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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 04: Commentator Joe Rogan during the UFC 209 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 4, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210208130631/GettyImages-648064372.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 04: Commentator Joe Rogan during the UFC 209 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 4, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
For a generation of UFC fans, Joe Rogan’s presence in the UFC has been an integral part of developing their interest in the sport of MMA. The UFC color commentator and host of the JRE (Joe Rogan Experience) podcast began his journey with the promotion as a backstage and post-fight interviewer starting with UFC 12 in 1997!
In fact, Rogan’s love for the sport is such that when he was later offered a job as a color commentator, UFC CEO Dana White recently revealed that, “…he did the first 13 shows for free for us.” And so, UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney recently shared a clip of Rogan’s interview with Conan O’Brien where he was vocal in his support for the ‘Ultimate Fighting Championships.’
Joe Rogan has been a fan of the sport since day one and always had the back of the fighters. Gonna be a sad day in mma whenever he retires pic.twitter.com/Ur2Osp9HTz
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) March 29, 2024
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McKinney captioned the post, “Joe Rogan has been a fan of the sport since day one and always had the back of the fighters. Gonna be a sad day in mma whenever he retires.” In the video shared by the fighter, Rogan states, “… martial arts has always been like, there’s always been questions like what if a karate guy fought a judo guy… and what the Ultimate Fighting Championship did is they said, let’s find out. And they threw em all together. It’s great.”
Read More: Dana White Explains Joe Rogan’s X-Factor That Sets Him Apart, Unlike Boxing’s Larry Merchant
He also clarified the misconceptions about the athletes being “dimwitted” by stating, “They’re some of the most intelligent guys you’re ever gonna meet.” Therefore, the fans flooded the comments with responses that indicated their support for Rogan and his remarkable journey as ‘the voice’ of the UFC!
Fans claim Joe Rogan is a UFC “lifer” amidst calls for his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame
The reactions by the fans to Terrance McKinney’s post highlighted their support for Joe Rogan and the lasting impression he has made on the MMA community. Here’s how the fans reacted:
Fans agreed with McKinney’s sentiments and implored UFC CEO Dana White to induct Rogan into the ‘Hall of Fame’ to honor his contributions to the UFC and MMA as a sport.
So true put him in the hall of fame @danawhite
— Jesse Roberts (@Jessslug42) March 30, 2024
Others pointed out that White and Rogan may choose to step away from the UFC together, which echoes the sentiments recently put forth by the UFC boss in an interview with Lex Fridman where he stated, “Joe Rogan has been very loyal to me, and I am very loyal to Joe Rogan.”
Him and Dana probably leave together.
— Brandon (@BrandonPTripp) March 29, 2024
Fans also pointed out that Rogan’s impact on the sport cannot be quantified as his vocal support for MMA is also a reason why the sport found mainstream appeal.
Joe’s impact on the sport is immeasurable…
— Sixth Round MMA (@mmasixthround) March 30, 2024
However, there were contrasting opinions also put forth by some people who claimed that ‘Rogan’s retirement might not be “the end of the world.”
Sure, Joe Rogan's been around for a while but there are plenty of other voices in MMA. Let's not act like it's the end of the world #JustSaying 💪👊 #MMACommunity
— Your Dream Dakota Gray (@Dakota_Dre88939) March 29, 2024
Fans were also stunned at the age of the clip as they wanted others in the community to share how old they were when Rogan made his appearance on Conan O’Brien’s show.
How old were you when this dropped?
— lfgmmabx (@lfgmmabx) March 29, 2024
Some even criticized Rogan for his recent “rants”, comparing him to his friend and BJJ legend, Eddie Bravo. But even then, the fan couldn’t deny Rogan’s iconic presence in the commentary booth.
Remember when Eddie Bravo used to go on those of the wall rants about nothing…? Joe Rogan is becoming Bravo right before our eyes. Only thing Joe is still good at is UFC commentary.
— Mr. Jekyll Hyde (@El_Guapo_222) March 29, 2024
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While some fans humorously highlighted Rogan’s love for the sport may lead to him using advanced technology to continue hyping up incredible moments inside the UFC Octagon!
In 50 years he will be a cyborg calling fights. Dude is a lifer
— Louie12311 (@Louie123111) March 30, 2024
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In conclusion, there’s an overall sentiment of respect and admiration for Rogan’s longevity and dedication to the sport. The reactions serve as a testament to Rogan’s enduring legacy and the impact he continues to wield in the world of mixed martial arts.
Read More: “This Motherf***er Will Burn”: Dana White Passionately Confesses Joe Rogan’s Loyalty to Him
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