Joe Rogan’s Loyalty of Over Two Decades Backfires as Commentator Faces Severe Backlash for Offending UFC’s Rivals

UFC color commentator and podcast host, Joe Rogan, has drawn flak from fans for his recent comments. In episode no. 151 of the JRE (Joe Rogan Experience) MMA Show with Bo Nickal, Rogan claimed that fighters outside the UFC are “wasting their career.” While he stated that he appreciates fighters in various promotions like Bellator and PFL, he believes they might be missing out on the limelight. However, fans were quick to point out that Rogan was mistaken in his claims.

The community highlighted the fact that many fighters get paid more than they would in the UFC. Their take aligns with the scrutiny the UFC has come under due to issues surrounding fighter pay. What did they say?

Fans slam Joe Rogan for his take on fighters outside the UFC 

Expressing his thoughts on his podcast, Joe Rogan emphasized that despite being talented, fighters in other organizations might not reach their full potential when compared to the UFC. Drawing an analogy, he likened the UFC to the NFL in football, highlighting the vast difference in attention and recognition.

“No disrespect to the other organizations, there’s very good fighters in the other organizations, but I often feel like they’re wasting their career… Because I see these elite fighters that are fighting in Bellator or PFL, and I’m like, ‘Hey guys, no one’s watching,’” Rogan opined.

However, fans seem to disagree with his statements as they point out that his opinion may be biased due to his long-time association with the promotion.

“I mean hes been getting paid by the UFC for 20+ years…. So yeah I’d expect him to say that.”

Others highlighted the difference in income between promotions. Many fighters have left the UFC to join other promotions for better pay and benefits. Francis Ngannou is a prime example of this.

“It’s not wasting a career if you’re getting paid twice as much or better to do your job.”

“I feel you Joe….but dudes are getting paid in different organizations so I don’t blame them.”

YouTube boxer Jake Paul had previously raised several arguments against the UFC. This included health care and increasing their pay. Fans shared a similar sentiment about the promotion.

“Yeah they are fighting the best for peanuts  it’s great isn’t it ? To go to the biggest organization and they don’t even provide you basic health care or pay you what you deserve.”

“Pay them their cash Joe.”

Others pointed out ONE Championship and its popularity. The promotion not only has MMA fights but also Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling.

“Joe is a UFC mark… plenty of people watch ONE.”

Joe Rogan first commentated at UFC 37.5 event in 2002. Chuck Liddell and Vitor Belfort headlined the card. Thus, the UFC commentator has been with the promotion for a long time and it’s not surprising he prefers the UFC over any other MMA promotion.

Others pointed out that legends like Fedor Emilianenko were never a part of the UFC. While there was a time when the UFC tried to add the heavyweight to their roster, things didn’t work out. 

“I disagree with Joe vehemently on this. The greatest ever, Emelianenko, never fought in the UFC.”

And others stated that Rogan was a “company guy.”

“Make more money and be less known…. sounds perfect honestly, but Joe is a company guy so….”

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While some emphasized Rogan’s long-standing connection with the UFC, implying a potential bias, others argued that career success isn’t solely measured by UFC participation, citing financial benefits and competition quality in alternative organizations

Joe Rogan’s take on Francis Ngannou’s PFL switch: A loss?

When Ngannou signed up with PFL, Rogan thought, “it’s a big loss.” He was happy that the heavyweight fighter would get paid better but he was skeptical about the level of competition and options. “I just don’t know who they’re going to have him fight.”

However, Ngannou himself seems pretty happy with his situation. After all, he got the opportunity to face Tyson Fury in a boxing match, and even though he lost, people were impressed by his debut. This is something Ngannou would not have explored if he was under contract with the UFC. Thus, his being with the PFL worked in his favor.

Do you think fighters outside the UFC should consider changing promotions as claimed by Joe Rogan? Why or Why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

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