Few boxing matches are more legendary or shocking than Mike Tyson‘s defeat to Buster Douglas on February 11, 1990. Tyson, unbeaten and feared globally, appeared indestructible. Douglas, a 29-year-old underdog with talent but a rough career, was universally dismissed. So, how did the great end up losing that night?

Well, Joe Rogan recently revisited the fight with Michael Venom Page to tell fans how overconfidence and lifestyle choices can wreck even the most talented athletes.

Joe Rogan reveals how overconfidence ruined Mike Tyson

Joe Rogan has long highlighted the dangers of underestimating opponents. So, it was no surprise when he did the same on the latest edition of his JRE MMA show with Michael Venom Page as his guest. “You talk to any fighter, and they will tell you the worst times of their life were when they thought that a guy was nothing. And then in the middle of the fight, they realized, ‘Oh my god, I’m losing,’” he said, citing Tyson’s defeat as a perfect example.

‘Dynamite Kid,’ known for his savagery, apparently underestimated Douglas, expecting an easy knockout, and allowed himself to relax both psychologically and physically. Douglas, despite his status as an underdog, was motivated and determined prior to the bout. His mother had passed away just months prior, which fueled him emotionally.

While some sources claimed Douglas partied occasionally, his performance in the ring revealed his ability to perform when it counted the most. He used his stature, reach, and jab successfully, remaining calm while absorbing Mike Tyson‘s power punches, ultimately knocking the champion out in the 10th round.

Tyson’s wild lifestyle was a critical factor in this major upset. By 1990, he was young, wealthy, and living lavishly: partying, gambling, and frequently skipping his training regimen. While physically powerful, his lack of mental preparation made him susceptible. As Joe Rogan pointed out on the podcast, “He did not take it seriously at all.”

MVP also stated that raw talent is pointless without timing and composure: “Can you do it when the lights are on? Can you do it when there’s pressure and it means something to your friends, your family, and your money?” Mike Tyson’s failure to rise to the occasion that night perfectly exemplifies this principle.

The fallout from the fight was severe. Tyson’s setback did not instantly end his career, but it did reveal the flaws caused by overconfidence and a lack of discipline. Over the years, his life grew increasingly chaotic, with legal issues, financial problems, and personal struggles standing in stark contrast to the image of the indestructible champion.

Essentially, the Douglas fight was a wake-up call, a reminder that even the “baddest man on the planet” is human and capable of making poor judgments both inside and outside the ring. However, that does not take away from the things he achieved in his prime or how powerful a man Mike Tyson really was back then; the same Joe Rogan believes that ‘The Dynamite Kid’ could actually beat legends of the sport if given the chance to go one-on-one.

Rogan chooses prime Tyson over Muhammad Ali’s toughest rival

While Joe Rogan condemned Mike Tyson’s lifestyle leading up to the Douglas fight, he remains a huge fan of Tyson in his prime. A few months ago, the UFC commentator stated that ‘The Dynamite Kid’ could dominate legends such as Rocky Marciano. Discussing Marciano’s legendary work ethic with Cameron Hanes, the JRE host highlighted that despite Marciano’s tiny stature, around 5’10” and 188-192 lbs., he could outlast and outpower opponents with continuous pressure.

However, modern heavyweights are a different breed altogether, and Mike Tyson’s aggression and talent would make him an overwhelming force. “Like everybody talks about Rocky Marciano… Mike Tyson would have went through him like a f—— train through a flock of sheep,” Rogan said. It is worth noting that even Muhammad Ali praised Marciano’s toughness, labeling him “the toughest” because of his ability to take punishment and keep moving forward.

Mike Tyson, being identical in stature and weight at his peak, had the same aggressive, brawling mentality. But according to Joe Rogan, in a prime-versus-prime scenario, Tyson’s mix of speed, power, and ferocity would make him defeat one of boxing’s all-time greats. But what do you think? Do you agree with Joe Rogan’s take? Let us know in the comments.