THE JOE ROGAN EXPERIENCE #2013 Golimar vs Dhalsim

GUESTS: Teddy Atlas

DATE: November 20, 2026

TOPIC: The “Day 1” World Cup Draft and the Indian “Golimar” Phenomenon

JOE ROGAN: (Laughing) “Teddy, we have to talk about the Indian bracket. This is the most ‘WWF’ thing I’ve ever seen. They’ve got Dhalsim—the yoga master with the limbs that defy physics—going up against Golimar. And for the listeners who don’t know, Golimar isn’t some traditional wrestler. He’s this high-flying, Bollywood-style dancer who became a cult sensation. He’s got the footwork of a prime Prince Naseem but with the flair of a pop star. It’s Yoga Flame vs. Bollywood Rhythm!”

TEDDY ATLAS: “It’s about the spirit of the nation, Joe! India wants someone who represents their culture’s vibrancy. Dhalsim is the ancient, the discipline, the ‘Old World.’ Golimar is the new energy, the entertainment. But in a fight? If Dhalsim stretches a leg out from across the ring, all the dancing in the world won’t save you from a foot to the jaw.”

JOE ROGAN: “Exactly. But that’s the beauty of the Day 1 tournament. The ‘WWF Mafia’ is letting these countries settle their own scores. Look at the rest of the board. You’ve got Royce Gracie representing Brazil because Rickson is too focused on his Naseem rematch. You’ve got Rikishi stepping in for the injured Rock. It’s like the universe is forcing the ‘B-Sides’ to become legends.”

TEDDY ATLAS: “But Joe, look at the Russian situation. Zangief says he won’t do a months-long tournament. He’s too big for it! So now we might get Fedor vs. Steven Seagal. Fedor is a stone-cold killer, and Seagal… well, Seagal has that Money in the Bank briefcase. If Seagal loses to Fedor, does he cash in the briefcase just to steal the World Cup spot? The Mafia would have a riot on their hands!”

JOE ROGAN: “And don’t sleep on the Philippines, man. Erap vs. Agatom. If they don’t fight, Vince is bringing in Hang Man Choi. Choi has been suspended, he’s been stewing, he’s hungry. That’s a 7-foot-2 problem that nobody in that tournament wants to face in the Quarterfinals.”

[[ 2001 WORLD CUP: THE “DAY 1” QUALIFIER MAP ]]

[[ THE QUARTERFINAL LOCK ]]

The USA (Winner of Hogan/DiBiase) is the only team with a “Bye” into the Final 8.

TEDDY ATLAS: “That’s the benefit of having the most fighters, Joe. But it also puts a massive target on Hogan’s back. Every one of these guys—from Bret Hart in Canada to JCVD in Belgium—is training specifically to take down the American champion.”

JOE ROGAN: “January 6th is going to be a bloodbath. ‘Day 1’ isn’t just a name; it’s the beginning of a new era of global violence.”

[[ ADMIN_NEIL NOTE: The addition of Golimar adds a wild level of unpredictability. If his ‘High Flying’ style can get past Dhalsim’s reach, India might have the most popular underdog in the tournament. ]]