“…Lost in the World and Not Knowing What Direction to Take…” – UFC Commentator Joe Rogan Introspects on Why It’s Hard for Fighters to Give Up on the Sport

Joe Rogan has been with the UFC for over two decades now. However, Rogan is much more than just one of the most experienced and popular commentators in the promotion. The 55-year-old is an ardent martial artist with black belts in Jiu Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do. His experience in training adds to his expertise on the commentary desk. Furthermore, it also gives him a better perspective on the sport and the athletes.

Recently, he had an insightful take on the subject of fighters’ retirements. In a recent episode of the JRE MMA Show, Rogan gave his thoughts on why fighters find it difficult to call it quits on their fighting career. The former ‘Fear Factor’ host had multiple reasons as to why this happened in combat sports. He was talking to #3 ranked bantamweight star Cory Sandhagen on episode #138 of the JRE MMA Show. The pair covered a plethora of topics, including the twilight of fighting careers and retirement during their conversation.

Joe Rogan explains why fighters hesitate to retire

As an icon of the MMA industry, Joe Rogan wants to see fighters go out on top. Like most of us, he does not prefer to see champions go out on losing streaks. Speaking on the subject, he said, “It’s a sad thing to see champions when their body is not working right anymore but they think they’re gonna be able to pull that magic out… It just doesn’t exist anymore.”

The Spotify podcaster further told Sandhagen, “I think there’s that and there’s also the issue for me that for many fighters, that is their entire identity- entire identity is that they’re a fighter. And losing that identity by becoming a former fighter and now being lost in the world and not knowing what direction to take, what to do with yourself. It’s one of the hardest transitions because fighting is so all in.”

Read More– “Conor One Is Fascinating to Me”: UFC Commentator Joe Rogan Reveals the “Scariest” Injury in MMA According to Him

He added that fighting takes over a fighter’s life and when it’s not there, it’s difficult to find something to occupy yourself with. Thus, many fighters get out of retirement as well. Several former fighters also take up coaching roles or start their own gyms. Some others delve into different career paths. One common fact that remains is that Father Time catches up with every fighter and forces them to hang it up after a point.

Watch This Story– Joe Rogan criticized for calling to legalize banned strikes in MMA

What do you make of Rogan’s comments? Do you agree with them? Let us know in the comments below.