Fact Check: Johnson challenged Rogan to a fight despite having no jiu-jitsu training
What We Know
Brian Johnson, known as "Liver King," recently made headlines after posting a series of videos on Instagram in which he challenged podcaster Joe Rogan to a fight. In one of these videos, Johnson explicitly stated, "I have zero training in jiu-jitsu. You’re a black belt, you should dismantle me. But I’m picking a fight with you. Your rules" (Fox News, iHeart). This statement confirms that Johnson indeed claimed to have no jiu-jitsu training while challenging Rogan, who is a well-known black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
The context of this challenge is significant as it was part of a bizarre series of events that led to Johnson's arrest for allegedly making terroristic threats against Rogan. Authorities noted that Johnson's videos were perceived as threatening, prompting police action (Fox News, Yahoo News).
Analysis
The claim that Johnson challenged Rogan to a fight while admitting he had no jiu-jitsu training is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Johnson's own words in the videos serve as direct evidence of his lack of training in jiu-jitsu. The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident, including major news outlets like Fox News and Yahoo News, is generally high, as they have established editorial standards and fact-checking processes.
However, it's important to consider the sensational nature of the incident. Johnson's persona as a fitness influencer known for extreme dietary practices and controversial behavior might lead to exaggerated interpretations of his actions. Nonetheless, the explicit admission of having "zero training in jiu-jitsu" is a clear and verifiable fact, making the claim credible.
Furthermore, the context of the challenge—Johnson's arrest for making threats—adds a layer of seriousness to the situation, indicating that this was not merely a light-hearted call-out but rather a troubling escalation that law enforcement took seriously (iHeart, Yahoo News).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Brian Johnson challenged Joe Rogan to a fight while stating he had no jiu-jitsu training is true. Johnson's own statements in his videos confirm this, and the context surrounding the incident supports the seriousness of his challenge. The evidence from reliable news sources corroborates the details of the claim, making it a verified fact.
