As all UFC buffs know, Joe Rogan does not step out of the USA to take up his role as the UFC color commentator. MMA’s premier promotion will return to Abu Dhabi on Saturday night and naturally, we won’t be seeing the JRE podcast host taking up his regular duties. The stacked PPV event is going to be headlined by a featherweight title clash between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway.

For the unversed, Rogan no longer travels outside the United States for UFC events due to his increasingly demanding schedule across multiple industries. The constant travel has become overwhelming, leading him to limit his commentary role to pay-per-view events held within the U.S. As a result, for international events, Rogan is typically replaced by UFC legends like Michael Bisping and Dominick Cruz.

However, for the upcoming event, retired lightweight contender Paul Felder will step into the commentary booth alongside Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik. This lineup promises a dynamic mix of expertise and insight for fans tuning in this weekend.

‘The Irish Dragon’s’ appearance as a UFC commentator is not entirely new, as he previously joined the team for UFC 301. His return has elicited mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing excitement and others expressing disappointment over Joe Rogan’s absence.

Fan reactions on Joe Rogan being replaced by Paul Felder

Joe Rogan has been a mainstay in the UFC broadcast booth for over 20 years, cementing his place as a fan favorite. However, his decision to no longer travel outside of the United States for UFC events has been a disappointment for many fans, particularly those in the UK and the Middle East.

Rogan’s UFC journey began back in 1997 when he worked backstage and conducted post-fight interviews. However, due to the low pay at the time, he eventually stepped away from the role. It wasn’t until Zuffa acquired the UFC that Rogan returned, this time as a commentator. By then, he had gained fame as the host of Fear Factor, and his second stint with the UFC launched him into the spotlight as one of the most recognizable voices in MMA history.

Since then, Rogan’s fame has skyrocketed, largely due to the success of his Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) podcast, which has become one of the most influential in the world. In addition to his podcast, Rogan also owns several comedy clubs, further adding to his already packed schedule. However, some fans are still sad even after the knowledge and expressed their disappointment stating. “Love his commentary or not, the iconic trio not being here SUCKS” and “Joe brooooo start going out the country already we miss you on these international cards.”

Nevertheless, some fans are happy with Felder as they witnessed him taking up this mantle in the past. The Irishman famously took up the responsibility at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro and was also present at UFC Fight Night 245 along with Brendan Fitzgerald and Dominick Cruz. They stated their delight and said, “He does his job perfectly. We won’t feel Joe’s absence hopefully” while another UFC buff said, “Should make for an interesting commentary team.”

However, one follower was pretty salty that Joe Rogan was going to be absent and commented, “Worst choice.” One follower even went as far as to criticize Bisping and Cruz and said, “Felder should do all international cards he’s so much better than Bisping and Cruz it’s not even funny.” 

Felder’s degree at the University of Arts is coming in handy again as the fans seem to love his comic timing. His commentary was loved by some so much that a fan wrote,  “I know this is a hot take, but I honestly like Fielder more than Rogan” Are you excited to see the new commentary panel or do you prefer Joe Rogan? Tell us in the comments below.