Why Did Joe Rogan Not Commentate At UFC 257?

Joe Rogan was noticeably absent from the commentary booth of UFC 257. While Rogan is often considered the voice of the UFC, his voice has been sparingly used over the last few years. The UFC has started building a whole team of commentators that feature various fighters and a constant in Jon Anik.

Fighters like Daniel Cormier, Michael Bisping, Paul Felder, and others have become fixtures of UFC’s commentary booth. However, Joe Rogan is the voice that most casual fans recognize the most. He wasn’t there for UFC 257, and people were openly wondering why.

Rogan had revealed details of his new contract with the UFC in early 2019 when he announced that he will not be commentating on UFC ESPN Events.

“I’m not interested. I would take this for zero money over being in Phoenix right now. Although I would wanna see those fights live and call those fights live, I’m good with 10 a year — 10 a year is what I like. Once a month, two months off. Listen, man, I was thinking I was on my way out, but I still love it. And I love it way more now because I don’t have to do it as much. And I love it way more now because we do this because we can do all of this shit-talking, have fun and be silly.”

Joe Rogan: A special fixture of the UFC team

After being the ever-present voice of the UFC, Rogan has finally scaled his schedule down. Many ardent fans would remember the days when Rogan would work every possible event for the UFC, similar to what Jon Anik does now.

Rogan does not travel for international cards. Even pre-pandemic, Rogan wasn’t commentating on UFC 242, which took place in Abu Dhabi. The same applies to all the UFC PPVs that have happened in countries like Australia.

Rogan’s voice makes UFC’s events that much more exciting. But as he branches out of the sport, fans should be excited to see him whenever he can come. He does this still because he loves the sport, not because he needs this to still be his job. Hopefully, Rogan is back for UFC 258.