Joe Rogan, a fixture of the UFC for nearly three decades, recently reflected on his continued involvement in the sport. Known for calling some of the greatest fights in UFC history, such as Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald 2, Rogan admitted that despite his long tenure, he remains as passionate about the sport as ever.
From Backstage Interviewer to Octagon Legend
Rogan’s journey with the UFC began in 1997 as a backstage interviewer. Over the years, he has become one of the most recognizable voices in combat sports, conducting unforgettable post-fight interviews and providing insightful commentary. Outside the Octagon, Rogan made a name for himself as the host of Fear Factor, a reality TV show where contestants faced their fears for a cash prize.
While Fear Factor was a fun gig, Rogan admitted that he always felt out of place. “I don’t wanna really be doing this…” he said, reflecting on his time with the show.
UFC: A Passion, Not Just a Job
In contrast, Rogan’s experience with the UFC was entirely different. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience, he shared his genuine love for being part of the sport.
“I wanted to do this,” Rogan said. “I didn’t know I wanted to do this ’cause this wasn’t a thing. But once I figured it out, I was like, ‘Oh, this is what I wanna do… I wanna do this and stand-up [comedy]. The UFC, which is like, to me, it’s not even a job. It’s like a vacation.”
For Rogan, calling fights alongside Jon Anik and former two-division UFC Champion Daniel Cormier is more than just a profession — it’s a dream realized.
Rogan’s Perspective on Longevity in the UFC
Despite his success and options beyond the UFC, Rogan insists that his passion for martial arts has kept him involved for so long.
“If you’re a person who’s a martial artist and you’re a fan of martial arts, if you get a job to talk about martial arts and to express your love for it, and your appreciation for the athletes, appreciation for the fighters and what they have to go through… The magnitude of their accomplishments, and to put words to that, to be able to do that for a living, that’s an honor. That’s how I feel about it,” Rogan explained.
“I’m super passionate about it. I don’t do it because it’s a job. I do it because I love it. I don’t need to do it. I could have quit a long time ago.”
Still Going Strong After UFC 313
Even after nearly 30 years, Rogan’s enthusiasm remains intact. He recently called the UFC 313 pay-per-view earlier this month, where Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira to claim the light heavyweight title.