatic turn, with Liver King recently issuing a direct challenge for a fight. This latest development has reignited the controversy surrounding Liver King’s steroid use and his claims of natural fitness, while also sparking wild rumors and intense fan reactions online.
Brian Johnson, better known as Liver King, first made headlines years ago for his rugged, primal lifestyle and impressive physique. However, his reputation took a hit in December 2022 when emails leaked by Derek from More Plates More Dates revealed that Johnson was using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). This revelation confirmed suspicions that had long swirled around his natural status, a topic Joe Rogan had openly questioned on his hugely popular podcast.
Back in a 2022 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan bluntly stated that Liver King had “an ass filled with steroids,” casting doubt on Johnson’s claims of being all-natural. Rogan’s comments sparked a back-and-forth between the two, with Liver King initially denying the accusations before eventually acknowledging his steroid use in a YouTube statement following the leak.
Fast forward to June 23, 2025, Liver King took to social media to issue a bold challenge to Rogan, calling for a man-to-man fight to finally settle their differences. In a viral video, Johnson said: “Joe Rogan, we don’t have to make videos and to pretend anymore. All of this is happening, I challenge you man to man, to a fight.” He added a personal note, emphasizing the seriousness of the confrontation: “Honorable. The world is watching. They’ll make the videos for us. You don’t have to hold a camera. You can hold the hand of somebody that you love because what happens next to you, you’ll have to remember that feeling.”
Liver King also acknowledged Rogan’s extensive martial arts background, recognizing that the UFC commentator and podcast host is no stranger to combat sports. Rogan’s early years were steeped in athletic pursuits — he won the lightweight category at the US Open Championship taekwondo tournament at age 19, was a Massachusetts state champion for four consecutive years, and later became a taekwondo instructor. Rogan’s fitness routine remains rigorous, incorporating Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and cardio workouts such as running with a weighted vest.
Despite Rogan’s black belt status and combat experience, Liver King expressed confidence in himself, fueled by personal motivation and his family. “I have my family to fight for, and I’ll die for them, you know that. You’re a black belt but you’ve never come across something like this,” Johnson declared in his challenge video.
The challenge quickly caught the public’s attention, especially on Instagram, where Liver King posted a separate video calling out Rogan specifically for a grappling match. “Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out man to man for a fight. I’ve started training jiu jitsu and you’re a black belt. You should dismantle me. I’m picking a fight with you. Your rules, whenever and wherever. I’ll come to you whenever you’re ready to go,” Johnson said.
Fan reactions to the challenge were mixed and often skeptical. Comments ranged from playful jabs like “Kids don’t do drugs” to more critical takes such as “Why is his leg shaking?” The public’s fascination with the feud only grew as rumors began swirling online.
One particularly explosive rumor surfaced on June 24, 2025, when conspiracy figure Alex Jones claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that Liver King had been arrested by the Austin Police Department for “terroristic threats” against Joe Rogan. Jones described Johnson as “disheveled and unhinged,” alleging that he had traveled to Austin with the intent to attack Rogan. This claim was echoed by a viral post from another user, @triffic_stuff_, who noted Liver King had been “rambling recently about wanting to fight Joe.”
However, these allegations remain unverified. No law enforcement agency, including the Austin Police Department, has confirmed any arrest or charges against Liver King. No court or booking records have surfaced to support Jones’ claims. It is worth noting that in February 2025, a different individual was charged with making terroristic threats against Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership venue in Austin, but that case is unrelated to Liver King.
Jones, notorious for spreading conspiracy theories, has yet to provide any evidence beyond his initial posts. Without official confirmation, the rumor about Liver King’s arrest should be regarded as speculative and unsubstantiated.
Meanwhile, Joe Rogan himself has remained relatively silent on the challenge, though his extensive background in martial arts and combat sports speaks volumes about his capabilities. Beyond his podcasting fame, Rogan is a seasoned MMA commentator, comedian, actor, and former television host. His training regimen includes Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai, which help maintain his agility and strength.
Rogan’s reflections on his career include moments of self-criticism. For instance, he has publicly admitted regret over interviewing fighter Daniel Cormier immediately after a knockout loss at UFC 214 in 2017, a decision he later recognized as a mistake. This candidness about his own missteps adds a layer of complexity to his public persona.
As the Liver King-Joe Rogan saga unfolds, it captures the imagination of fans and critics alike. The mix of personal rivalry, questions about authenticity, and the prospect of a public showdown creates a compelling narrative that transcends typical celebrity feuds.
Whether the challenge will lead to an actual fight remains to be seen. For now, the world watches as two larger-than-life figures square off in words and social media posts, each staking their claim to honor and dominance in the arena of public opinion and physical prowess.
